CHAPTER 1
THE AVIATION SUPPORT EQUIPMENT (AS) RATING
structures. In 1980, the ASH service rating was
INTRODUCTION
integrated into the ASM service rating, and in 1990, the
The job of the Aviation Support Equipment
ASM and ASE service ratings were combined into a
Technician (AS) requires an understanding of the
single AS rating.
fundamentals of electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic
The future for the AS rating seems to hold more
maintenance. The information presented in this course
exciting changes. In 1996 the A school was moved to
deals with fundamentals and is intended to help
NATTC Pensacola, and with a new, modern building,
candidates for AS3 and AS2 prepare for advancement
the AS class A school is designed to provide the student
in rate exams. Even personnel studying for AS1 and
with the latest logic trainers, first off the assembly line
ASC will find the information useful, as they are
equipment, centralized training, and the best instructors
still responsible for material covered at the lower
the fleet has to offer.
grades. This Aviation Support Equipment Technician
Figure 1-1 illustrates the paths of advancement for
Nonresident Training Course replaces AS3,
an Airman Recruit to Master Chief Aviation Support
NAVEDTRA 10356; AS2, NAVEDTRA 10357; and
Equipment Technician and beyond.
AS1, NAVEDTRA 10358.
Minimum occupational requirements for advance-
WARRANT OFFICER PROGRAM
LDO PROGRAM
ment in all ratings are listed in the Manual of Navy
Enlisted Manpower and Personnel Classifications and
LDO
CWO
CWO
CWO
AV
Occupational Standards, NAVPERS 18068 (series).
W-3
W-2
W-4
MAINT
RATING HISTORY
ASCM
E-9
LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Identify im-
portant points about the history of the Aviation
ASCS
Support Equipment Technician rating.
E-8
The AS rating is new when compared to other
ratings. On 24 February 1966, BUPERSNOTE 1440
ASC
E-7
announced that a new rating (AS) was being
established. Personnel from all rates throughout the
AS1
Navy applied for conversion to the AS rating, and on 18
E-6
August 1966, BUPERSNOTE 1430 named 1,119
candidates who were selected for conversion.
AS2
Technicians came from ratings such as Aviation
E-5
Electrician's Mate, Aviation Machinist's Mate, Aviation
Ordnanceman, and Aviation Structural Mechanic.
AS3
E-4
Personnel from non-aviation ratings, such as
Boatswain's Mate, Electronics Technician, and
Machinist's Mate were also converted.
AIRMAN
E-3
The Aviation Support Equipment Technician rating
was initially divided into three service ratings: ASE,
AIRMAN
ASH, and ASM. On 9 September 1967, the first AS
APPRENTICE
E-2
class A school convened at NATTC, Memphis. The
school was divided into three sections (fingers), an ASE
AIRMAN
RECRUIT
finger, an ASH finger, and an ASM finger. The ASE
E-1
class A school taught students basic electricity,
LDO AND WARRANT OFFICER INPUT ZONE
AS1f0101
troubleshooting, and safety. The ASM and ASH class A
schools taught basic mechanics, hydraulics, and
Figure 1-1.--Paths of advancement.
1-1
