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Navy Rating · Aviation

AO Aviation Ordnanceman

Current service use not established

This code is listed in the directory. Inclusion alone does not confirm current service use.

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Overview

Aviation Ordnancemen receive, inspect, store, assemble, load, arm, and process airborne weapons, ammunition, torpedoes, mines, sonobuoys, and pyrotechnics. They maintain aircraft gun, armament, release, and control systems, manage ordnance equipment and magazines, and administer weapons programs afloat and ashore.

Minimum ASVAB: MK+AS+AO 131

ASVAB policy: Not policy-reviewed · coverage unknown · as of 2026-10-18

Program scope has not been reviewed.

Policy applicability and coverage of the program's score routes have not been reviewed. Shown-route arithmetic is not an eligibility decision.

Source: milpersman-1306-618-rating-list-2026-04 (source date 2026-04). Policy applicability has not been established.

See if you would hit this score: free ASVAB practice test

Core Skills

  • Aircraft armament release and control testing
  • Ordnance handling and support equipment maintenance
  • Magazine sprinkler and weapons elevator maintenance
  • Electromagnetic hazard and ammunition reclassification compliance

Civilian Career Paths

Career associations are editorial assessments of the cited evidence, not an official crosswalk unless the evidence explicitly says so. O*NET supplies civilian occupation information, not proof of a military match. Related experience does not confer civilian qualifications. Tasks and tools below describe civilian work, not military training.

Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers

Assembling airborne weapons and testing, configuring, and maintaining aircraft armament systems transfers to aircraft systems assembly, inspection, and rework.

How to prepare: Practice reading aircraft assembly drawings and specifications in a hands-on assembly course, focusing on component installation and fit checks.

What the civilian work involves
  • Assemble parts, fittings, or subassemblies on aircraft, using layout tools, hand tools, power tools, or fasteners, such as bolts, screws, rivets, or clamps.
  • Inspect or test installed units, parts, systems, or assemblies for fit, alignment, performance, defects, or compliance with standards, using measuring instruments or test equipment.
  • Adjust, repair, rework, or replace parts or assemblies to ensure proper operation.

Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians

Maintaining aircraft gun systems and testing armament release and control systems provides component-level maintenance experience relevant to broader aircraft servicing.

How to prepare: Have the FAA review your military maintenance records against its experience requirement of 18 months appropriate to one rating or 30 months concurrently appropriate to both Airframe and Powerplant ratings; an FAA-approved maintenance school or the military JSAMTCC course offers an alternative route. Certification also requires age 18 or older, English proficiency, and written, oral, and practical tests; it is not required for every airline mechanic job, though air carriers often require it for hiring.

What the civilian work involves
  • Read and interpret maintenance manuals, service bulletins, and other specifications to determine the feasibility and method of repairing or replacing malfunctioning or damaged components.
  • Maintain repair logs, documenting all preventive and corrective aircraft maintenance.

Training & Development

Choose credentials for your target role. COOL funding markers describe program listings, not a guarantee of eligibility or funding.

Getting Started

  • Certified Aerospace Technician Core

    Demonstrate aerospace technical knowledge and practical skills through written, oral, and practical assessment.

    Eligibility and preparation: Meet any one route: active-duty or veteran military service in an aeronautical, aviation, aerospace, or engineering rating, assignment, or specialty; at least two years of work experience in one of those fields; graduation from college or technical school with at least a two-year degree in one of those disciplines; or an FAA Airframe & Powerplant Certificate.

    For: Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers, Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians

  • ASTM NCATT Foreign Object Elimination (FOE)

    Build exam-assessed awareness of housekeeping, tool accountability, and material handling for aircraft assembly and maintenance work.

    Eligibility and preparation: Open regardless of age, career field, training, education, or experience; AET certification is not required.

    For: Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers, Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians

Notes & Sources

Evidence for this guidance (8 documents)
  1. NAVPERS 18068F Vol I (NEOCS, Jan 2026 edition): AVIATION ORDNANCEMAN (AO)

    [1] Rating chapter "SCOPE OF RATING"; cached text line 9295; NAVPERS 18068F Vol I, 2026-01 edition

    Supports: Aircraft armament release and control testing, Ordnance handling and support equipment maintenance, Magazine sprinkler and weapons elevator maintenance, Electromagnetic hazard and ammunition reclassification compliance, Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers (O*NET 51-2011.00), Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians (O*NET 49-3011.00)

  2. O*NET: Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers

    [2] O*NET 30.3 occupational data

    Supports: Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers (O*NET 51-2011.00)

  3. O*NET: Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians

    [3] O*NET 30.3 occupational data

    Supports: Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians (O*NET 49-3011.00)

  4. FAA: Become an Aviation Mechanic

    [4] Requirements and mechanic experience requirements

    Supports: Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians (O*NET 49-3011.00)

  5. COOL credential mapping: Certified Aerospace Technician Core

    [5] AO cached COOL credential feed

    Supports: Certified Aerospace Technician Core

    [7]SpaceTEC Partners, Inc.: Certified Aerospace Technician - Core Certification · Core Certification section; retrieved 2026-09-23

    Supports: Certified Aerospace Technician Core

  6. SpaceTEC Partners, Inc.: Qualifications for SpaceTEC Certifications

    [6] Qualifications for SpaceTEC Certified Aerospace Technician Core; retrieved 2026-09-23

    Supports: Certified Aerospace Technician Core

  7. COOL credential mapping: ASTM NCATT Foreign Object Elimination (FOE)

    [8] AO cached COOL credential feed

    Supports: ASTM NCATT Foreign Object Elimination (FOE)

    [9]SpaceTEC Partners, Inc.: ASTM NCATT certification information, exam list, and FAQ · Background; Exams Offered (Aircraft Electronics Technician, AET Endorsements, Other ASTM NCATT exams); Frequently Asked Questions; retrieved 2026-09-23

    Supports: ASTM NCATT Foreign Object Elimination (FOE)

  8. ASTM NCATT FOE Elements of Basic Awareness Study Guide (PDF, copyright 2022 ASTM International NCATT)

    [10] Scope (sec. 1) and Significance and Use (sec. 3); retrieved 2026-09-23

    Supports: ASTM NCATT Foreign Object Elimination (FOE)

Defense contractor jobs for AO

Predecessor codes

Historical codes with documented links to AO. Each history page explains the change.

AFCAviation Fire Controlman

Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.

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