If you've ever pondered a career in aviation, one of the many potential aviation careers in the military could be the ideal fit for you. Depending on the candidate's interests, aviation occupations require a wide range of skill sets. All of these occupations need extensive skill training before you begin work, so you may be assured in your choice of career. This page discusses the pay structure of the United States Army, 11 aviation positions in the United States Army, and the tasks associated with each job.
The pay system of the United States Army
The pay scale in the United States Army is defined by the level of the employment.
The starting salary for each post is determined by a number of factors, including whether the position is entry-level or officer, and how long you've been in the role.
There are 11 aviation positions available in the United States Army.
Based on the descriptions provided by the US Army, here is a list of aircraft careers you can pursue:
1. Aviation electrician - 15F
An aviation electrician's primary responsibilities include supervising, performing, and inspecting maintenance on aircraft electrical systems. They identify electrical component faults and fix problematic parts such as faulty wiring, generators, and electrical motors. They must also oversee the storage of combustible and dangerous products, as well as handle and maintain a number of common and specialised tools. This is an entry-level enlisted post that needs a Mechanical Maintenance ASVAB score of 104 as well as 19 weeks of advanced individual training.
2. 14S Avenger crew member
Primary responsibilities: A member of the Avenger crew prepares, operates, and shoots the Avenger portable weapons systems, which guard against low-flying aircraft and cruise missiles. The Avenger system is a short-range air defence missile armament system used by the United States Army during air and ground attacks. Avenger crew members are also responsible for maintaining radio communications and evaluating possible targets, collecting and developing intelligence material, transmitting intelligence and grid coordinates of incoming targets, and designating battle positions.
This is an entry-level enlisted post that needs an ASVAB score of 85 in Operators and Food and 10 weeks of basic training.
3. Flight officer -15A
Primary responsibilities: An aviation officer directs and commands operations involving a variety of US Army helicopters that transport supplies and personnel while also providing quick-strike and long-range target engagement. Other duties include directing and training aviation platoons and teaching aviation and service capabilities at military training facilities. This is an officer-level profession that requires students to complete aviation school, where they study emergency procedures, fundamental flight physics, and basic combat training in combat flight abilities.
4. Operator of unmanned aircraft systems - 15W
An unmanned aircraft systems operator, often known as a drone pilot, is responsible for the operation of unmanned aerial vehicles. They also organise and carry out air reconnaissance operations, plan and assess flying missions, and carry out pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight procedures. This is an entry-level enlisted post that requires a Surveillance and Communications ASVAB score of 102 and 23 weeks of advanced individual training.
15P - Aviation operations specialist
Primary responsibilities: An aviation operations professional plans and deploys tactical aircraft missions for one of the world's largest fleets of aircraft. Daily responsibilities include organising flight plans, keeping flight logs for arriving and outgoing aircraft, analysing and updating weather reports, and notifying crews of emergencies.
This is an entry-level enlisted post that needs a 91 on the ASVAB Skilled Technical test and eight weeks of advanced individual training.
153A Rotary-wing aviator warrant officer
Primary responsibilities: A helicopter pilot, often known as a rotary-wing aviator warrant officer, flies and commands a variety of helicopters in both tactical and non-tactical situations. They undertake all military aircraft procedures such as security, rescue, air-assault, paradrop missions, gunnery, and reconnaissance while operating in a variety of weather situations both day and night. This is a low-level enlisted post that necessitates warrant officer flight training.
15T UH-60 helicopter repairer
Primary responsibilities: A UH-60 helicopter repairer is primarily in charge of the maintenance of Black Hawk helicopters, also known as UH-60 helicopters. They prepare the helicopters for routine maintenance as well as special and planned inspections. They also use specialised technology and techniques to examine and diagnose aviation system components. This is an entry-level enlisted post that needs a 104 on the Mechanical Maintenance ASVAB and 15 weeks of advanced individual training.
8th. United States Army aircraft structural repairer - 15G
Primary responsibilities: A US Army aircraft structural repairer monitors and maintains a wide range of aircraft structures. Other responsibilities include fabricating more aircraft parts from fibreglass and metal, testing safety and technical procedures, and ensuring that the aircraft is ready for pre-flight and in-flight operations.
This is an entry-level enlisted post that needs a Mechanical Maintenance ASVAB score of 104 and 15 weeks of advanced individual training.
Patriot fire control improved operator/maintainer - 14E
Primary responsibilities: A patriot fire control enhanced operator is responsible for maintaining and operating the five key components of the Patriot Fire Control system, which is a highly sophisticated piece of equipment that needs a huge team of troops to operate. A 14E soldier detects and identifies threats and may intercept enemy missiles using the Patriot system. This is an entry-level enlisted post that needs a Mechanical Maintenance ASVAB score of 100 as well as 20 weeks of advanced individual training.
Officer of air defence artillery - 14A
Primary responsibilities: An air defence artillery commander commands the Air Defense Artillery branch, which defends US forces from aerial attack, enemy observation, and missile strike. Other duties include becoming specialists in the techniques and tactics for engaging air defence systems, becoming experts in the Patriot or Avenger weapons systems, and managing Air Defense Artillery Soldiers at all levels of command. A four-year degree and completion of an officer basic leadership course are required for this officer-level job.
11Q - Air Traffic Control Operator
Primary responsibilities: An air traffic control officer manages the success of a mission and ensures safe flying operations. They coordinate aircraft movement during takeoff and landing, as well as tracking aircraft in flight for tactical and non-tactical scenarios. Air traffic control operators must adhere to strict safety standards, regulations, and procedures. These laws ensure the safety of every pilot and passenger in the air and on the ground. Other responsibilities include processing flight plan data and keeping logs. This is an enlisted entry-level post that needs a Skilled Technical ASVAB score of 101 and 15 weeks of advanced individual training.