Naval Aviators operate at a demanding edge—where pinpoint aviation meets strategic objectives. These officers don’t just fly; they execute missions that shape naval power across oceans.
Whether lifting off from a carrier deck or scanning open seas for hostile movement, each flight aligns directly with operational intent.
From the moment a jet leaves the launch rail to the second it lands, every action serves the readiness of a fleet constantly in motion.
Continue reading to see exactly what this role demands, how it’s structured, and where it can take you—from flight school to fleet operations.
- Job Role and Responsibilities
- Work Environment
- Training and Skill Development
- Physical Demands and Medical Evaluations
- Deployment and Duty Stations
- Career Progression and Advancement
- Compensation, Benefits, and Lifestyle
- Job Hazards and Safety Protocols
- Impact on Family and Personal Life
- Post-Service Opportunities
- Qualifications, Requirements, and Application Process
- Is This a Good Job for You?
- More Information
Job Role and Responsibilities
Naval Aviators are commissioned U.S. Navy Unrestricted Line officers responsible for piloting multi-mission aircraft in support of strike warfare, maritime patrol, ISR, and combat logistics. Designated under officer code 1310, they operate from both carrier and shore-based units to fulfill global operational requirements. Their role supports air power integration across sea, air, and joint domains.
Daily Tasks
- Fly operational sorties using tactical aircraft such as the F/A-18E/F or surveillance platforms like the P-8A, supporting surface fleet tasking and national defense assignments.
- Conduct weapons employment, low-altitude navigation, and flight operations in complex environments, including degraded carrier visibility and overwater night missions.
- Oversee pre-flight inspections, aircrew coordination, and system readiness checks under OPNAV and squadron SOP protocols.
- Execute training evolutions, qualification events, and operational evaluations required for aircraft and mission currency.
- Coordinate with carrier air wing, squadron, or task force command to integrate aviation operations within theater-level objectives.
- Track aircraft system performance, lead post-mission debriefs, and apply tactical adjustments based on threat environment, intelligence, or ROE.
Specific Roles Table
| Designation | Type | Function |
|---|---|---|
| 1310 | Naval Aviator (Designated) | Qualified pilot on operational flight status |
| 1390 | Student Naval Aviator | Officer in primary or advanced training pipeline |
| AQD (e.g., V1B, EKW) | Additional Qualification Designator | Assigned post-platform qualification (e.g., EA-18G, P-8A, MH-60R) |
| SSP (e.g., 6201P) | Subspecialty Code | Used for assignments in aviation operations staff or program management |
Mission Contribution
Naval Aviators enable the Navy’s ability to project air power and enforce maritime dominance. Their precision flight operations expand operational reach during carrier deployments and support air superiority objectives.
As multi-platform operators, they contribute to theater strike capacity, ISR collection, and real-time targeting for joint commanders. Their continuous readiness directly sustains carrier air wing capability, deters adversaries, and supports U.S. strategic posture worldwide.
Technology and Equipment
- Aircraft Platforms: F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, F-35C Lightning II, EA-18G Growler, P-8A Poseidon, MH-60R/S Seahawk, E-2D Hawkeye, T-45 Goshawk (training)
- Weapons & Systems: AESA radar, Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS), Link-16 datalink, AIM-120 AMRAAM, AGM-88 HARM, anti-submarine torpedoes
- Navigation & Comms: Embedded GPS/INS, secure voice systems, cockpit mission computers, tactical display fusion
- Carrier Operations: Launch and Recovery Equipment (LRE), Optical Landing System (OLS), arresting gear interfaces
- Simulation & Training: T-6B Texan II, Naval Aviation Training Next–Stage-Based Syllabus (NATN-SBS), full-motion simulators
Work Environment
Setting and Schedule
Naval Aviators operate in both sea-based and land-based environments. Assignments alternate between carrier strike groups and shore-based air stations. Each location presents different operating conditions, infrastructure, and mission profiles. No fixed duty hours exist—flight schedules are driven by aircraft availability, deployment phase, and operational tempo.
