
Aircrewman Helicopter(AWF Navy Rating)
Serves as helicopter aircrewman specializing in fleet logistics support.
Overall
Quick Stats
- ✓Vision: Corrects to 20/20
- ✓Normal color perception
- ✓Normal hearing
- ✓No speech impediment
Security Clearance
Secret~$3K–$15K civilian sector value
Requires a National Agency Check with Local Agency Check and Credit Check (NACLC). Processing typically takes 1–3 months and is initiated early in your training pipeline.
ASVAB Requirements
AFQT Minimum
50
Who This Is Best For
Best for individuals who want flight experience with a logistics focus and a more predictable deployment cycle than tactical aircrews. If you prefer steady flight hours and strong teamwork in a smaller aviation community over high-intensity tactical missions, this specialty offers balance.
+Pros
- ✓Strong civilian career transition
–Cons
Real Opinions
+Positive
“Flying is amazing. Aircrew life has its downsides but nothing beats looking out the window on a mission.”
“Flying in Navy helicopters as aircrew is unlike anything else in the military. AWF gets to operate sensor systems, rescue hoists, and weapons during real-world missions. The adrenaline of SAR (Search and Rescue) operations and the camaraderie among aircrews is second to none.”
–Negative & Mixed
“The schedule is unpredictable. You could be gone for weeks with little notice. Hard on relationships.”
“The aircrew pipeline has a significant attrition rate and the physical demands are real — you need to be a strong swimmer and comfortable in water survival scenarios. Once in the fleet, deployment tempo for helicopter squadrons can be high with frequent detachments away from home base.”
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0 charsRecruiter vs Reality
What the recruiter says vs. what it's actually like.
🫡 Recruiter says
“You will fly in Navy aircraft and see the world from above!”
💀 Reality
Source: MyNavyRates researchYou do fly, but much of your time is spent on ground maintenance, pre-flight checks, and qualifications. Flight schedules can be unpredictable and hard on family life.
🫡 Recruiter says
“AWF has one of the most exciting jobs in the Navy.”
💀 Reality
Source: sailor forumsFlying is exciting but the training pipeline is demanding. Failing any phase means reclassification. Between flights, you maintain equipment and study publications.
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Horror Stories
Real stories people have shared about this rate. Swipe to browse.
“An MH-53E Sea Dragon caught fire and exploded towing a mine sled off San Francisco, killing all eight crew aboard. The MH-53E has caused 132 deaths in 58 Class A mishaps since 1974 — the worst safety record in the Navy fleet.”
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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