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AWR Career Guide

Navy

AWR: Naval Aircrewman (Tactical Helicopter)

Career transition guide for Navy Naval Aircrewman (Tactical Helicopter) (AWR)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for AWR veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Helicopter Pilot

$95K
High matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate (Helicopter)Instrument Rating (Helicopter)Civilian flight experience

Avionics Technician

$72K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) licenseSpecific avionics system training

Search and Rescue Technician

$65K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certificationAdvanced rescue training (e.g., swiftwater, high-angle)Wilderness First Responder certification

Logistics Coordinator

$58K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Supply chain management certificationProficiency in logistics softwareProject management skills

Sonar Technician

$60K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Electrical Engineering Technology DegreeFCC GROL License

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your AWR training built — and where they transfer.

Pattern Recognition

Naval Aircrewmen (Tactical Helicopter) analyze sonar data and other sensor inputs to identify patterns indicative of submarine or surface vessel activity, distinguishing between normal environmental sounds and potential threats.

This skill translates to the ability to identify trends and anomalies in large datasets, crucial for understanding market behavior, fraud detection, or scientific research.

Rapid Prioritization

In dynamic and high-pressure environments, AWRs must quickly assess multiple incoming data streams and prioritize tasks such as target tracking, communication relay, and weapons deployment to effectively support tactical objectives.

The ability to rapidly assess situations and prioritize tasks under pressure is directly transferable to roles requiring quick decision-making and efficient resource allocation in fast-paced environments.

Team Synchronization

AWRs work closely with pilots, sensor operators, and other crew members to achieve mission objectives. This requires precise communication, coordination, and mutual understanding of each team member's role and responsibilities.

Your experience in coordinating complex tasks as part of a team translates to civilian roles that require collaborative problem-solving and efficient teamwork to achieve goals. This can be useful in Project management, emergency management, and logistics.

Situational Awareness

Maintaining a high degree of situational awareness is critical for AWRs to effectively respond to threats, navigate complex environments, and ensure mission success. This involves continuous monitoring of sensor data, communication channels, and environmental conditions.

This skill translates directly to roles that demand constant monitoring of a complex environment and the ability to quickly adapt to changing conditions. It is very valuable in roles that involve risk assessment, monitoring operational effectiveness, or overseeing other people.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Data Scientist

SOC 15-2051

You've been analyzing complex data patterns from sonar and other sensors to identify submarines and surface vessels. As a Data Scientist, you'll use your skills to analyze large datasets, identify trends, and develop predictive models for business or research purposes.

Emergency Management Specialist

SOC 11-9161

You've honed your ability to maintain a high degree of situational awareness and make critical decisions under pressure as a Naval Aircrewman. Now, as an Emergency Management Specialist, you will use these skills to plan and coordinate responses to natural disasters and other emergency situations, ensuring public safety.

Logistics Coordinator

SOC 43-3071

You have experience performing flight planning, managing aircraft configuration, and maintaining inventory. As a Logistics Coordinator, you’ll use your expertise to efficiently manage the flow of goods, coordinate transportation, and ensure timely delivery of products.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Naval Aircrewman Tactical Helicopter Training Program, Naval Air Station Whiting Field

1,200 training hours30 weeksUp to 15 semester hours recommended in aviation technology and electronics.

Topics Covered

  • Helicopter Underwater Egress Training (HUET)
  • Aviation Physiology
  • Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE)
  • Tactical Communication Procedures
  • Sonar Operations and Maintenance
  • Sonobuoy Employment
  • Aircrew Coordination
  • Weapons Delivery Systems

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic40% covered

Study general aviation maintenance practices, FAA regulations, reciprocating and turbine engine theory, aircraft structures, and electrical systems.

Certified Aviation Manager (CAM)30% covered

Requires significant aviation management experience, business aviation knowledge, and passing a CAM exam. Focus study on business management principles, aviation safety management systems, and regulatory compliance.

Recommended Next Certifications

Commercial Drone Pilot (FAA Part 107)Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)Project Management Professional (PMP)

Technical Systems Translation

Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
AN/AQS-22 Airborne Low Frequency Sonar (ALFS) dipping sonarSimilar sonar systems used in commercial fishing and underwater exploration
Sonobuoys (various types, e.g., AN/SSQ-53, AN/SSQ-62)Oceanographic acoustic sensors and data buoys
AN/ASQ-81 Magnetic Anomaly Detector (MAD)Geophysical survey equipment for mineral exploration
ARC-210 RadioCommercial aviation VHF/UHF communication radios
Advanced Forward Looking Infrared (AFLIR)High-end thermal imaging cameras for security and industrial inspection
Global Positioning System (GPS) with military precision (M-Code)High-accuracy GPS receivers used in surveying and mapping
Naval Aviation Logistics Command Management Information System (NALCOMIS)Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) software for aviation maintenance (e.g., SAP, Oracle)

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