AVIATION WARFARE SYSTEMS OPERATOR (STRIKER) (AW)
The U.S. Navy naval aviation aviation warfare systems operator (striker) rating — AW.
OVERVIEW
Aviation Warfare Systems Operator (AW) is the U.S. Navy's parent rating identifier for accessions entering the Naval Aircrewman pipeline at NACCS, NAS Pensacola, before designation into one of the five modern AW sub-ratings: AWS (Helicopter), AWF (Mechanical), AWO (Operator), AWR (Tactical-Helicopter), or AWV (Avionics). The AW designator is used in PRIDE during the Naval Aircrewman Candidate School and platform-assignment phase.
The aviation community covers Sailors who maintain, operate, and support U.S. Navy aircraft — fixed-wing fighters, maritime patrol, helicopters, and unmanned platforms — both on aircraft carriers and at shore-based naval air stations. The community follows the Aviation Maintenance Officer (AMO) construct and emphasizes Naval Aviation Maintenance Program (NAMP) qualifications.
A-school for the rating runs Sub-rating Fleet Replacement Squadron 22–32 weeks after AW designation at Naval Aircrewman Candidate School (NACCS), NAS Pensacola FL — pipeline routes to AWS / AWF / AWO / AWR / AWV based on fleet platform need., where Sailors complete the technical foundation needed to report to their first fleet command. Entry requires the ASVAB line score VE+AR+MK+MC=210 and an enlistment obligation of 6–6 years. AWs advance through the standard enlisted paygrade structure (E-1 through E-9), competing in the Navy-Wide Advancement Examination (NWAE) at E-4 through E-6 and via the Selection Board at E-7 through E-9. Senior AWs typically serve as Leading Petty Officer (LPO), Work Center Supervisor, Leading Chief Petty Officer (LCPO), or Command Master Chief (CMC), and may pursue Limited Duty Officer (LDO), Chief Warrant Officer (CWO), or commissioning programs such as STA-21, MECP, or OCS.
Across the active force, AW Sailors are essential to the Navy's mission readiness, and the rating remains an in-demand career field with strong reenlistment bonuses (SRB), advancement opportunities, and pathways into Navy Reserve, civilian DoD, and industry careers after service.
WHAT AWs DO
AW-strikers complete water-survival, swim qualification, aviation-physiology, and basic aircrew indoctrination at Naval Aircrewman Candidate School, then proceed to platform-specific Fleet Replacement Squadron training and AW sub-rating designation.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- AW-strikers complete water-survival, swim qualification, aviation-physiology, and basic aircrew indoctrination at Naval Aircrewman Candidate School, then proceed to platform-specific Fleet Replacement Squadron training and AW sub-rating designation.
- Stand watches and qualify on the rating's Personnel Qualification Standards (PQS), maintain training jackets, and mentor junior AWs as required by the chain of command.
- Lead the AW work center as Leading Petty Officer or Work Center Supervisor — managing maintenance documentation in 3M/MFOM, parts ordering, and personnel qualifications.
- Support general military training (GMT), damage control, force protection, and watch-bill assignments common to every Sailor regardless of rating.
HISTORY
The Aviation Warfare Systems Operator (AW) rating was established in 1971 from the legacy Aviation Antisubmarine Warfare Operator (AX) rating. The AW rating was split into the modern five platform-aligned sub-ratings (AWS, AWF, AWO, AWR, AWV) in 2008; the AW parent identifier persists for striker-tier accession tracking.
The aviation rating structure traces to 1921 when the Bureau of Aeronautics was established and the Navy formalized aviation enlisted ratings to support the rapid growth of carrier aviation between the world wars. Successive consolidations through the 1948 enlisted-rating reorganization and the modern Naval Aviation Enterprise (NAE) shaped the current pipeline.
Today the Aviation Warfare Systems Operator (Striker) (AW) rating is overseen by the Enlisted Community Management (ECM) office at My Navy HR and the Center for Personal and Professional Development. Modern AWs benefit from the Sailor 2025 personnel-system reforms, the Ready Relevant Learning (RRL) training continuum, and credentialing through the Navy COOL program — turning rating qualifications into industry-recognized certifications and licenses.
The rating's structure, training pipeline, and operational employment continue to evolve alongside the Navy's transition to Distributed Maritime Operations (DMO), Project Overmatch, and the Force Design 2045 fleet architecture, ensuring AWs remain central to the warfighting mission.
TRAINING PIPELINE
- 1. Recruit Training (Boot Camp)~10 weeksNaval Station Great Lakes, ILInitial entry training for all U.S. Navy enlisted Sailors.
- 2. Aviation Warfare Systems Operator (Striker) PipelineSub-rating Fleet Replacement Squadron 22–32 weeks after AW designationNaval Aircrewman Candidate School (NACCS), NAS Pensacola FL — pipeline routes to AWS / AWF / AWO / AWR / AWV based on fleet platform need.Apprentice/striker training in the aviation accession pipeline before sub-rating designation.
TYPICAL CAREER PATH
- E-1/E-3Aviation Warfare Systems Operator (Striker)Entry tier; aviation warfare systems operator (striker) accession track in the aviation community.
- E-4Designated Petty Officer (sub-rating)Designation into a target rating with full A-/C-school qualification.
- E-7+Chief Petty Officer (sub-rating)Senior enlisted leader of the designated rating in the command.
TYPICAL PLATFORMS & UNITS
- Naval Aircrewman Candidate School (NACCS), NAS Pensacola FL
EXAMPLE NECs
- No NECs assigned at striker tier; NECs accrue after AW sub-rating designation
- U.S. citizenship and minimum ASVAB VE+AR+MK+MC=210
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Pass the Navy physical and medical screening
- Naval Aircrewman Candidate School (NACCS), NAS Pensacola FL
RELATED RATINGS
RELATED BASES
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
SOURCES
- Navy Aviation Warfare Systems Operator (Striker) (navy.com)
- My Navy HR — Enlisted Community Management
- Navy COOL — Rating Detail