Typical work environment characteristics:
- Carrier-based: Confined quarters, 24-hour launch/recovery cycles, high-density sortie pacing
- Shore-based: Runway operations, access to simulators, squadron sustainment training
- Deployment rotation: ~6–9 months at sea within an 18–24 month unit cycle
- Schedule variation: Night sorties, early briefs, alert standbys, no standard shift model
Leadership and Communication
The chain of command is standardized across aviation units. Aviators operate under multiple layers of authority depending on billet and qualification level.
Operational hierarchy:
- Flight Lead → Department Head → Squadron XO → Commanding Officer
- Tasking originates from Carrier Air Wing (CAG) or Strike Group Air Operations
- Flight briefs: threat picture, comms plan, routing, ordnance, contingencies
- Debriefs: execution analysis, system behavior, tactical review, instructor feedback
- Evaluation channels include NATOPS checks, flight lead boards, and FITREP cycles
Team Dynamics and Autonomy
While each aviator is expected to make independent decisions in-flight, operations are rarely conducted in isolation. Coordination, interoperability, and joint planning are constant.
Key execution structure:
- Pre-mission: Joint planning with aircrew, intelligence, and maintenance
- In-flight: Autonomous navigation, threat response, weapons employment
- Post-mission: Collaborative debriefs, readiness updates, lessons integration
- Mission types requiring tight coordination:
- Multi-aircraft strike packages
- Carrier cyclic operations
- Cross-platform search-and-rescue
- Inter-service combat air patrols
Job Satisfaction and Retention
Career progression is structured but performance-dependent. Officers rotate between sea and shore billets approximately every 24–36 months. Promotion timing, command screenings, and community demand shape advancement.
Retention & advancement snapshot:
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Sea/Shore Rotation | 2–3 year tours alternating between fleet & shore billets |
| Promotion Path | O-1 → O-2 → O-3 typically automatic; O-4+ based on evals, board results |
| Key Milestones | Aircraft Carrier qualification, section lead, NATOPS IP, weapons qualifications |
| Advancement Inputs | FITREPs, tactical certifications, leadership billets held |
| Career Support | Aviation detailers, squadron CO mentorship, community managers |
Training and Skill Development
Initial Training
Naval Aviators complete a multi-phase training pipeline following commissioning. Each phase focuses on specific technical skills, platform proficiency, or operational readiness required before designation. The path varies slightly depending on aircraft track but remains standardized in structure.
| Phase | Location | Aircraft / Systems | Approx. Duration | Objective |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Officer Candidate School (OCS) | Newport, RI | N/A | 13 weeks | Commissioning program for civilians; teaches naval leadership, regulations, and military structure. |
| Naval Introductory Flight Evaluation (NIFE) | NAS Pensacola, FL | Civilian aircraft, classroom | 7–10 weeks | Introduces basic aerodynamics, flight procedures, and screens aviation aptitude. |
| Primary Flight Training | NAS Whiting Field, FL / NAS Corpus Christi, TX | T-6B Texan II | ~6 months | Develops core skills: takeoff, landing, instrument nav, aerobatics, formation flying. |
| Intermediate Flight Training | Track-dependent | TH-73A, T-44C, or similar | ~6 months | Refines track-specific aircraft handling (rotary, multiengine, or tilt-rotor). |
| Advanced Flight Training | Track-dependent | T-45C (strike), T-44C, TH-73A | 6–12 months | Builds combat-style mission execution or tactical utility proficiency. |
| Wing Designation (“Winging”) | Assigned Training Wing | N/A | 1 day (ceremony) | Graduation milestone; formally awarded Naval Aviator status and “Wings of Gold.” |
Advanced Training
Following winging, aviators report to their assigned Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS). Here, they qualify on a specific platform and complete mission-based flight training.
