More of this Feature • Coast Guard Job Descriptions • Air Force Job Descriptions • Army Job Descriptions • Navy Job Descriptions • USMC Job Descriptions

Join the Discussion Talk About Military Jobs

Related Resources • Joining the Military • Enlistment Qualifications

Elsewhere on the Web • Joining the Air Force • Joining the Army • Joining the Navy • Joining the Marines • Joining the Coast Guard

Aviation Survival Technicians perform ground handling and servicing of aircraft and conduct routine aircraft inspections and aviation administrative duties. ASTs inspect, service, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair cargo aerial delivery systems, drag parachute systems, aircraft oxygen systems, helicopter flotation systems, dewatering pumps, survival equipment for air-sea rescue kits and special purpose protective clothing. ASTs also store aviation ordnance and pyrotechnic devices. ASTs also provide all aircrew survival training to aviators such as swim tests, survival lectures and shallow water egress training. Aviation Survival Technicians function operationally as Helicopter Rescue Swimmers and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) Basic. ASTs may find themselves being deployed into a myriad of challenging rescues ranging from hurricanes and cliff rescues, to emergency medical evacuations from ships at sea. Other aircrew positions include HC-130H Dropmaster, Loadmaster, Sensor Systems Operator. HU-25A Dropmaster, Sensor Systems Operator, and Basic Aircrewman.

ASTs are stationed at Coast Guard Air Stations located throughout the Continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. ASTs are also assigned to the Polar Operations Division (POPDIV) in Mobile, Ala. in support of Ice Breaking Operations. There are two types of air stations, Large and Small. Large Air Stations have more than one type of aircraft and Small Air Stations have one. The aircraft types are: HC-130H Hercules, HU-25A Guardian, HH-60J Jayhawk and the HH-65A Dauphine. The HH-65A is the primary helicopter utilized in shipboard operations, ASTs assigned to HH-65A Air Stations can expect shipboard deployments for various periods of time.

Candidates for AST must be in superior physical shape with no chronic orthopedic problems such as trick knees, back problems, or shoulder problems. Training is extremely stressful and is designed to identify those candidates who posses the physical and mental skills to handle the rigors of being an operational Helicopter Rescue Swimmer. Members of the AST Rating must be able to obtain and hold a Secret Security Clearance.

The Aviation Survival Technician Training Program is a very intense and demanding program. This program begins with the Airman Program. The Airman Program is a four month training program at an operational air station. The trainee, designated as an Airman, has a course and training syllabus to complete and must receive the unit Commanding Officer's recommendation to proceed to the AST A-School. There is also a physically demanding training program with a requirement to pass a minimum fitness test. AST A-School is located at Aviation Technical Training Center (ATTC) Elizabeth City, N.C. The course is four months long followed by three weeks of EMT training at Training Center Petaluma, Calif. Upon graduation, the member is designated as an Apprentice. The Apprentice Program is directly linked to the AST E-5 Performance Qualifications. Upon completion of the Performance Qualifications, the member is designated as a Journeyman.

Qualifications:

Candidates for AST must be in superior physical shape with no chronic orthopedic problems such as trick knees, back problems, or shoulder problems. Training is extremely stressful and is designed to identify those candidates who posses the physical and mental skills to handle the rigors of being an operational Helicopter Rescue Swimmer. Members of the AST Rating must be able to obtain and hold a Secret Security Clearance.

ASVAB Score Requirements: VE+MC+AS OF 159 (MINIMUM AR OF 52)

Training:

The Aviation Survival Technician Training Program is a very intense and demanding program. This program begins with the Airman Program. The Airman Program is a four month training program at an operational air station. The trainee, designated as an Airman, has a course and training syllabus to complete and must receive the unit Commanding Officer's recommendation to proceed to the AST A-School. There is also a physically demanding training program with a requirement to pass a minimum fitness test. AST A-School is located at Aviation Technical Training Center (ATTC) Elizabeth City, N.C. The course is four months long followed by three weeks of EMT training at Training Center Petaluma, Calif. Upon graduation, the member is designated as an Apprentice. The Apprentice Program is directly linked to the AST E-5 Performance Qualifications. Upon completion of the Performance Qualifications, the member is designated as a Journeyman.

Related Civilian Jobs:

Land & Water Survival Instructor
Parachute Rigging and Repair
Life Support Equipment Technician
Commercial Aircraft Life Support Technician
Paramedic

A-School Information

Above Information Courtesy of United States Coast Guard

Return to Coast Guard Jobs Menu