Military Aircraft Launch and Recovery Specialists
Military Career
General Information
Description
Aircraft launch and recovery specialists ensure the safety of aircraft as they launch from and return to aircraft carriers. They perform this critical work by operating and maintaining catapults, arresting gear, and other equipment used in aircraft carrier takeoff and landing operations.
Work Environment
Aircraft launch and recovery specialists work outdoors aboard ships while operating and maintaining launch and recovery equipment or holding visual landing aids for incoming aircraft. They are exposed to noise and fumes from jet and helicopter engines.
Workplace at a Glance
What you can expect to experience while on the job
- Responsibility
- Exposure to job hazards
- Physical activity
- Decision making
- Repetitiveness
- Level of competition
- Time pressure
Comparable Industries
- Transportation, Distribution & Logistics
Military Outlook
Service Branches
Jobs in this career field may be available in other service branches. Call or email a particular branch for more info.
Army
Marine Corps
Navy
Air Force
Coast Guard
Space ForceMilitary Status
- Enlisted
- Hands-on/specialized
- High school diploma required
Military Workforce
Aircraft Launch and Recovery Specialists in the Military
13,183
Salary
Salary Information
Median Military Salary This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.
$58,815
Military Salary Range Salary varies based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location. Learn more about Military benefits.
$22,740 - $236,074
What makes up a Military salary?
Military salaries include a lot more than just base pay.
They also offer:
- Housing allowances
- Subsistence allowances
- Special and incentive pays
- Cost-of-living allowances
- Hazardous-duty pay
- Bonuses
Learn more about what goes into a salary with the compensation estimator
Learn more about military insurance and retirement benefits
Education
Most Common Education Levels
People in this career achieve this level of education.
-
Bachelor's degree 50%
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High school 33%
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Some college 14%
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Master's degree 0%
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Doctoral degree 0%
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Associate's degree 0%
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Post baccalaureate 0%
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Less than high school 0%
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Post-doctoral training 0%
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Post-master's certificate 0%
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First professional degree 0%
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Post-secondary certificate 0%
Military training
All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training. Aircraft launch and recovery specialists gain skills through classes and on-the-job experience. Training content may include: Operating and maintaining launch and recovery equipmentInstalling crash barriers and barricadesUse of landing aids, arresting gear, and anchoring devicesCare of airfield surfacesOperation of communication systems
Read MoreSkills at a Glance
Skills helpful in this career
- Verbal skills
- Critical thinking & problem solving
- Equipment operation & maintenance
- Math & science skills
- Technology design & control
- Leadership
Knowledge
- Education and Training
- Public Safety and Security
- Transportation
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administrative
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