Rating Description

Aviation Ordnancemen (AO) receive, inspect, package, store, handle, and process for shipment: airborne weapons, air launched torpedoes, aerial mines, sonobuoys, pyrotechnics and ammunition; maintain, test, assemble, load, download, arm, and de-arm all airborne weapons, aircraft gun systems, targets, sonobuoys, and pyrotechnics for aircraft carriage; receive, inspect, inventory, configure, test, and maintain Armament Weapons Support Equipment (AWSE), Ordnance Handling Equipment (OHE), Aircraft Armament Equipment (AAE) and Materials Handling Equipment (MHE); test and maintain aircraft armament release and control systems; inspect and maintain conventional ordnance magazines and Ready Service Lockers (RSL); maintain and operate magazine sprinkler systems; maintain and operate cargo/weapons elevators; perform preventative maintenance and inventory small arms weapons; manage accounting systems, rework of airborne weapons/systems/equipment, and conventional weapons qualification/certification programs, afloat and ashore; and prepare, review, maintain, and inspect compliance with directives and reports applicable to Notice of Ammunition Reclassification (NAR), Hazards of Electromagnetic Radiation to Ordnance (HERO), weapons certification program, and explosive handling certification program.

For more detailed information, see the Rating Information Card.

There are 3 credentials closely related to the tasks performed in this Rating that may be attainable as soon as Class "A" technical school has been completed. Sailors can take advantage of these credentialing opportunities shortly following their initial training. Select "< 1 Year" for the "Experience after 'A' School" filter in the "Related Credentials" section to view these credentials.

AO Jobs

Rating Information Card

AO LaDR/OARS

National Certifications

You selected Early Career—this applies to Sailors in paygrades E1-E3. To help you focus on the credentials most appropriate for early in your career, the National Certifications list below has been filtered to only show COOL-funded certifications that are LaDR-designated for your rating at the E1-E3 level. You can customize your search by clicking Select Filters at the top left of the credentials table or by using the keyword search at the top right of the table.

Obtaining credentials related to your rating helps improve your professionalism and credentials are considered during promotion evaluations. Obtaining credentials now and holding them over time helps prepare you for civilian employment when you do transition out.

You selected Mid-Career—this applies to Sailors in paygrades E4-E6. To help you focus on the credentials most applicable to this phase in your career, the certification list has been filtered to only show COOL-funded certifications that are LaDR-designated for your rating at the E4-E6 level. You can customize your search by clicking Select Filters at the top left of the credentials table or by using the keyword search at the top right of the table.

Obtaining credentials related to your rating helps improve your professionalism and holding credentials is considered during promotion evaluations. Obtaining credentials now and holding them over time helps prepare you for civilian employment when you do transition out.

Once you have found a credential you want to pursue and are eligible for, you can apply for a voucher for COOL funding to pay for the exam. Make sure to check to see that you meet the eligibility requirements for a voucher before you apply. The Navy will not pay for exams if you have less than six months of service left so you'll want to plan accordingly.

You selected Late Career-- this applies to Sailors in paygrades E7-E9. To help you focus on credentials most applicable to this phase in your career, the certification list has been filtered to only show COOL-funded certifications that are LaDR-designated for your rating at the E7-E9 level. You can customize your search by clicking Select Filters at the top left of the credentials table or by using the keyword search at the top right of the table.

Obtaining credentials related to your rating helps improve your professionalism and are considered during promotion evaluations. They also help prepare you for civilian employment for when you do transition out.

You chose Transitioning-- this applies to Sailors who will not be reenlisting and who are planning their next steps. To help you focus on the most applicable credentials, the certification list has been filtered down to show in-demand credentials that are GI Bill approved. You can customize your search by clicking Select Filters at the top left of the credentials table or by using the keyword search at the top right of the table.

