Max here - hopefully I can provide useful info for those considering pursuing an AEDO DCO application.
Can anyone point me to a good description of what the duties of an AEDO (Aviation Engineering Duty Officer) are?
EX AO - here is a short description of what AEDO's primarily support:
http://www.npc.navy.mil/Officer/SYSCOM/Aviation_NAVAIR_SPAWAR.htm
Yes, there are AEDO Ensigns - they access directly into the Navy Reserve through the Direct Commission Officer (DCO) program with a "1515" designator. When I applied for DCO (back in '87), I applied for both AEDO 1515 and AMDO 1525 slots. Luckily, I was selected for a 1515 AEDO slot (had a BS in Aero Engineering at the time).
Competition for Reserve AEDO 1515 and AMDO 1525 DCO spots is very high, a postgraduate degree will help you standout. Enlisted experience also helps. If one holds an engineering degree, I would recommend going for an AEDO slot.
Most Reserve AEDO/AMDO billets are in the NAVAIR Reserve Program (NRP), which provides systems acquisition support with units at Pax and at most Navy Fleet concentration areas. NRP has a homepage on Navy Knowledge Online (NKO) with more info (if you have access).
He said I would be attached to a squadron and if/when they deployed I could go with them (call me weird, but I want to go out on CVs again). However from what I can dredge up, AEDO sounds like a cube/desk job, which is pretty much what I do in my civilian life and I'm looking for new challenges that would benefit me and the USNR. Ideally I want to work with aircraft and be on CVs from time to time, I'm not too picky on exactly what I do.
Part of the Reserve AEDO/AMDO Junior Officer training track includes an additional duty assignment to a Reserve squadron, so it's a good possibility. NRP AEDOs and AMDOs do some desk-based systems acquisition support, however, our focus now includes much more field work helping to get new weapon systems into the fight, and sustaining fielded weapon systems. This involves a strong possibility of multiple mobilizations to active duty for both CONUS and OCONUS assignments in support of GWOT/Overseas Contingency Operations - go in with your eyes open on this!
Dumb question; if I understand correctly, I have to pay my way to/from my drilling location correct? So If I go AEDO and have to go to PAX I will have to pay for my flight to/from Houston. Correct?
Thanks!
There is a possibility you could be assigned to a NRP Unit closer to home - there is one unit located at JRB Ft. Worth. In addition to NAS Pax MD, there are other NRP units located in CA, MN, OH, and FL.
Normally we pay our own way for transportation and expenses (other than lodging) to the unit drill location - good news being that these expenses are now moslty tax deductible. At times you can get paid travel orders to drill at sites other than your home unit location - known as IDTT orders. Annual Training (AT) and Additional Duty Training (ADT) also includes pay for both travel and expenses.
I'm hearing that Reserve AEDO/AMDO recruiting for the NRP is up this year (for both DCO and active duty accessions)...good luck to candidates! Contact me if you have additional questions, or if you need a regional NRP recruiter contact.
MAX