United States Navy ratings are generalenlistedoccupations used by theU.S. Navy since the 18th century, which denote the specific skills and abilities of the sailor. Eachnaval rating has its own specialty badge, which is worn on the left sleeve of dress uniforms ofenlisted personnel. U.S. naval ratings are the equivalent ofmilitary occupational specialty codes (MOS codes) used by theUnited States Army and theUnited States Marine Corps, theratings system used by theUnited States Coast Guard, andAir Force Specialty Codes (AFSC) used by theUnited States Air Force andUnited States Space Force.

Ratings should not be confused withrates, which are used to identify personnel of specific a rating and pay grade. For example, if a sailor has the pay-grade of E-5 (petty officer second class) and the rating ofboatswain's mate, then combining the two—boatswain's mate second class (BM2)—defines both pay grade and rating in formal address or epistolary salutation. Thus, boatswain's mate second class (BM2) would be that sailor's rate.^[1]

Sailors from pay-grades E-1 to E-3 that have no rates, are considered to be in apprenticeships or training for a rating, thus the slang term "undes" (Pronounced UN-DEZ) (un-designated) when referring to them as a group. A Sailor actively working toward a specific rating is referred to as "striking for a rating" and is called a "striker". E-1 to E-3 are divided into five general occupational fields (airman, constructionman, fireman, hospitalman, or seaman) based on their rate. For example, an AD (Aviation Machinist's Mate) E-3 would be referred to as an Airman, an E-2 as an Airman Apprentice, and E-1 as an Airman Recruit. The paper designation for these is ADAN, ADAA, and ADAR respectively, SN, SA, and SR for sea-going rates, FN, FA, FR for engineering and damage control rates, CN, CA, CR for Seabee, naval construction units, and HN, HA, and HR for Corpsman.^[1]

Naval Officers: Although naval officers do specialize in various fields their occupations are classified according todesignators for both officers of the line (i.e., line officers) and those of the professionalstaff corps.^[2]

The U.S. Navy's enlisted occupational system was a product of more than 200 years of Naval evolution. The Navy of theUnited Colonies of the 1775 era offered only a few different jobs above the level of ordinary seaman. These included Boatswain's mate,Quartermaster, andGunner's Mate. These were titles of the jobs that individuals were actually performing and became the basis forpetty officers and ratings. During this time, ship crews were taken from civilian life and enlisted for only one cruise, thus making the job at hand the primary consideration, rather than career possibilities. It was not until 1841 that distinguishing marks for a rating were prescribed in the Regulations of theSecretary of the Navy, but specialty marks were not added to enlisted men's uniforms until 1866. The marks consisted of the tools or instruments used in each rating's specific duty. The Master-at-Arms, the police officer of a ship, wore the star of authority and the Gunner's Mate wore two crossed cannons. Currently, all specialty marks for new ratings are approved by the Permanent Naval Uniform Board, which is a division of the Bureau of Naval Personnel.^[3]

As the U.S. Navy's rating system changed so did the U.S. Navy. The firststeamship,mine,radar,torpedo,aircraft carrier, and many other "firsts" all established a new era in the Navy, and each directly impacted the enlisted occupation structure. DuringWorld War II, the U.S. Navy also briefly maintained a rating of "Specialist", similar to the rank in theU.S. Army. The rating of "Specialist" was discontinued in 1948.

Since the establishment of the rating system, the U.S. Navy enlisted rating structure played a key role in career development, serving as a basis for training, detailing, advancement, and simply keeping tabs on several hundred thousand sailors.^[3]

Beginning in June 2016, at the express direction of thenSecretary of the NavyRay Mabus, the thenMaster Chief Petty Officer of the Navy,Michael D. Stevens, oversaw a review of the Navy's existing enlisted rating system.^[4] After Stevens's retirement, a group of senior enlisted leaders came to the conclusion that the Navy needed to replace its current enlisted system and announced the changes on 29 September 2016 with the release of NAVADMIN 218/16.^[5][6] The changes would have eliminated ratings in favor of the generic titles of "Seaman" (E-1 to E-3) or "Petty Officer" (E-4 to E-6) and accompanying Navy Occupational Specialty (NOS) codes.^{[7][8][9][10][11]} The Navy stated that the decision was motivated by a desire to assist former sailors in obtaining employment after their naval service by making naval job titles more congruent with their civilian counterparts, as well as to make said titles more unisex.^{[9][10][11][8][12][4]}

However, the "overwhelmingly unpopular decision" was not well received as many sailors had grown accustomed and attached to their ratings, viewing them as a source of morale. Further, they had no desire to be unisex.^[4] In response to widespread criticism, ratings were reinstated with immediate effect on 20 December 2016.^[13] Former CNOAdmiralJohn Richardson indicated he still intended to change the personnel system in the future; however, he stepped down in 2019, and there has since been no change.

