Any AVs with questions, I can try to answer them.

[John213AV]

BHR I don't think we can go and volunteer Aircrew at bootcamp anymore. From what I know from other guys who are Aircrew, it must be guaranteed in your contract at MEPS.

Take it with a grain of salt, but if you don't have it guaranteed now, you won't be flying in any planes.

Im an AV awaiting bootcamp too

[bhr07]

I didn't know that, but I hadn't planned on gunning for Aircrew at bootcamp though I will try after my 4 years as an AT or AE (whichever I get) and re-enlist for that extra 24 months which sounds just a little more possible.

Do you have any info on what we learn at A school? I don't know much about aircrafts and all that technical stuff so I want to get a a quick look on the material.

[John213AV]

best bet would be to PM Bingle about that!

When it comes to aircraft, your more than likely going to C school after A-school. A-school essentially your learning about electronics, all that fun stuff me and you have no clue about lol, troubleshooting and I believe you work on this stuff with a Mock aircraft which is essentially an F-18.

Lets say after A school you get assigned to some type of Fixed wing aircraft, your going to C-school to learn all about working with that specific vehicle. Your not going to learn about helo's, and fixed wings, or other types of aircrafts at A school...thats what C school is for!

Again, I am just a Depper like yourself who is gaining knowledge through asking questions and learning on the board so don't take what I saw for exactly what schooling is!

[bhr07]

Well, thank you for answering anyways. I do appreciate it.

When do you leave for Basic? Is the date I was assigned subject to change or is it a sturdy fixture? As a girl, should I cut my hair before Basic or let them cut it for me?

And I have to admit, I try to be an overachiever hence I feel the need to know what material we are in for since I despise being in the dark about it (especially when it concerns my future).

Also, the more I read about AV the more I like it, but at the same time, I feel wary putting myself in a situation I know nothing of.

[Bingle]

So sorry about not replying. Working a side job and the navy takes up a lot of my time. As far as working out goes, check the threads on here already I don't know much about physical fitness so I'm not going to try and act like I do.

In A school you'll learn a bunch of pointless stuff, unless you go I level. Then you'll actually have to remember a lot of it lol. As long as you pay attention in class you should have no problem getting through the class. Never be afraid to ask for help or go to the extra class time after everyone is out. Yeah, you might miss a little liberty, but knowing your stuff can pay off with possible E-4 if you finish top of you strand class (that means more money $$$$$xD).

As far as being wary of putting yourself in a situation you know nothing of.....don't expect A school to help you with that. I went from A school to working on my plane (I have a 3 month hold before I start class). You will be greatly messed with by the petty officers in the shop. They will try to get you to fall for so many jokes. Just put yourself out there and try to learn everything. That's what I did, and I get more respect from them then the other airman that has been there 4x as long as I have.

[bhr07]

One question: do many AV's honestly love their field of work (considering if some of them never even thought about being one before they signed up for it)?

[Bingle]

Originally Posted by bhr07

One question: do many AV's honestly love their field of work (considering if some of them never even thought about being one before they signed up for it)?

Eh it's going to be a two part answer.

Part 1: The actually AT part of it, I do like, and so do others in my shop. I'm a electronic/computer nerd so that's why. I get to play with expensive electronics without paying for them, and if they break, then I get another. I also get free schooling on electronics. Every geak/nerd (or whatever word you want to call us), always wants to learn more about electronics.

Part 2: The bull shit, like replacing carpet (I work on a big boeing 707 with carpet on the floor panels) sucks ass. As I've found out AT stands for All Things, at least here in TACAMO.


With this being said, I wouldn't change my job. I might take a chance to go to the I level school just to get more schooling, but I would stay AT. ( I guess ET wouldn't really be bad, it's the same job just not on airplanes.)

[Haasino]

I'm a little late to the gate here, but just to provide current info...

Originally Posted by bhr07

And lastly, do you have any info about the Aircrew Program? I know you have to do 4 years and re-enlist for 24 months (or something like that), but I am getting mixed views that if I volunteer for it, I will most likely cross-rate?

Yes, you would have to cross-rate since all Aircrew duties are under the umbrella of the AW[x] series ratings now... but see below for more on cross-rating.

Originally Posted by John213AV

BHR I don't think we can go and volunteer Aircrew at bootcamp anymore. From what I know from other guys who are Aircrew, it must be guaranteed in your contract at MEPS.

^ Correct. There are still a few Cryptologic Technician ratings who can volunteer out of A School... but everyone else must be an AW.

Originally Posted by bhr07

I didn't know that, but I hadn't planned on gunning for Aircrew at bootcamp though I will try after my 4 years as an AT or AE (whichever I get) and re-enlist for that extra 24 months which sounds just a little more possible.

As of now, Aircrew is closed to all cross-rating except for AWF and AWV Flight Engineer and In-Flight Technician billets wishing to transition to AWO. This is expected to carry through until the completion of fleet transition from the P-3 Orion to P-8 Poseidon patrol aircraft in 2023. There's always the chance for this to change as we expand the maritime patrol community to counter the returning Russian threat... but for the foreseeable future, this is the policy.