Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist Insignia - Qualification Process

Qualification Process

The qualification process to obtain the insignia begins with the Enlisted Aviation Personal Qualification Standards, also known as PQS. There are two PQS for the Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist insignia. The first is the Common Core which consists of concepts, policies, and tasks that are common throughout Naval aviation and provide a foundation for the sailor's knowledge. The second is a platform-specific PQS which consists of several training tasks and other practical experience on-the-job exercises relevant to the particular aviation community the sailor is currently serving in, for example an F/A-18 squadron or a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier. The entire Enlisted Aviation PQS normally takes approximately one year to complete from the point of entering the enlisted aviation community though it can be completed much earlier with much dedication and effort.

Those completing the Enlisted Aviation PQS must then pass a written examination and a review board conducted by senior enlisted aviation personnel, normally the rank of Chief Petty Officer or above. Upon passing both the examination and the oral board, the Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist insignia may be presented. The sailor is then authorized to add the Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist designator (AW) after his or her rate.

Upon transfer to the sailor's next aviation command, he or she is required to complete an abbreviated re-qualification process to familiarize the sailor with the differences between various aviation platforms. This process must be completed within 12 months of reporting aboard or the sailor loses the right to wear the EAWS insignia.

The Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist insignia is not required for continued advancement in the Navy, however for those in aviation rates the insignia must be obtained by three years as a Petty Officer Second Class. Those failing to obtain the insignia may be ineligible for advancement to Petty Officer First Class, reenlistment in their current rate or may be restricted to shore assignments.

The Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist insignia is considered one of three primary warfare badges available to the Navy’s enlisted force. The other two aforementioned badges are the Enlisted Submarine Warfare Badge and the Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist Badge. The Aircrew Badge is a similar badge available to some enlisted personnel of the U.S. Navy aviation community. The Aircrew Badge is a separate badge from the Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist Badge, and qualified service members are eligible to wear both badges simultaneously. Additionally the Fleet Marine Force Insignia is reserved for Hospital Corpsmen and Religious Program Specialists assigned to Marine Corps units. Sailors receiving this designator are authorized to wear it above any other designator while assigned to FMF units.

OPNAVINST 1414.2A is the Navy instruction that governs the Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist program.

OPNAVINST 1414.9 is the Navy instruction that governs the Enlisted Warfare Qualification Programs. This instruction also cancels OPNAVINST 1414.2A.