Examples of advanced training assignments:
- F/A-18E/F Super Hornet → STRIKE FRS (Carrier Air Wing Integration, Weapons Employment, CQ)
- P-8A Poseidon → Maritime Patrol FRS (ASW systems, mission crew integration)
- MH-60R/S Seahawk → HSM/HS FRS (rotary-wing tactics, SAR, shipboard landings)
- E-2D Hawkeye → VAW FRS (C2 tactics, radar management, airborne command protocols)
Transition to a new platform—via aircraft upgrade or billet change—requires requalification at the corresponding FRS. Flight simulators, mission trainers, and tactical academics are used before live sortie events.
Professional and Leadership Development
Naval Aviators are encouraged to pursue instructional, academic, and leadership growth throughout their careers. Key opportunities include:
- Instructor Roles
After completing operational tours, qualified aviators may serve as instructor pilots (IP) within training squadrons, FRS commands, or weapons schools. - Postgraduate Education
Eligible officers can apply for funded graduate programs such as the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS), U.S. Naval War College, or distance-based programs in STEM, strategy, or aviation safety. - Command and Leadership Tracks
Career aviation officers enter leadership tracks, including Department Head School and Aviation Command Pipeline programs, preparing for squadron command or air wing staff roles.
Physical Demands and Medical Evaluations
Physical Requirements
Naval Aviators must meet and maintain strict physical standards to perform in high-G, high-tempo environments. Routine duties include cockpit endurance, carrier deck ops, and tactical maneuvering—all of which place continuous strain on musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and cognitive systems.
Biannual fitness assessments are mandatory. Failure to meet standards can trigger administrative review or disqualification.
Navy Physical Readiness Test (PRT) Standards – 2025
Minimum Passing Scores | Age Group: 17–19
| Component | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Push-ups (2 min) | 42 reps | 20 reps |
| Forearm Plank | 1 min 30 sec | 1 min 30 sec |
| 1.5-Mile Run | 13 min 30 sec | 15 min 30 sec |
Fitness is not event-based. It’s monitored year-round. Officers are expected to self-sustain conditioning levels that meet operational tasking across deployments, detachments, and training cycles.
Medical Evaluations
Naval Aviators must pass aviation-specific medical standards governed by BUMED and enforced by the Naval Aerospace Medical Institute (NAMI). These standards apply to all candidates before training and throughout operational service.
Initial Screening Requirements
- Class I Aviation Medical Exam (pre-accession)
- Evaluation conducted by a certified Naval Flight Surgeon
- Standards include:
- Uncorrected vision: ≥20/40; must correct to 20/20
- Hearing: Within normal range across operational frequencies
- Height: 62–77 inches (platform compatibility)
- Weight: Within Navy body composition standards
- Cardiovascular: Normal rhythm, stress test pass
- Aeromedical adaptability: Assessed via tolerance evaluations
Ongoing Evaluations
- Annual physicals required for flight clearance
- Additional evaluations conducted post-illness, injury, or system complaints
- Medical grounding possible for:
- Vision loss beyond waiver limits
- Degenerative joint or spinal conditions
- Diagnosed cognitive impairment or neuropsychiatric symptoms
Disqualification Triggers
- History of seizures, cardiac arrhythmia, or vestibular dysfunction
- Chronic asthma, uncontrolled hypertension, or autoimmune disease
- Medication use incompatible with cockpit duty (e.g., sedatives, SSRIs without waiver)
Medical waivers may be authorized under controlled conditions, subject to review by the Aviation Medical Board and operational command concurrence.
Deployment and Duty Stations
Deployment Details
Naval Aviators routinely deploy as part of carrier air wings or aviation detachments assigned to land-based units. Deployment is a core element of this role and is non-optional once assigned to a fleet squadron.
Deployment characteristics:
- Frequency: Standard deployment cycle is once every 18–24 months, tied to carrier strike group (CSG) or expeditionary tasking.
- Duration: Typical sea-based deployments last 6–9 months; forward detachment tours vary by mission.
- Operational areas: Indo-Pacific, Arabian Gulf, Mediterranean, U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility.
