Lesson Two The Airman Specialty or “Rate” ( hr) The “Brown Shoe” Navy ( hrs)

During early years of naval aviation, aircraft mechanics were recruited from enlisted personnel with similar ratings in the surface navy: The surface navy “Machinist Mate” became “Machinist’s Mate (Aviation)” which later becomes the “Aviation Machinist’s Mate” (AMM). But aviation sub-specialties became necessary in WW II. Consequently, in 1948 the Navy introduced an entirely new set of enlisted designations to fall under the general “Airman” rate.

Requirements for all the specialties change with the times, but all requirements for all ratings can be found in the Manual of Navy Enlisted Manpower and Personnel Classifications and Occupational Standards, (NAVPERS 18068).

General Aviation Ratings: Identify E-4 through E-9 personnel with a few exceptions, e.g., Aviation Support Equipment Technician (AS) Rating begins at the E-6 paygrade).

Aviation Service Ratings: Are subdivisions of general ratings requiring specialized training beyond the General Aviation Ratings. (Check Aviation Boatswain’s Mate and Aviation Electronics Technician in previous graphic)

Airman Duties For specific descriptions and duties of each rating, refer to online study guide, pp. 1-8 thru In general, the Airman performs five major duties: 1. Maintain equipment, compartments, and buildings. 2. Stand security watches. 3. Move aircraft. 4. Participate in work parties. 5. Perform routine duties associated with naval aviation activities afloat or ashore. In addition to these, Airman may be called upon to do certain miscellaneous functions: aircraft tie-downs, refueling, signaling taxiing pilots, and other duties according to experience and needs of the unit.

Airman Assignments As dynamic as naval aviation itself: · Shore-based squadrons affixed to domestic Naval Air Stations · Shore-based squadrons which deploy to ships at sea · Shore-based squadrons which deploy to overseas Naval Air Stations Squadrons can be either “fleet” or “training” types, fixed wing or rotary.

Airman Leadership Leadership is necessary to perform your duties as a petty officer. Therefore, since leadership is learned, sailors should beginning learning the principles of good leadership as E-1 thru E-3. Your divisional training petty officer or the Educational Services Office (ESO) can assist you prepare for advancement.

Questions 1. The initial Machinist Mate (Aviation) rate came from what rating?

Questions 1. The initial Machinist Mate (Aviation) rate came from what rating? Machinist Mate

Questions 2. Major changes to the aviation ratings structure took place in what year?

Questions 2. Major changes to the aviation ratings structure took place in what year? 1948

Questions 3. What manual lists the requirements for all aviation ratings?

Questions 3. What manual lists the requirements for all aviation ratings? Manual of Navy Enlisted Manpower and Personnel Classifications and Occupational Standards

Questions 4. What general rating begins at paygrade E-6 instead of E-4?

Questions 4. What general rating begins at paygrade E-6 instead of E-4? Aviation Support Equipment Technician (AS)

Questions 5. What are aviation service ratings?

Questions 5. What are aviation service ratings? Sub-specialties within the General Airman Ratings

Questions 6. What officer or office should you contact for assistance in finding the publications you need to study for advancement?

Questions 6. What officer or office should you contact for assistance in finding the publications you need to study for advancement? Your divisional training petty officer or the Educational Services Office (ESO) will assist you.

Homework Assignment (For those cadets desiring to qualify for NSCC Airman (E-3): Go online to Navy’s Airman Manual located at: man.htm man.htm

1. Read Chapter One “Mission and History of Naval Aviation.” 2. Return to link and locate the heading “Assignments” at the bottom of the page. 3. Select “1” and complete every five questions, beginning with question 1-5, 1-10, 1-15… through Bring your answers with you next class.

**Ten-Minute Break**

Maritime Services Aviation Officers ( mins)

Aviation personnel are sometimes referred to as the “Brown Shoe” Navy, because Aviation Officers and Chiefs traditionally wear brown shoes with khaki uniforms, whereas regular navy officers wear black shoes.

The Naval Aviation Schools Command trains officers from the US Navy, US Marine Corps, and US Coast Guard to serve as · Naval Aviators (pilots) · Naval Flight Officers or “NFOs” (In-flight warfare specialists) · “AMDOs” (Aviation Maintenance Specialists). Aviation Officers act as middle and upper management for all of Naval Aviation.

Naval Aviators and NFOs are “Unrestricted Line Officers,” meaning they are eligible to take command of a Navy ship or aircraft. Only Naval Aviators and NFOs are selected as captains of aircraft carriers.

Recruiting Sources · US Naval Academy graduates, 40% (approx) · Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) college graduates, 40% (approx) · College graduates who earn commission in 13-week Officer Candidate School, 20% (approx)

Officers selected for flight school are trained in four phases:

1. Pre-Flight (Six Weeks) – Challenges students academically and physically. Classes include engineering, aerodynamics, air navigation, flight rules and regulations, aviation physiology, and water survival.

2. Primary – Teaches the basics of flying, including day and night visual flight, basic instrument flying, introduction to aerobatics, radio instrument navigation, formation flying, and has several solo flights.

3. Intermediate – Students train solely in helicopters, maritime propeller-driven, or strike aircraft (jets). Basic flying skills are honed, and navigation and air traffic control knowledge is refined by flying to other training bases.

4. Advanced – the final stage in which students learn skills specific to the chosen flying platform such as over water navigation, low level flying, air-to-air combat maneuvering, bombing, search and rescue, and landing aboard an aircraft carrier at sea.

Student pilots and NFOs, who successfully complete the intensive month syllabus, graduate and awarded the coveted Navy “Wings of Gold” breast insignia.

Astronaut Naval Aviators with engineering backgrounds and test pilot experience are competitive for selection for NASA astronaut corps.

**Ten-Minute Break**