Aviation Psychologist Badge

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The Aviation Psychologist Badge is a military badge of the United States Navy which is issued to those members of the Navy Medical Service Corps who have been qualified as in-flight aviation observers with certification in psychology, in particular the psychology of in-flight aircraft close quarters and the mental stress of possible combat situations.

The Aviation Psychologist Badge is one of the rarest badges of the United States Navy. Those obtaining the decoration must complete a doctoral degree in experimental, industrial-organizational, or clinical psychology, successfully pass the personal qualification standard (PQS) examination, and must complete the standard training which would normally be required for the Naval Aircrew Badge. The Aviation Psychologist Badge is then only presented after final certification and completion of a pre-determined number of in-flight hours as an aviation medical observer.

The Naval Flight Surgeon Badge is similar to the Aviation Psychologist badge and it is possible for a service member to obtain both decorations. This is often the case for flight surgeons who are also qualified psychiatrists.