- Deployment modes:
- Carrier-based: F/A-18, EA-18G, E-2D, and MH-60 platforms operate from underway CVNs
- Shore-based: P-8A, C-130 variants, and MH-60S units may forward deploy to bases in Guam, Bahrain, Spain, or Japan
- Conditions: Carrier ops include 24-hour launch/recovery cycles, limited space, and rotational air wing schedules. Shore-based conditions vary by host nation infrastructure and detachment scale.
Location Flexibility
Initial and follow-on assignments are managed through aviation community detailing and governed by Navy manning priorities. Officer preference is considered but not controlling.
Assignment details:
- Initial placement: Determined post-FRS (Fleet Replacement Squadron) completion, based on platform type, community need, and billet availability.
- Primary aviation hubs:
- NAS Lemoore, CA – F/A-18, EA-18G
- NAS Oceana, VA – F/A-18
- NAS Whidbey Island, WA – EA-18G, P-8A
- NAS Jacksonville, FL – P-8A
- NAS North Island, CA – HSC, HSM rotary units
- Follow-on options: Officers may submit billet requests during transfer windows. Consideration includes operational history, timing, and platform availability.
- Geographic control: Limited. Assignments follow the needs of the Navy. Career planning guidance is provided, but worldwide availability remains a baseline expectation for all aviators.
Career Progression and Advancement
Career Path
Naval Aviators advance through structured time-in-grade milestones and competitive leadership screenings. Early assignments center on operational flight roles. Mid-career progression includes instructor, staff, or command positions. Senior billets integrate joint, strategic, or wing-level responsibilities.
Command billets (Department Head, CO) are key for promotion beyond O-4. Officers selected for squadron command are board-screened and may proceed to higher-level leadership within the aviation enterprise.
Promotion and Specialization
Promotion timing follows a combination of statutory service intervals and competitive board selection.
Standard Promotion Timeline
- O-1 to O-2: ~18 months
- O-2 to O-3: ~2 years
- O-3 to O-4: ~9–11 years of total service
- O-4 to O-5: ~15–17 years
- O-5 to O-6: ~21+ years (board screened)
Advanced Qualification Designators (AQDs)
Aviators may earn specialized codes reflecting additional skills or assignments:
- W2A / W2B – Strike Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN Graduate)
- V1B / V2E / EKW – Platform-Specific Tactical Expertise (EA-18G, F/A-18, P-8A)
- T0A / T1C – Test Pilot School or Experimental Flight Duty
- 8BS – FRS Instructor Pilot
- 6VB – Air Wing Training Officer or WTI (Weapons Tactics Instructor)
These AQDs improve competitiveness for department head and command selection.
Role Flexibility and Transfers
Naval Aviators may request reassignment across several axes, such as aircraft type, based on career stage, performance, and platform need.
Common Transitions:
- F/A-18 → EA-18G → Staff tour (e.g., Air Wing OPS)
- Rotary-Wing → Instructor Billet → Test Community
- P-8A → Maritime Staff Tour → NATO or Joint Aviation Assignment
Transfer Options:
- Out-of-cockpit billets: Detailers coordinate lateral moves into acquisitions, NAVAIR, aviation maintenance management
- Community redesignation: Subject to board approval and availability (e.g., transition into AEDO or Aerospace Engineering Duty)
Assignment policy supports career broadening but remains subject to billet constraints and operational demand.
Performance Evaluation
FITREP System
Fitness Reports (NAVPERS 1610/2) document officer performance and potential. COs rank officers within peer groups and assess across dimensions including tactical skill, leadership, administrative competence, and professional bearing.
Key Milestones for Advancement:
- Air Wing Carrier Qualification
- FRS/Weapons School Duty
- Department Head Screening
- Command Screening Board
- Exceptional board scores, EP FITREPs, and high trait average
Selection for command and O-5+ ranks heavily favors aviators with critical quals and leadership in high-demand billets.
Compensation, Benefits, and Lifestyle
1. Financial Benefits
Naval Aviators receive structured military compensation composed of base pay, aviation incentive pay, and allowances. Rates are adjusted annually and apply uniformly by paygrade and years of service.