Obtaining credentials can help prepare you for civilian employment, and can demonstrate knowledge and skills in a way civilian employers understand. The Navy will not pay for exams if you have less than six months of service left so you'll want to plan accordingly. If you are already within that six-month timeframe, you can still choose to pursue the credential yourself or explore other funding options to pay for credentials.

As a transitioning Sailor, you may also want to visit the Navy's Transisition Goals, Plans, Success (GPS) program for other guidance regarding reentering the civilian workforce.

You chose Veteran-- veterans are any former Service member who has been discharged from active duty military service. To help you focus on the most applicable credentials, the certification list has been filtered to show in-demand credentials that are GI Bill approved. You can customize your search by clicking Select Filters at the top left of the credentials table or by using the keyword search at the top right of the table.

COOL does not pay for credentialing exams for veterans, but you may be able to get your credential funded through the GI Bill. Explore your funding options to see what funding may be available to you. Also, visit our page of Related Sites and expand the Resource Sites For Veterans section to see what other resources may be available to you

The following civilian credentials are related to AO-Aviation Ordnanceman. These credentials may require additional education, training or experience. For more information about these credentials, click on the credential title below.

For more supervisory and managerial credentials, please refer to the Leader (All enlisted E-4 and above) page.

Credential	Agency	Related As	Attainability	Navy$	LaDR	GI Bill^®	Accreditation
Certified Safety Professional (CSP) Is In Demand	Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP)	Other				GI Bill	Accreditation
Associate Electronics Technician (CETa) Is Not In Demand AT4	Electronics Technicians Association, International (ETA-I)	Some	high	Navy Bucks	E2	GI Bill	Accreditation
Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) Is In Demand	Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM)	Other				GI Bill	Accreditation
Certified Electronics Technician - Associate-Level (Associate CET) Is Not In Demand AT1	International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians (ISCET)	Some	high	Navy Bucks	E4	GI Bill
Certified Electronics Technician - Journeyman-Level - Industrial Is Not In Demand	International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians (ISCET)	Other				GI Bill
Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE) Is In Demand	American Society for Quality (ASQ)	Other				GI Bill
Certified Manager (CM) Is In Demand	Institute of Certified Professional Managers (ICPM)	Other				GI Bill
Early Adolescence Through Young Adulthood/Career and Technical Education Is Not In Demand	National Board for Professional Teaching Standards	Other
Industrial Electronics Technician (IND) Is In Demand	Electronics Technicians Association, International (ETA-I)	Other				GI Bill	Accreditation
Certified Aerospace Technician Core Is Not In Demand AT4	SpaceTEC	Most	high	Navy Bucks	E4	GI Bill	Accreditation
NCATT Foreign Object Elimination (FOE) Is Not In Demand AT1	ASTM International	Some	high	Navy Bucks	E2
Associate Safety Professional (ASP) Is In Demand	Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP)	Other					Accreditation
Gaming and Vending Technician (GVT) Is Not In Demand	Electronics Technicians Association, International (ETA-I)	Other					Accreditation
Electronics Associate DC (EM1) Is Not In Demand AT4	Electronics Technicians Association, International (ETA-I)	Some	high	Navy Bucks	E5		Accreditation
Electronics Associate AC (EM2) Is Not In Demand AT4	Electronics Technicians Association, International (ETA-I)	Some	high	Navy Bucks	E5		Accreditation
Electronics Associate Analog (EM3) Is Not In Demand AT4	Electronics Technicians Association, International (ETA-I)	Some	high	Navy Bucks	E5		Accreditation
Electronics Associate Digital (EM4) Is Not In Demand AT4	Electronics Technicians Association, International (ETA-I)	Some	high	Navy Bucks	E5		Accreditation
Electronics Associate Comprehensive (EM5) Is Not In Demand AT1	Electronics Technicians Association, International (ETA-I)	Some	high	Navy Bucks	E5		Accreditation
Certified Elevator Inspection Supervisor (CEIS) Is Not In Demand	Qualified Elevator Inspector Training Fund (QEITF)	Other					Accreditation

State Licenses

Some states have specific licensing requirements for the following related civilian occupations. These state licenses may require additional education, training or experience. Click on the occupation below to get more information on state requirements from the U.S. Department of Labor.

