What is Navy A School?
Navy A School, also known as "A School" or "Advanced Training", is the next stage of training for new United States Navy enlistees and officers after completing Basic Training, also known as Boot Camp. This phase of training is designed to equip new sailors with the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their specific jobs, or ratings, within the Navy.
Types of Navy A Schools
There are various types of Navy A Schools, including:
• Class "A" Schools: These schools focus on teaching specialized skills required for a specific rating, such as aircraft maintenance, medical procedures, or cooking.
• Class "B" Schools: These schools provide additional training and instruction for ratings that require advanced skills, such as electronics, mechanical repair, or aviation mechanics.
• Class "C" Schools: These schools are specialized training programs that provide instruction in advanced skills or unique areas, such as diving, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), or cybersecurity.
Length of Navy A School
The length of Navy A School can vary depending on the rating and the complexity of the training. Typically, Navy A School lasts between 7-15 weeks, but some courses can take up to several months to complete.
What is Covered in Navy A School?
In Navy A School, sailors learn specific skills and knowledge related to their rating. Some of the topics covered include:
• Job-specific tasks: Sailors learn the technical skills required for their rating, such as aircraft maintenance, medical procedures, or cooking.
• Safety procedures: Sailors learn safety procedures and protocols for their specific job, such as firefighting, hazardous materials handling, or first aid.
• Leadership and teamwork: Sailors learn leadership and teamwork skills to work effectively with others and lead by example.
• Problem-solving and critical thinking: Sailors develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills to tackle complex tasks and make informed decisions.
• Standard operating procedures: Sailors learn standard operating procedures and protocols for their job, including troubleshooting and maintenance.
How is Navy A School Conducted?
Navy A School is conducted through a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on training, and simulations. Some common training methods used in Navy A School include:
• Lectures: Instructors provide lectures and presentations to introduce new concepts and techniques.
• Hands-on training: Sailors perform hands-on exercises and activities to practice and reinforce their skills.
• Simulations: Sailors participate in simulated exercises and scenarios to practice their skills in a realistic and controlled environment.
• Practical application: Sailors apply their skills in real-world scenarios, working on equipment, vehicles, or machinery.
Where is Navy A School Conducted?
Navy A Schools are conducted at various naval training facilities across the United States. Some of the most well-known Navy A Schools include:
• Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC): Located in Gulfport, Mississippi, the NOSC is one of the largest Navy A Schools, offering training in various ratings including aviation, intelligence, and medical.
• Navy Supply Corps School: Located in Newport, Rhode Island, the Navy Supply Corps School offers training in logistics, supply chain management, and material management.
• Naval Education and Training Command (NETC): Located in Pensacola, Florida, the NETC offers training in aviation, diving, and explosive ordnance disposal.
Conclusion
Navy A School is an essential phase of training for new United States Navy enlistees and officers, providing them with the skills and knowledge needed to perform their specific jobs. From classroom instruction to hands-on training and simulations, Navy A School prepares sailors for the challenges they will face in their military careers. With various types of A Schools and training facilities across the country, Navy A School is an essential step in the journey to becoming a skilled and effective Navy sailor.