Base Pay (2025, <2 Years of Service)
| Rank | Monthly Base Pay |
|---|---|
| O-1 | $5,031 |
| O-2 | $6,376 |
| O-3 | $8,674 |
Special Pays
- Aviation Career Incentive Pay (ACIP)
Monthly pay ranging from $150 to $1,000, depending on aviation service duration. Begins after winging; scales with years of aviation service. - Aviation Bonus (AvB)
Offered to eligible aviators meeting retention milestones. Amounts and eligibility vary by fiscal year and platform community.
Allowances (2025 rates)
- Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)
Location- and dependency-based; non-taxable. Adjusted annually per zip code. - Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS)
$320.78 per month; flat rate for officers. Intended to offset meal costs.
2. Additional Benefits
Naval Aviators on active duty receive full federal benefit access. Entitlements remain consistent across assignments and duty status.
- Healthcare: Full coverage through TRICARE Prime; no premiums for members. Dependent care subject to minimal co-pays.
- Housing Access: In addition to BAH, government-owned housing is available at many duty stations.
- Education: Eligible for Post-9/11 GI Bill, which covers tuition, housing allowance, and book stipends. Can be transferred to dependents under certain conditions.
- Retirement: Covered under the Blended Retirement System (BRS), which includes:
- 2% per year defined benefit multiplier (after 20 years)
- Automatic and matching contributions to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
- Full vesting after 2 years of service
3. Work-Life Balance
Naval Aviators operate under a structured yet variable duty cycle. While operational tempo may limit predictability during deployments, shore-based periods often support more regular schedules.
Leave Policy
- Earn 30 days of paid leave per year
- Must coordinate usage around deployment or flight training cycles
- Unused leave may accrue, subject to annual limits
Tempo and Support
- Duty cycle varies: Sea duty includes extended absences; shore tours generally more stable
- Support programs available:
- Family relocation assistance
- Counseling and wellness services through Fleet & Family Support Centers
- Access to Navy MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation) programs
Job Hazards and Safety Protocols
Operational Risks
Naval Aviators operate in controlled but inherently high-risk conditions. Mission types and aircraft capabilities introduce distinct hazard categories.
Primary risk areas include:
- G-force exposure during maneuvering, air combat, or sustained acceleration
- Catapult launches and arrested recoveries on carrier decks
- Night or instrument-only flight in low-visibility conditions
- Airframe systems failure at altitude or in terminal phase
- Spatial disorientation in low-altitude, dynamic environments
- Hypoxia or G-LOC under high-physiological-load conditions
Protective Measures and Safety Protocols
Each hazard is met with aircraft systems, pilot gear, or procedural control. All risk mitigation protocols are embedded in preflight, inflight, and postflight procedures.
Standard controls include:
- G-suit and torso harness to reduce LOC during high-G turns
- Oxygen delivery and cockpit pressurization systems for hypobaric conditions
- NATOPS-structured emergency drills embedded in simulator and live training cycles
- Carrier quals require both simulator and full-deck execution prior to sea ops
- Water survival and ejection seat egress training required pre-winging
- Cockpit display integration (e.g. JHMCS, HUD) to reduce spatial misorientation risk
- Every sortie follows a Tactical Risk Management (TRM) process before step brief
Incident Reporting and Investigation
Flight incidents, near-misses, and physiological events are documented and reviewed under Navy safety doctrine. Reporting is standardized. Corrective cycles are required.
Post-incident process:
- Pilot submits initial hazard report within operational cycle
- Safety Officer logs and routes through command chain using Naval Safety Management System
- Class A–D mishaps reviewed at the squadron, air wing, or NAVSAFECOM level
- Root cause and procedural failures documented through aviation safety investigation boards (ASIB)
- Safety stand-downs are authorized following Class A incidents or repeated minor events
- Policy updates or training adjustments issued through fleetwide aviation safety messages
Impact on Family and Personal Life
Family Considerations
Naval Aviators operate under a duty structure that frequently separates them from family for extended periods. Deployments, night operations, alert duty, and unpredictable schedules directly affect household routines. For dual-military families or those with young children, this often shifts daily responsibilities to the spouse or caregiver.
