Aerial Vehicle Operator, Designator 7371
The basic requirements for selection to the Navy Aerial Vehicle Operator Warrant Officer, Designator 7371 indoctrination and training program. The program leads to an appointment in the United States Navy as a Warrant Officer (WO1) Aerial Vehicle Operator (AVO), designator 7371.
Those selected will attend Officer Candidate School (OCS) located in Newport, Rhode Island.
Requirements for Aerial Vehicle Operator Warrant Officer
Open to both men and women. Applicants must be a citizen of the United States.
Applicants must be at least 19 years old and not have passed their 32nd birthday at time of appointment.
Accession Source
Civilians who have not disenrolled previously from any military flight-training program for reasons other than minor medical conditions, which were temporarily disqualifying.
Active or Reserve Navy enlisted members who have not disenrolled previously from any military flight program.
Active or Reserve enlisted members of other branches of the armed services who have not disenrolled previously from any military flight program. Additionally, these applicants must either be released conditionally from the parent branch or be authorized in writing by a cognizant official of the parent branch to apply for the program.
Active or Reserve officers, or former officers of other branches of the armed services are not eligible to apply for the officer candidate program.
Education
Minimum 2-year Associates Degree from an accredited college or university. Provide college and high school transcripts with grade point averages.
Aerial Vehicle Operator applicants must achieve a minimum score of 96 or higher on the Selection of UAS Personnel (SUPer) Battery. The Commander, Navy Recruiting Command (CNRC) will endeavor to select candidates with the highest mental qualifications, accepting minimum scores only when market conditions or exceptional cases warrant.
Applicants will be expected to explain in their personal statement their desire to participate in the program. Additionally, applicants must provide a minimum of two reference letters which speak to the candidate's technical acumen and predicted ability to succeed in the program.
Physical Examination
Physicals will be completed and determined qualified and aeronautically adapted to engage in duties involving flying in line with the Manual of the Medical Department, Chapter 15, and as detailed in Medical Standards for Appointment, Enlistment, Or Induction in the Military Services, DoD Instruction 6130.03. Candidates must meet the physical fitness weight and/or percentage of body fat standards at the time of application and at time of appointment.
Active Duty military members accepted as candidates must obtain an aviation applicant physical exam from a qualified flight surgeon to determine aeronautical adaptability.
Separated prior-service and non-prior service applicants will normally complete their physical examination at the local Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS).
Waivers
In cases where the applicant does not meet all of the qualifications, but otherwise has an exceptional record or proven skill-set required by the Navy, waiver consideration may be authorized.
Enlistment
Civilians and enlisted applicants in the paygrade of E-4 and below, who are selected for this program are designated officer candidates and advanced to the paygrade of E-5 upon reporting to OCS. Enlisted applicants in the paygrades of E-5 and above are designated officer candidates in their present paygrades.
Indoctrination and Training
Selectees will attend Officer Candidate School (OCS) in Newport, Rhode Island. Following appointment, officers will normally be assigned to training as prescribed by Chief of Naval Air Training (CNATRA).
Active Duty Obligation
Aerial Vehicle Operators (7371) shall serve a minimum of seven years on Active-Duty from the date of warfare designation (winging). Aerial Vehicle Operators (7371) who are disenrolled from flight training shall serve on Active Duty in line with Required Service of Officers Disenrolled from Special Navy Training Programs, MILPERSMAN 1540-010.
Pay and Allowances
Upon commencing Officer Candidate School in Newport, RI, Selectees will receive pay and benefits based on paygrade outlined in the paragraph above under the "Enlistment" header.
