
Aviation Electrician's Mate(AE Navy Rating)
Aviation Electricians Mates maintain electrical and instrument systems on Navy aircraft. They troubleshoot avionics, wiring, and flight instrument systems.
Overall
Quick Stats
- ✓Vision: Corrects to 20/20
- ✓Normal color perception
- ✓No speech impediment
Security Clearance
No Clearance — Open to Permanent Residents
This rate does not require a security clearance and is open to lawful permanent residents (green card holders) as well as U.S. citizens.
ASVAB Requirements
Current (temporary) line-score options — meet any one
Who This Is Best For
Best for analytically minded individuals with an aptitude for electronics who enjoy solving complex diagnostic puzzles. If you want deep technical training that opens doors to avionics, aerospace electrical, and defense contracting careers, this rate provides strong post-Navy earning potential with a desk-and-hangar lifestyle balance.
+Pros
- ✓Strong civilian career transition
–Cons
Real Opinions
+Positive
“I would recommend AE to anyone considering it. The training is solid and the community takes care of its own.”
“AE is one of the better aviation rates. You learn real electrical troubleshooting skills that civilian employers actually want.”
–Negative & Mixed
“Like any rate, AE has its downsides. Long hours, time away from family, and Navy bureaucracy are real.”
“Work-life balance is terrible on deployment. You are always on call if something breaks on an aircraft.”
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0 charsRecruiter vs Reality
What the recruiter says vs. what it's actually like.
🫡 Recruiter says
“The AE rate offers great training and career advancement opportunities!”
💀 Reality
Source: MyNavyRates researchTraining and advancement are available but vary by command and manning. Ask specific questions about sea/shore rotation, typical duty stations, and advancement rates for AE.
🫡 Recruiter says
“AE sets you up for civilian aviation careers.”
💀 Reality
Source: sailor forumsAE skills transfer but you need the FAA A&P license for most civilian aviation jobs. Start working on it while you are still in through Navy COOL.
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Horror Stories
Real stories people have shared about this rate. Swipe to browse.
“At sea it's 12-hour shifts, 7 days a week in 90-degree heat. Got an associates for electronics repair after the Navy — couldn't get a job, ended up building trains. Same hours, same people, a third of the pay.”
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0 charsRelated Reading
Guides on picking a rate, ASVAB, bonuses, promotion, and life after the Navy.
Getting Started
How do you choose the right Navy rate for you?
Choosing a Navy rate means weighing your ASVAB scores, lifestyle preferences, civilian career goals, and willingness to deploy or go to sea. Start by identifying which ratings you qualify for, then narrow the list by what matters most to you.
Getting Started
What is the ASVAB and what scores do you need?
The ASVAB is a multi-aptitude test that determines which Navy ratings you qualify for. Your sub-test scores combine into line scores, and each rating has minimum line-score requirements. Higher scores open more options.
Career & Pay
Which Navy rates have the biggest enlistment bonuses in 2026?
Active Component (Active Duty) only. Per the CNRC GENADMIN dated 10 April 2026, the Nuclear Field carries the biggest source-rate bonus at $40,000 (FY26 ship dates) and a $75,000 EB cap. Top Special Operations and submarine ratings sit at $30,000 EBSR with a $60,000 EB cap. All other rates cap at $50,000. The Loan Repayment Program adds up to $65,000 on top, separately. Reserve component (SELRES) bonuses are governed by a different message and are not covered here.
Career & Pay