Known impacts include:
- Disrupted childcare continuity due to irregular hours and unplanned detachments
- Spouse employment instability, especially in stateside-to-overseas transitions
- Limited school consistency for dependents due to PCS-driven moves
- Increased stress during deployment rotations, especially aboard carriers with limited access windows
Support systems provided:
- Fleet and Family Support Centers (FFSC): Counseling, employment help, relocation briefings
- Navy Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP): Case management for dependents with special medical/educational needs
- Deployment Readiness Coordinators (DRC): Embedded within squadrons to support families during deployment cycles
- Digital access tools: Secure video and email systems sustain contact with dependents during underway periods
Relocation and Flexibility
Naval Aviators are required to execute Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders approximately every 2 to 3 years. Assignment timing aligns with career progression milestones or fleet unit cycles.
PCS and relocation details:
- Orders may relocate officers between CONUS and OCONUS installations
- Summer PCS cycle preferred but not guaranteed; short-notice orders possible
- Navy funds relocation; dislocation allowance and temporary lodging entitlements included
- Dependents may not accompany during unaccompanied overseas tours or specific training pipelines
Assignment flexibility:
- Officers submit preferences via MyNavy Assignment but must remain globally assignable
- Hardship or EFMP cases may receive placement exceptions
- Geographic stability beyond one tour is uncommon and requires command coordination
Post-Service Opportunities
Transition to Civilian Life
Naval Aviators separate with flight qualifications, technical systems experience, and multi-role command exposure. These apply directly to aviation, defense, and aerospace sectors. Officers exiting the cockpit pipeline often pursue credential conversion during their final service phase.
Authorized transition support includes:
- SkillBridge – Civilian internship (up to 180 days) before separation; unit and industry approval required
- TAP (Transition Assistance Program) – Mandatory sessions covering resume prep, VA benefits, and employment navigation
- Navy COOL – Maps aviation skills to civilian licensing (e.g., FAA ATP, PMP, aviation safety credentials)
Programs are scheduled during final year of obligated service. Officers must coordinate with command and career counselor.
Civilian Career Prospects
Many former Naval Aviators enter commercial aviation, program management, or technical safety roles. Platform type and flight hours influence certification track. The following table reflects estimated direct civilian role alignment:
| Civilian Role | Sample Titles | Required Credentials | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airline Transport Pilot | First Officer, Commercial Captain | FAA ATP Certificate | $80K–$200K |
| Corporate Pilot | Business Jet Pilot, Charter Operator | FAA ATP, Aircraft Type Rating | $60K–$150K |
| Flight Instructor | CFI, CFII | FAA Certified Flight Instructor | $50K–$80K |
| Aerospace Program Manager | Flight Ops Coordinator, Program Lead | PMP, Aviation Ops Cert (FAA/DoD) | $90K–$170K |
| Aviation Safety Officer | Risk Analyst, SMS Manager | FAA SMS Certificate, Safety Certs | $70K–$120K |
| Civilian Test Pilot | Experimental/Developmental Pilot | Test Pilot School, FAA Experimental | $100K–$160K |
FAA ATP certification is required for most commercial roles. Test pilot and safety positions may require manufacturer or DoD-level training. Credential timelines vary but typically begin during SkillBridge or terminal leave.
Qualifications, Requirements, and Application Process
Note: All information below reflects the most current version of Program Authorization 106 (March 2025) and applies only to pilot candidates (designator 1390). NFO data excluded.
Basic Qualifications
To qualify for the Student Naval Aviator program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
| Requirement | Minimum Standard (Pilot / 1390 Only) |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | U.S. citizen only |
| Age | At least 18 years old and not past 32nd birthday at commissioning |
| Education | Bachelor’s degree (BA or BS) from an accredited institution |
| ASTB Scores | AQR 4 / PFAR 5 minimum (higher scores preferred) |
| Medical | Class I aviation physical; must be aeronautically adapted |
| Security Clearance | Must qualify for SCI eligibility under ICD-704 standards |
Immediate Select Criteria (Pilot Only)
Applicants may bypass the full board process and be fast-tracked to OCS if they meet all of the following:
- No waivers required (age, academic, etc.)
