A Sailor

“One of the things we can offer that nobody else can offer is the ability to go and learn how to fly. There’s not many opportunities like that and there is no opportunity like that in any other services...Naval aviation is the only place we have aviation psychologists.”


Aerospace Experimental Psychology

Job Overview:

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Classification:
Χ Enlisted
√ Officer
Available in:
√ Active Duty
√ Navy Reserve

In Navy Aerospace Experimental Psychology, you’ll find cutting-edge research in practice. Elite scientists at the top of their fields. And a position of honor and respect waiting should you choose to join such ranks.

Pay:

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Navy Pilots need to be prepared to perform in extreme conditions. Maintain their mental and emotional edge. And have the tools they need to stay at the top of their game. Aerospace experimental psychologists (AEPs) focus on optimizing pilot performance and reducing flight crew error, as well as working to prioritize information coming to the pilot.

It’s a subspecialty that reaps outstanding career benefits and provides essential expertise to the Fleet.

What will you do?

Promote and ensure the safe and effective performance of Navy and Marine Corps personnel in aviation systems. Provide professional and technical guidance in the planning and conducting of research and development and the testing and evaluation of new aviation systems. Tackle problems related to personnel selection, flight training and operational safety.

You may participate in:

  • Human factors engineering
  • Personnel selection and training
  • Operational support and safety
  • Human performance enhancement

Requirements

Basic Requirements

  1. Ph.D. in psychology with primary emphasis in industrial, experimental, cognitive, organizational and/or human factors
  2. Applicants may have completed a Ph.D. in neuroscience, industrial engineering or an interdisciplinary program emphasizing human factors or behavioral science
  3. Applicants who have completed a master’s degree in one of these areas and have four years of commissioned service will be considered

Candidates Must

  1. Meet aviation physical standards
  2. Be able to swim and complete prescribed water survival training
  3. Complete Officer Development School at Newport, RI
  4. Complete a prescribed flight training syllabus
  5. Complete six months of Naval Aerospace Experimental Psychologist training at the Naval Operational Medicine Institute, Pensacola, FL
  6. Serve a utilization tour on Active Duty as a Navy Aerospace Experimental Psychologist

Want to drill deeper? Learn more about other Health Care Opportunities in the Medical Service Corps.

For more information, to talk to a Navy representative or to request a free informative video about the Navy Medical Service Corps, please fill out an information request form. We look forward to hearing from you!

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