Flight Attendants (Enlisted)
Opportunities
Flight attendants are responsible for passenger safety during aircraft operations. They manage cabin duties such as briefing passengers on aircraft systems, amenities, and equipment. Flight attendants are responsible for orderly, expeditious evacuation of passengers and crew, and providing emergency medical assistance when necessary. Additionally, they perform pre-flight, through-flight, and post-flight inspections. They also operate a variety of aircraft systems and equipment.
Training Provided
Flight attendants will gain skills through classes and on-the-job experience, including practical experience in aircraft systems operation and maintenance.
- Operation of aircraft in-flight refueling systems
- Cargo, munitions, and fuel load planning
- Rescue and recovery operations
- Aircraft configurations
- US and International geography
- Emergency/plane evacuation procedures
All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training.
Earnings
Military pay and benefits are set by Congress, which normally grants a cost-of-living pay increase once each year. All members of the military receive "basic pay," which is the largest component of a member's pay. A member's grade (usually the same as rank) and years of service determines the amount of basic pay received. Enlisted members can progress through nine enlisted pay grades during their careers. In 2023, most enlisted personnel started as recruits at Grade E-1 ($23,011/year basic pay); however, those with special skills or above average education started as high as Grade E-4 ($30,042/year basic pay). In addition to pay, the military provides many of life's necessities, such as food, clothing, and housing, or pays allowances for them. Other benefits include health care, 30 days paid vacation, legal assistance, recreational programs, education assistance, and military store privileges.
Services offering this occupation
Air Force
Navy