Before takeoff, crew members inspect the aircraft to confirm systems and cargo are secure and mission-ready, then operate mission-specific equipment in flight, like sensors, weapons, or refueling systems, depending on their specialty. They also help load and manage cargo or personnel, assist pilots with navigation and communication, and handle in-flight troubleshooting or limited maintenance if something goes wrong mid-mission. The work happens in a confined, noisy aircraft, sometimes under combat conditions, and schedules follow mission and deployment needs rather than a predictable routine.
Pros
Hands-on work operating advanced aircraft systems, sensors, and defensive equipment
Directly supports high-stakes missions such as search and rescue and combat transport
Builds technical skills in aviation systems and emergency procedures valued beyond the military
Cons
Real physical risk, including possible combat exposure on some missions
Confined, noisy working conditions aboard aircraft for extended periods
Irregular hours driven by mission and deployment schedules rather than a fixed routine
A typical day
A mission day starts hours before takeoff with a crew brief: route, weather, threats, and each member's responsibilities. As a loadmaster, the enlisted crew member calculates weight and balance, supervises cargo chains and pallet locks, and briefs passengers before wheels-up. In flight, duties range from monitoring systems to operating hoists or sensors depending on the aircraft; on a refueling tanker, a boom operator guides a fighter to contact from a windowed station. Post-flight brings debrief and paperwork. Between missions, life is training — emergency procedures drilled until they're reflex.
Tasks at the job
Perform pre-flight inspections to confirm aircraft systems and cargo are secure and mission-ready.
Operate and monitor mission-specific systems such as sensors, weapons, or refueling equipment during flight.
Load, secure, and manage cargo or personnel aboard the aircraft.
Assist pilots with navigation, communication, and monitoring during combat, transport, or rescue missions.
Perform in-flight troubleshooting and limited maintenance on aircraft systems.
Participate in search-and-rescue, reconnaissance, or combat support operations as part of the crew.
Workplace & working conditions
Work happens aboard military aircraft based on land or ships, flying in all types of weather and climates, in a confined space with engine noise and, at times, combat conditions.
The job requires calm performance under real physical risk, including combat exposure on some missions, and precise execution of procedures since equipment and lives depend on it. Schedules follow flight and mission requirements rather than a fixed routine, with irregular hours around deployments and training.
Education necessary or common
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Licenses & certifications
ASVAB qualification and branch aircrew training (earned in service)
FAA certifications often earned later for civilian transition
Career path
Air Crew Member→
Senior Air Crew Member→
Aircrew Instructor→
Flight Chief
Courses to take
Algebra II — weight-and-balance and fuel math are daily arithmetic
Physics — flight and aircraft systems make more sense with it
PE / fitness courses — the entry test and the job both demand conditioning
Geography — global operations reward map literacy
Clubs, activities & competitions
Civil Air Patrol cadet program — actual flight exposure and military structure
JROTC (any branch)
A varsity sport or serious fitness routine
Aviation Explorers post if one exists nearby
First steps you can take now
Talk with recruiters from more than one service branch about aircrew career fields and ask specifically about ASVAB score requirements
Join Civil Air Patrol and work toward an orientation flight
Start a structured fitness program aligned to your target branch's PT test
Study for the ASVAB with a free prep book — aircrew jobs are competitive to qualify for