For more supervisory and managerial occupations, please refer to the Leader (All enlisted E-4 and above) page.

COOL may be able to assist with funding state licensure on a case by case basis. The following conditions should apply:

Navy Reservists (SELRES) may get a state license funded based on their Navy or civilian occupation, earned academic degree or a semester course. The state license must have relevancy to a Navy occupation or collateral duty.
Service members may get a state/county or municipality certification/license funded if they are separating or retiring in the state in which they desire the license. This will be a onetime funding opportunity based on their Navy or civilian occupation, earned academic degree or a semester course. Renewals are authorized 60 days prior to their discharge/separation. The license must have relevancy to a Navy occupation or collateral duty. Service members should make contact with Navy COOL prior to 18 months remaining on their soft/hard EAOS due to the complicated funding processes of some states. Certification/license must be completed 60 days prior to separation.
For each of the above opportunities, the Service member must contact Navy COOL prior to submitting a voucher request for licensure funding coordination.

As with any state license, you must meet all state eligibility criteria. Funding of a state license must have relevancy to a Navy occupation or collateral duty (e.g. no real estate license, no beautician license, no private eye license, etc…). Contact Navy COOL for more information.

Apprenticeship

The United Services Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP) is a formal military training program that provides active duty and Full Time Support (FTS) Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Service members the opportunity to improve their job skills and to complete their civilian apprenticeship requirements while they are on active duty. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) provides the nationally recognized "Certificate of Completion" upon program completion.

USMAP enhances your job skills and shows your motivation for more challenging military assignments. Having a DOL Certificate of Completion is an advantage in getting better civilian jobs since employers know the value of apprenticeships. Also, your DOL Certificates are part of your Learning and Development Roadmaps (LaDR) — and these certificates will enhance your opportunity for advancement and retention.

The following USMAP apprenticeship trades are related to the AO-Aviation Ordnanceman rating:

Completing an apprenticeship is a process with four major steps. Proceed to Step 1 on the USMAP website to select an apprenticeship trade that is related to your military occupation.

The following civilian occupations are similar to the duties performed by AO-Aviation Ordnanceman. These occupations may require additional education, training or experience. For more information about these occupations, click on the civilian occupation below.

For more supervisory and managerial positions, please refer to the Leader (All enlisted E-4 and above) page. To search for related civilian job opportunities, go to the Veteran's Employment Center.

Civilian Job	Duties Matched	Bright Outlook	Registered Apprenticeship	Local Salary Info
Administrative Services Managers	Some	Bright Outlook	Apprenticeship	find local salary
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers	Most		Apprenticeship	find local salary
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks	Most	Bright Outlook	Apprenticeship	find local salary
First-Line Supervisors of Helpers, Laborers, and Material Movers, Hand	Some			find local salary
First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers	Some	Bright Outlook		find local salary
Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers	Most	Bright Outlook	Apprenticeship	find local salary
Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators	Some			find local salary
Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers	Some		Apprenticeship	find local salary
Logisticians	Some			find local salary
Maintenance Workers, Machinery	Some		Apprenticeship	find local salary
Office Clerks, General	Some	Bright Outlook	Apprenticeship	find local salary
Shipping, Receiving, and Traffic Clerks	Some			find local salary
Stock Clerks, Sales Floor	Some	Bright Outlook		find local salary
Storage and Distribution Managers	Some			find local salary
Training and Development Specialists	Some	Bright Outlook	Apprenticeship	find local salary

Related Federal Occupations

The following federal occupations are similar to AO-Aviation Ordnanceman. These occupations may require additional education, training or experience. For more information about these occupations, click on the federal occupation below.

