Naval Aviation Supply Corps pin
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The Naval Aviation Supply Officer (NASO) is the warfare insignia and professional qualification that U.S.Navy Navy Supply Corps officers have an opportunity to earn when assigned to an aviation-related billet (or job). Billets include assignment onboard an aircraft carrier as head of the S-6 division (Aviation Supply), the assistant S-6 (or "S-6 Alpha"), or onboard a Naval Air Station (NAS) as head of the Aviation Support Division (ASD).
Aviation supply is one of the most critical logistics capabilities in the Navy. Without repairable and consummable parts on hand to maintain tactical aircraft, the Navy's ability to deliver combat capability and protect carrier strike groups on deployment would be severly hindered. As such, aviation supply status maintains the highest visbility, demonstrably by being briefed every single morning to the top decision makers in the Navy to identify and address issues in the system.
The objective of the NASO program is to develop a dedicated, cohesive and uniquely qualified cadre of Naval Supply Corps officers who bring the highest level of competence to the management of Naval aviation supply support, thus enhancing the Navy’s ability to achieve optimum levels of operational readiness.
The Navy relies on it's NASO-qualified professionals to ensure aviation readiness is maintained at the maximum available level. Maintaining the NASO qualification ensures that it will have a strong pool of talent available for the future.
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[edit] Program Requirements - Active Component(AC)
The requirements for active component Supply Corps officers are spelled out in OPNAVINST 1542.5B, 'NAVAL AVIATION SUPPLY OFFICER (NASO) PROGRAM' (see link below). An officer must be assigned to a qualifying billet by their Detailer at Naval Personnel Command (NPC). Qualifying "sea" billets include S-6 division onboard a Aircraft Carrier or Amphibious Assault Ship (LPH/LHD/LHA); qualifying "shore" billets are at the Aviation Supply Detachment (ASD) at a Naval Air Station (NAS) and in limited cases, at the type command (TYCOM) headquarters, COMNAVAIRFOR (NAS North Island, San Diego, CA or NAVSTA Norfolk, VA).
Upon reporting aboard, the officer should notify his/her immediate chain of command of the intention to enroll in the NASO program. Prepare a letter of matriculation and Plan of Actions and Milestones (POA&M) from the templates below and submit with a request chit through your chain of command.
[edit] Program Requirements - Reserve Component(RC)
The requirements for reserve component Supply Corps officers are also spelled out in OPNAVINST 1542.5B(see link below), but differ somewhat from the active component in both time and focus due to the inherent differences in experience level gained during active duty / full time employment vice drill weekend and AT training experience that Reserve officers receive.
While active duty Supply Corps officers can immediately matriculate into the program upon assignment to a qualifying billet, Reserve Supply Corps officers must first locate one of the few qualifying 3-year billets available with the existing NAVAIRFOR N41 reserve logistics support units and affiliate with the reserve unit holding that billet, all before submitting a program matriculation request letter.
Upon finally being accepted into the NASO program via the COMNAVAIRFOR N41, the candidate must complete the entire PQS program and perform three 2-week Annual Training (AT) periods within 2 years at the following aviation supply activities: (1) onboard an aircraft carrier / amphib assault ship that is operating underway and performing air operations, (2) at a NAS ASD, and (3) at the COMNAVAIRFOR TYCOM headquarters. Upon completing all requirements and drilling in the billet for a minimum of 2 years, the candidate may request a board be held (see SECNAVINST 1500.38 for more details).
[edit] Personal Qualification Standard (PQS)
The NASO PQS consists of X sections covering a variety of administrative, functional, and operational areas that an aviation supply officer must be highly knowledgeable in. Questions are designed to force the candidate to understand both basic concepts, practical application, and technical understanding. Seeking the help from your Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist (EAWS)-qualified personnel (SK3, SK2, SK1, and Chiefs) and Chief Warrant Officers to answer each question will both help you learn the material and understand how concepts relate to day-to-day operations.
It is also helpful to draw process flow charts to assist in understanding the steps involved in processing repairable and consummable parts, and documenting all phases of component lifecycle. Understanding the functions of the RCU, TRU, PEB, etc. are necessary to passing the oral board.
[edit] Qualification Board
Once you have completed the PQS booklet and have obtained all section signatures, and you are confident in your knowledge, it's time to lay the groundwork for the oral exam. Begin by notifying your chain of command or NASO sponsor. You'll want to schedule a 15-30 minute meeting with each member of your board to inquire into what areas they expect you to know and will test you on.
After researching and studying each area your board members have told you to study, schedule your "murder board" with a board consisting of the S-6 OIC, the PAL (if serving on a CVN), a NASO-qualified officer, and the S-6 Senior Chief. Let them give you a thorough test first; most SUPPOs require that candidates pass a trial board before being given permission to request a live oral board with the SUPPO, AMO, and CAG.
STUDY, STUDY, STUDY! Know all the material your board members indicated they expect you to know during the oral board. Questions can range from diagramming the full lifecycle of a repairable part, knowing the history and aircraft models of every squadron in the air wing, to explaining the difference between a BCM-2 and BCM-7 code.
Once you pass at least 2 murder boards to the satisfaction of the board members, you can request the final oral qualification board.
[edit] Helpful Documents
[1] - NASO Policy Document
