The basic prerequisite for the Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist insignia is that a service member be assigned in a sea-duty status to a deployable naval aviation unit or aviation capable ship. Most service members earning this insignia hold an enlisted rating designated in aviation (though a non-aviation rating is still eligible), or a support rating; in the 21st century Navy the ratings that are eligible include:

AB: Aviation Boatswain's Mate
AC: Air Traffic Controller
AD: Aviation Machinist's Mate
AE: Aviation Electrician's Mate
AG: Aerographer's Mate
LS: Logistics Specialist
AM: Aviation Structural Mechanic
AO: Aviation Ordnanceman
AS: Aviation Support Equipment Technician
AT: Aviation Electronics Technician
AWO: Naval Aircrewman (Operator)
AWV: Naval Aircrewman (Avionics)
AWF: Naval Aircrewman (Mechanical)
AME: Aviation Structural Mechanic Safety Equipmentman
AZ: Aviation Maintenance Administrationman
HM: Hospital Corpsman
PR: Aircrew Survival Equipmentman
PS: Personnel Specialist
YN: Yeoman
The non-designated striker rates[jargon] of Airman, Airman Apprentice, and Airman Recruit are also eligible to receive the Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist insignia. However, due to the time involved in the qualification procedure, most service members obtain at least a Petty Officer Third Class rating before earning the EAWS insignia. Sailors outside the aviation community are eligible to attain EAWS designation; however they must first complete the warfare specialist qualification for their community.