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Other Career Considerations

A wide range of civilian job opportunities is available within the private and public sectors that align with AO-Aviation Ordnanceman military training and experience. More information about these opportunities and other considerations concerning occupations related to AO-Aviation Ordnanceman can be found below.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Jobs

There are numerous opportunities available in the aviation industry. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) offers a range of career opportunities to individuals with different skills within its organization. Their workforce includes:

Air Traffic Controllers
Aviation Safety Inspectors
Airways Transportation Systems Specialists
Community Planners
Security Inspectors
Engineers
Program Managers
Acquisition Specialists
Contract Specialists
Human Resources Professionals
Technicians

Consult the FAA Jobs website for additional information on aviation related career opportunities and job openings.

Professional Aviation Maintenance Association

Professional Aviation Maintenance Association (PAMA) is a non-profit society which represents all professionals in aviation maintenance and provides it's members information on aviation maintenance occupations.

Troops to Teachers

An additional resource for transitioning to a teaching career is the Troops to Teachers program. The Troops to Teachers program is a national program which provides support services to prepare military personnel for a career in teaching. Service members with a baccalaureate degree or higher are eligible to begin the traditional teaching certification process, however, Service members without a degree may also qualify to become a vocational/technical teacher. Click here for more information about the Troops to Teachers program.

COOL may be able to assist with funding state licensure on a case by case basis. The following conditions should apply:

Enlisted Navy Reservists (SELRES) may get a state license funded based on their Navy or civilian occupation, earned academic degree or a semester course. The state license must have relevancy to a Navy occupation or collateral duty.
Enlisted personnel may get a state/county or municipality certification/license funded if the Sailor is separating or retiring in the state in which he/she desires the license. This will be a onetime funding opportunity based on their Navy or civilian occupation, earned academic degree or a semester course. Renewals are authorized 60 days prior to their discharge/separation. The license must have relevancy to a Navy occupation or collateral duty. Enlisted Sailor should make contact with Navy COOL prior to 18 months remaining on their soft/hard EAOS due to the complicated funding processes of some states. Certification/license must be completed 60 days prior to separation.
For each of the above opportunities, the Sailor must contact Navy COOL prior to submitting a voucher request for licensure funding coordination.

Voluntary Education

In addition to obtaining certifications in your field, voluntary education is another way to enhance job performance. Options for voluntary education include:

Navy College Program
VOLED Assistance Center
VOLED Region Advisors
Unofficial JST Transcript showing recommended American Council on Education (ACE) college credit recommendations for this rating. For informational use only.

For help in making informed choices on schools and education programs when using tuition assistance, see:

Tuition Assistance (TA) DECIDE

RECOMMENDED DEGREES

Navy Learning Center Recommended Degrees for AO-Aviation Ordnanceman

The Navy Learning Center for this Rating has not yet provided recommended occupational-related degrees. In the short-term, you may contact your Command Career Counselor, the Navy College Virtual Education Center, or visit your Overseas Navy College Office to discuss degree recommendations.
Degree recommendations will be listed here soon.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
COLLATERAL DUTY / OUT OF RATE ASSIGNMENTS

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Additional information pertaining to AO-Aviation Ordnanceman can be found below.

Aviation Schools

The Aviation Schools Online website provides a list of schools, programs, and other resources that might be of interest to aviation professionals.

Joint Service Aviation Maintenance Technician Certification Council

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) / Joint Service Aviation Maintenance Technician Certification Council (JSAMTCC) Airman Knowledge Testing (AKT) Program allows active duty Military, National Guard & Reserve personnel, Retired Military, DOD Civilians, and Military dependents the opportunity to take the Mechanic (A&P) license written tests free of charge at certain locations. You must have FAA approval to test, to be eligible for this service. The listing of authorized FAA / JSAMTCC: Airman Knowledge Testing Center locations and their POCs can be found on the FAA website.

