The Advanced Engineering Instructor Program offers a unique opportunity for qualified Surface Warfare officers, chief warrant officers, limited duty officers, and senior enlisted engineers to become recognized experts in their field. AEIs play a vital role in enhancing the Surface Force’s tactical readiness by elevating engineering knowledge and training across the Fleet. Their presence onboard ensures timely maintenance and addresses high-failure items, improving overall engineering material readiness and sustainability.

Ultimately, the AEI program fosters maintenance excellence, enhancing fleet knowledge and delivering combat-ready ships early or on time. SWSC will produce 45 AEIs per year with a goal of one AEI per ship by 2029.

AEI duties and responsibilities include:
• As planners: Participate in the planning of Navy Shipyard Maintenance for entering, executing, and exiting maintenance availabilities from ship’s force perspective.
• As thinkers: Develop, validate, standardize, publish, and revise maintenance procedures.
• As teachers: Be assigned a community of focus within their engineering specialty and teach topics within that area while assigned to an AEI Production Tour.

Course of Instruction:

The 68-day AEI course convenes three times per year (March, July, and October) and awards an Additional Qualification Designation to officers and a Navy Enlisted Classification to enlisted personnel. The curriculum is divided into two main sections:
• Common Core (eight weeks): Focuses on availability structure, planning, engineering management, quality assurance, and the Joint Fleet Maintenance Manual.
• Specialty (four weeks): Provides propulsion-specific training, including a light off assessment, damage control material assessments and a combat system light off assessment.

Who is Eligible?

The AEI program is open to a wide range of engineering professionals:
• Surface Warfare Officers: From Ensign to Commander.
• Surface Chief Warrant Officers/Limited Duty Officers: With an engineering background.
• Senior Enlisted Engineers: In the rates of Gas Turbine System Technician, Engineman, Machinist's Mate, Damage Controlman, and Electrician's Mate.

Officers outside these designations may apply with approval from the SWSC N77 director.

Production Tours:

Following the course, AEIs complete production tours at various locations, including Surface Warfare Schools Command, Type Commanders, Naval Surface Groups, Destroyer Squadrons, Engineering Assessments Atlantic and Engineering Assessments Pacific.

What are the service requirements?
• SWOs: While not required to sign the Department Head Retention Bonus, SWOs must commit to a production tour after qualifying as an AEI.
• CWOs/LDOs: Must commit to a production tour after qualification.
• Senior Enlisted: Must have at least six years of service remaining and commit to a production tour.

When and where can I apply?

Applications are accepted four times a year (January, April, September, and October). Deadlines are the second Friday of each month. Submit your completed application to SWSC_NRFK_AEI@us.navy.mil. For feedback on your application, submit it at least 14 days before the deadline and request a review.

How are candidates selected?

Selection is based on a "best-qualified" standard, considering factors such as CO recommendations, performance records, engineering passion, and leadership qualities.

The Red Chip Program: Commanding officers can nominate one exceptional officer or senior enlisted engineer per calendar year for fast-track selection.

What happens after selection?

Upon selection, you're placed in a candidate bank for up to 18 months and awarded the LAS AQD. After completing the course, you'll receive an LAB, LAD, LAG, or LAH AQD (officers) or a NEC (enlisted). Upon completion of the production tour, the LAC AQD is awarded.

The AEI program is a demanding but rewarding opportunity to become a recognized leader in Surface Warfare engineering. If you have the drive, dedication, and passion for engineering, consider applying today!