Navy Badge: Aviation Warfare Specialist – regulation size, mirror finish

The Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist (EAWS) insignia is a warfare badge of the US Navy which was created in March 1980 to recognize those members of the Navy’s enlisted force who have acquired the specific professional skills, knowledge, and military experience that result in qualification for service in the aviation activities of the Navy. The qualification process to obtain the insignia begins with the Enlisted Aviation Personal Qualification Standards, also known as PQS. There are two PQS for the Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist insignia. The first is the Common Core which consists of concepts, policies, and tasks that are common throughout Naval Aviation and provide a foundation for the sailor’s knowledge. The second is a platform-specific PQS which consists of several training tasks and other practical experience on-the-job exercises relevant to the particular aviation community the sailor is currently serving in. The entire Enlisted Aviation PQS normally takes approximately one year to complete from the point of entering the enlisted aviation community though it can be completed much earlier with much dedication and effort. Those completing the Enlisted Aviation PQS must then pass a written examination and a review board conducted by senior enlisted aviation personnel, normally the rank of Chief Petty Officer  or above. Upon passing both the examination and the oral board, the Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist insignia can be presented.   approximately 2-3/4″ W x 3/4″ H