Navy and Marine Corps Airframe and Powerplant (NMCAPP)

The Navy and Marine Corps Airframe and Powerplant (NMCAPP) Certification Program provides Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Mechanic, Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) licensure opportunities to all aircraft maintenance technicians. If you successfully complete the NMCAPP Certification Program and receive a Certificate of Eligibility from the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training (CNATT), you may be eligible for Navy funding of the FAA Mechanic A&P examinations via a pre-paid voucher.

To enroll in the NMCAPP Certification Program, go to the MyNavyPortal website load and fill out the NMCAPP application. Fax the application to the number provided on the application form. Questions concerning program enrollment must be directed to the NMCAPP Program Office: NMCAPP@navy.mil .

Collateral Duty / Out of Rate Assignments

Navy collateral duties/out of rate assignments play a vital role in the day-to-day operations and duties that Officers and Enlisted Sailors perform. Certifications and licenses are also available in these collateral duties/out of rate assignments, so please go to the Collateral Duty/Out of Rate Assignments search feature (under the Navigator) and explore more opportunities to get certified.

ACADEMIC DEGREES
PRIOR RATE OR DESIGNATOR
OFF-DUTY OR COMMAND-SPONSORED TRAINING
NAVY RESERVISTS
PRIOR OTHER-SERVICE OCCUPATION
CREDENTIALS EARNED & MAINTAINED PRIOR TO JOINING THE NAVY

Opportunities Related to Academic Degrees

Out of rate or designator requests for exam funding for credentials related to an earned academic degree or a semester course may also be funded if it can be directly related to an industry certification or state license.

For example, if you have a degree in Human Resources but are serving as a Culinary Specialist, you can get funding for a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification.

If the completed degree is not in the Sailor's Joint Service Transcript (JST), the Sailor must provide proof of completion with the Voucher Request Form, OPNAV 1500/57 for funding approval. The requested credential must be included on the Navy COOL website, and the Sailor must meet all other eligibility requirements.

As with any credential, you must meet all other eligibility criteria and the certification or license vendors' requirements.

Opportunities for Prior Rate or Designator Sailors

If you have cross-rated or redesignated, you now are eligible for certifications and licenses mapped to your prior rating or designator. The “Navy Bucks” icon on the Navy COOL page for your previous position/rate indicates which certifications and licenses may be funded.

As with any credential, you must meet all other eligibility criteria and the certification or license vendors' requirements.

Opportunities Related to Off-Duty or Command-Sponsored Training

If you can document that you have completed an on- or off-duty training course that fully prepares you for a civilian certification or license, you may now be eligible to have the credential exam funded.

For example, if you took a Command-sponsored Emergency Medical Technician course, you may be eligible for funding for an EMT Basic credential.

The requested credential must appear on Navy COOL, although it does not need to show the Navy Bucks icon to be funded.

College course completion must be annotated in your Joint Service Transcript. Formal off-duty or command-sponsored training should be visible in your Electronic Training Jacket (ETJ). In lieu of an ETJ entry (where training cannot be entered into the ETJ) you will need to submit some form of, proof of completion (a certificate of completion from the course/training is sufficient). If neither of the previously mentioned methods of validating proof of completion are available, then a command correspondence (such as a command letter, memo, or PG-13 form) describing the training along with the OPNAV 1500/57 Professional Certification and Licensing Voucher Request (COOL Voucher Request Form).

As with any credential, you must meet all other eligibility criteria and the certification or license vendors' requirements.

Opportunities for Navy Reservists

If you are a Navy Reservist, officer or enlisted, you may now be eligible for funding for credentials related to your civilian occupation. The certification or license must have relevance to the needs of the Navy, and must appear on Navy COOL, although it does not need to show the Navy Bucks icon to be funded.

To validate your civilian occupation, you will need a screen shot from Navy Standard Integrated Personnel System (NSIPS) showing the Civilian Occupational Code. Please send the NSIPS screenshot with your OPNAV 1500/57 Professional Certification and Licensing Voucher Request (COOL Voucher Request Form).