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- ASTB scores: AQR 7 / PFAR 7 / FOFAR 7
- Pilot must be listed as first choice
Application Process
- Pre-Qualification
- Contact Navy Officer Recruiter
- Schedule and complete Aviation Selection Test Battery (ASTB)
- Complete aviation medical exam with a qualified flight surgeon
- Package Submission
- Submit academic transcripts, ASTB scores, medical results, and security screening documents
- Detail any prior military service or training disqualifications (if applicable)
- Review and Selection
- Applications reviewed by Officer Candidate Selection Boards (OCS PROREC)
- Immediate select candidates routed directly for OCS scheduling
- Commissioning
- Accepted applicants attend Officer Candidate School (OCS) in Newport, RI
- Upon graduation, commissioned as Ensign (O-1), designator 1390
Selection Criteria and Competitiveness
Selection is competitive. While minimum ASTB scores are AQR 4 / PFAR 5, CNRC prefers candidates with higher mental aptitude. Applicants are ranked based on:
- Academic GPA
- High ASTB composite scores
- Medical and clearance eligibility
- Leadership experience and fitness background
- Board recommendations and waiver history
Upon Accession into Service
| Entry Rank | Paygrade | Service Obligation |
|---|---|---|
| Commissioned Officer | Ensign (O-1) | 8 years Active Duty from date of winging (1310 designation) |
Applicants disenrolled from training prior to winging may be reassigned per MILPERSMAN 1540-010.
Is This a Good Job for You?
Ideal Candidate Profile
Success as a Naval Aviator depends on sustained performance in demanding and variable environments. The role requires:
- Strong spatial awareness and hand-eye coordination
- Consistent attention to detail under pressure
- High technical aptitude across navigation, communication, and combat systems
- Rapid decision-making in constrained timeframes
- Ability to operate autonomously without losing sight of team roles
- Physical and cognitive resilience over long-duration missions
- Willingness to accept routine relocation, structured advancement timelines, and operational uncertainty
Those with backgrounds in STEM fields, aviation, or competitive team-based environments often adjust more quickly during training phases.
Potential Challenges
- Training attrition: Aviation training is long, segmented, and high-failure. Winging is not guaranteed.
- Flight stress: Repeated exposure to G-forces, night ops, and degraded environments taxes physical and mental stamina.
- Deployment rotation: Multi-month absences and 24-hour flight cycles impact sleep, fitness, and family stability.
- Administrative load: Leadership roles include non-flying duties—safety, maintenance, or training officer responsibilities.
- Career rigidity: Billet availability, platform demand, and qualification status may limit geographic or role flexibility.
Career and Lifestyle Alignment
This role suits individuals who prefer structured advancement and operational responsibility over personal control of location or schedule. It’s a better fit for those who value:
- Defined progression gates based on training and performance
- High-tempo operational environments
- Technical mastery and aviation proficiency
- Integration into a long-term, rank-based leadership track
- Global mobility and mission-first tasking
It may conflict with goals prioritizing location stability, self-paced career customization, or low-risk work conditions. Long-term compatibility improves when personal priorities align with operational tempo and institutional structure.
More Information
For officers who meet the standards and are prepared for the training pipeline, the Naval Aviator path offers entry into one of the Navy’s most selective operational roles.
To take the next step, contact a Navy Officer Recruiter for details on upcoming selection boards, ASTB scheduling, and application preparation.
Your local Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) can assist with documentation and assess eligibility for pilot commissioning programs under Program Authorization 106 (March 2025).
You may also find more information about other closely related Navy Officer jobs in our Quick Guide for Unrestricted Line Officer programs, such as the Navy EOD Officer or the Naval Flight Officer jobs. Check them out.
Lastly, if you wish to fly Navy drones instead, check out the Navy Air Vehicle Pilot job.
