AZAviation Maintenance Administrationman(AZ Navy Rating)
Manages maintenance records, tracks aircraft parts inventory, and ensures compliance with naval aviation maintenance programs.
Overall
Quick Stats
- ✓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
Who This Is Best For
Best for organized, detail-oriented individuals who prefer administrative work over hands-on mechanical or flight deck roles. If you excel at data management, enjoy working with databases and forms, and want a desk-friendly aviation career with transferable administrative skills, this rate offers good work-life balance within the aviation community.
+Pros
- ✓Strong civilian career transition
–Cons
Real Opinions
+Positive
“I would recommend AZ to anyone considering it. The training is solid and the community takes care of its own.”
“Good work-life balance compared to other aviation rates. You are usually done at a reasonable hour.”
–Negative & Mixed
“Like any rate, AZ has its downsides. Long hours, time away from family, and Navy bureaucracy are real.”
“AZ is basically the office worker of the aviation community. You handle all the paperwork and maintenance records for the squadron.”
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0 charsRecruiter vs Reality
What the recruiter says vs. what it's actually like.
🫡 Recruiter says
“The AZ 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 AZ.
🫡 Recruiter says
“AZ has a great quality of life in aviation.”
💀 Reality
Source: sailor forumsAZ typically works in an office environment with regular hours, especially compared to line rates on the flight deck. It is one of the more comfortable aviation ratings.
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Horror Stories
Real stories people have shared about this rate. Swipe to browse.
“AZ sailors joined for aviation but found themselves doing paperwork in an office — treated as the lowest-priority person in the maintenance department. The reputation of being the people who couldn't hack it persists.”
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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 24 July 2026, the biggest source-rate bonus is $40,000 — Nuclear Field on FY26 ship dates ($75,000 EB cap). Special Warfare Boat Operator (SB) follows at $35,000, then EOD and SEAL (SO) at $30,000, and Aviation Rescue Swimmer (AIRR) and Cryptologic Technician Maintenance (CTM) at $25,000. Special Operations Future Sailors who clear the elevated PST standards add a flat $20,000 EBPST. Most rates cap at $50,000 total EB. 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.