In lieu of NSIPS documentation you may also submit a command endorsed and executed NAVPERS 1070/613 (PG-13) Administrative Remarks form noting your civilian occupation along with your OPNAV 1500/57 Professional Certification and Licensing Voucher Request (COOL Voucher Request Form). You must sign the PG-13.

As with any credential, you must meet all other eligibility criteria and the certification or license vendors' requirements.

Prior Other-Service Occupation

If you are Navy (Active or Reserve), you may now be eligible for funding for credentials related to prior other-Service (Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard) occupation. The certification or license must have relevance to the needs of the Navy, and must appear on Navy COOL, although it does not need to show the Navy Bucks Navy Bucks icon icon to be funded.

To validate your prior other-Service occupation, you will need to provide Navy COOL with a document (e.g. DD-214; or Military Service School completion certificate; or other document) showing your other-Service occupation. Please send the document (scanned & emailed) with your OPNAV 1500/57 Professional Certification and Licensing Voucher Request (COOL Voucher Request Form).

As with any credential, you must meet all other eligibility criteria and the certification or license vendors' requirements.

Credentials Earned & Maintained Prior to Joining the Navy

If you are Navy (Active or Reserve), you may now be eligible for funding for credentials that were earned, and maintained, prior to entering the Navy. The certification or license must have relevance to the needs of the Navy, and must appear on Navy COOL, although it does not need to show the Navy Bucks Navy Bucks icon icon to be funded.

To validate your earned & maintained credential, you will need to provide Navy COOL with a scanned or emailed document (e.g. credential certificate document, screenshot from your credential dashboard, digital badge, etc…) showing the credential earned and maintained. Please send the document (scanned & emailed) with your OPNAV 1500/57 Professional Certification and Licensing Voucher Request (COOL Voucher Request Form).

As with any credential, you must meet all other eligibility criteria and the certification or license vendors' requirements.

E4
E5
E6
E7
FAQs
Contact

E4

AO • - ACTIVE DUTY/FTS

Bibliographies

Rating Topics and Subtopics

AO • - SELRES

Bibliographies

Rating Topics and Subtopics

The March 2020 Active Duty E4 exams have been delayed. You can still view the references using these links:

March 2020 Bibliographies

March 2020 Rating Topics and Subtopics

E5

AO • - ACTIVE DUTY/FTS

Bibliographies

Rating Topics and Subtopics

AO • - SELRES

Bibliographies

Rating Topics and Subtopics

The March 2020 Active Duty E5 exams have been delayed. You can still view the references using these links:

March 2020 Bibliographies

March 2020 Rating Topics and Subtopics

E6

AO • - ACTIVE DUTY/FTS

Bibliographies

Rating Topics and Subtopics

AO • - SELRES

Bibliographies

Rating Topics and Subtopics

The March 2020 Active Duty E6 exams have been delayed. You can still view the references using these links:

March 2020 Bibliographies

March 2020 Rating Topics and Subtopics

E7

AO • - ACTIVE DUTY/FTS

Bibliographies

Rating Topics and Subtopics

AO • - SELRES

Bibliographies

Rating Topics and Subtopics

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

A BIBLIOGRAPHY is provided by the Navy Advancement Center (NAC) to document the REFERENCES used by a subject matter expert (a Navy Chief in the rating) as the basis for writing the items on the Active Duty and Reserve Navy Advancement Exams. If a reference has been updated since the exam was created and differs from the reference listed here, the information in the updated reference will be used as the basis for scoring the exam.

General Exam FAQs Bibliography FAQs

INQUIRIES CONCERNING

Exam Development and Bibliographies
COM: (850) 473-6110
DSN: 753-6110
SFLY_EXAM_QUESTION@navy.mil

General Advancement Information
COM: (850) 473-6148
DSN: 753-6148
SFLY_NAVY_ADVANCEMEN@navy.mil