AWF Career Guide
AWF: Naval Aircrewman Mechanical
Career transition guide for Navy Naval Aircrewman Mechanical (AWF)
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Top civilian roles for AWF veterans, with average salary and market demand data.
Aircraft Mechanic / Technician
Skills to develop:
Logistics Coordinator / Manager
Skills to develop:
Flight Engineer
Skills to develop:
Aviation Safety Inspector
Skills to develop:
Technical Trainer (Aviation)
Skills to develop:
Salary estimates from VWC career data
Hidden Strengths
Cognitive skills your AWF training built — and where they transfer.
Situational Awareness
AWFs must constantly monitor the aircraft's systems, environmental conditions, and the status of passengers and cargo, ensuring safety and operational effectiveness throughout the flight.
This translates to a strong ability to perceive and understand the surrounding environment, anticipate potential problems, and make informed decisions in dynamic situations. You are adept at gathering information from multiple sources, assessing risks, and maintaining composure under pressure.
Procedural Compliance
AWFs adhere to strict maintenance protocols, flight regulations, and safety procedures. Precision and consistency are critical to maintaining aircraft readiness and preventing accidents.
Your commitment to following established procedures, attention to detail, and understanding of regulatory requirements make you highly reliable and capable of ensuring compliance in any field.
Team Synchronization
Working as an integrated member of a flight crew demands seamless coordination and communication. AWFs must anticipate the needs of the pilots, navigators, and other crew members, and act in concert to achieve mission objectives.
You have honed your ability to work effectively within a team, understanding roles and responsibilities, communicating clearly, and adapting to changing circumstances. You are skilled at building rapport, resolving conflicts, and fostering a collaborative environment.
Resource Optimization
AWFs are responsible for optimizing the use of onboard resources such as fuel, cargo space, and equipment, maximizing efficiency while adhering to safety standards.
You excel at identifying ways to streamline processes, reduce waste, and improve productivity. You have a talent for making the most of available resources and finding innovative solutions to complex problems.
Non-Obvious Career Matches
Logistics Coordinator
SOC 13-1081You've been responsible for cargo movement, weight and balance calculations, and logistics operations. This experience translates directly into managing supply chains, coordinating shipments, and ensuring the efficient flow of goods in various industries.
Emergency Management Specialist
SOC 11-9161You've been involved in Medical Evacuations (MEDEVAC), passenger transport, and Joint Special Warfare operations, demonstrating the ability to handle crisis situations, coordinate emergency responses, and ensure the safety of personnel. Your experience is valuable in planning for and responding to natural disasters, security threats, and other emergencies.
Technical Trainer
SOC 25-9041You've developed long and short-term aircrew training plans, organized logistics operations, and performed aircraft maintenance. This combination makes you an ideal candidate to teach others technical skills in various industries, from aviation to manufacturing.
Training & Education Equivalencies
Aircrew Candidate School (ACS), NAS Pensacola; Naval Aircrewman School (NAC), NAS Pensacola; Fleet Replacement Enlisted Skills Training (FREST), Various locations depending on aircraft
Topics Covered
- •Aviation Maintenance Fundamentals
- •Aircraft Systems (specific to assigned platform)
- •Flight Engineer Duties
- •Loadmaster Duties
- •Aircrew Coordination
- •Survival Training (water and land)
- •First Aid and CPR
- •Aviation Physiology
Certification Pathways
Partial Coverage
Formal business management training, finance, marketing, and advanced leadership principles. Focus on the specific requirements outlined by the CAM exam.
Formal project management training, particularly in areas like stakeholder management, risk management, and advanced project planning methodologies as defined by the PMI.
In-depth knowledge of supply chain management principles, including forecasting, inventory control, transportation, and warehousing. Focus on quantitative analysis and optimization techniques.
Recommended Next Certifications
Technical Systems Translation
Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.
| Military System | Civilian Equivalent |
|---|---|
| C-130 Hercules Aircraft Systems | Lockheed Martin Commercial Freighter Aircraft Maintenance |
| E-6 Mercury Aircraft Systems | Boeing 707 Commercial Aircraft Maintenance |
| P-3 Orion Aircraft Systems | Lockheed P-3 Orion aircraft maintenance programs |
| Weight and Balance (W&B) Calculations | Aviation Load Planning Software |
| Naval Aviation Logistics Command Management Information System (NALCOMIS) | Aviation Maintenance Software (e.g., Trax, Rusada ENVISION) |
| Tactical Data Links (e.g., Link 16) | Commercial Datalink Systems (e.g., VDL Mode A/2) |
| Joint Special Warfare Operations Equipment | Tactical Equipment Sales and Training |
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