The pay gradesE-4 (petty officer third class) throughE-9 (master chief petty officer) fall within the rating structure. It is further broken down into four types of ratings and classifications:

• 57 General ratings: consisting of broad occupational fields such asboatswain's mate,electronics technician,machinist's mate,fire controlman, etc.
• 37 Service ratings: which are made up of sub categories of general ratings that require further specialized training and qualifications. Service ratings are established, changed, or removed depending on service requirements and changes in the way personnel are managed.
• 4 Compression ratings (AF, AV, CU, CB): Identify the combining of several general or service ratings at paygrade E-9 (E-8 for CU) to form broader career fields when the occupational content is similar. These ratings exist only at the E-8/E-9 levels and are not identified previously as a general or service rating.
• Navy Enlisted Classifications (NEC), which are alphanumeric codes attached to a specific rating and are frequently used to indicate specialized qualifications and Emergency ratings.
• Emergency ratings, which are specific ratings that can be established in time of war and are distinguished by a letter of the alphabet enclosed in a diamond.^[14]

Paygrades E-1 through E-3 can also have a rating abbreviation preceding their paygrade symbol if they are graduates of Class "A" schools; have received the rating designation in a previous enlistment; are assigned to a billet in that specialty as astriker; have passed an advancement examination and not been selected for advancement for reasons of numeric limitations on advancements; or have been reduced in rate because of punishment. Examples: BMSR is a boatswain's mate seaman recruit (paygrade E-1); MMFA is a machinist's mate fireman apprentice (paygrade E-2); EOCN is an equipment operator constructionman (paygrade E-3). HN is hospitalman, which is ahospital corpsman with the paygrade of E-3.

Insignia	General rating	Abbreviation	Service rating	Abbreviation
	Aviation boatswain's mate	AB[I]	(Launching & Recovery) (Fuels) (Aircraft Handling)	ABE ABF ABH
	Aviation Boatswain's Mates are responsible foraircraft catapults,arresting gear and barricades. They operatefuel and lubeoil transfer systems, as well as direct aircraft on theflight deck and in hangar bays before launch and after recovery. They use tow tractors to position planes and operatesupport equipment used to start aircraft.[15]
	Air traffic controller	AC
	Air Traffic Controllers assist with the speedy flow of air traffic by directing and controlling aircraft. They operate field lighting systems and communicate with aircraft. They furnish pilots with information regarding traffic,navigation, andweather conditions, as well as operate and adjustground-controlled approach (GCA) systems and interpret targets on radar screens and plot aircraft positions.[15]
	Aviation Machinist's Mate	AD[II]
	Aviation Machinist's Mates are usually assigned to billets concerned with the maintenance ofturbo-jet aircraft engines and associated equipment. They are responsible for the maintenance and replacement ofaircraft engines and accessories, as well as performing the duties offlight engineers.[15]
	Aviation Electrician's Mate	AE[III]
	Aviation Electrician's Mates are responsible for aircraft electrical power generating and converting systems. They maintain lighting,control, and indicating systems and can install as well as maintainflight andengine instrument systems.[15]
	Aerographer's Mate	AG
	Aerographer's Mates are the U.S. Navy's weather forecasters. They are trained inmeteorology and the use of aerological instruments that monitorair pressure,temperature,humidity,wind speed, anddirection. They prepareweather maps andforecasts and can analyzeatmospheric conditions to determine the best flight levels for aircraft. An AG can measure wind and air density to aid the accuracy ofanti-aircraft firing, shorebombardment and delivery of weapons by aircraft.[15]
	Aviation Structural Mechanic	AM[II]	(Safety Equipment) (Hydraulics and Structures)	AME AM
	Aviation Structural Mechanics are responsible for the maintenance of many aircraft parts such aswings,fuselage,tail,control surfaces,landing gear, andhydraulic systems. AME's maintain and repair oxygen, cockpit and cabin pressurization, and ejection seat systems.[15]
	Aviation Ordnanceman	AO
	Aviation Ordnancemen operate and handleaviation ordnance equipment. They are responsible for the maintenance ofguns,bombs,torpedoes,rockets, andmissiles. Their duties include the stowing, issuing, and loading ofmunitions andsmall arms.[15]
	Aviation Support Equipment Technician	AS
	Aviation Support Equipment Technicians perform intermediate maintenance on aviation accessory equipment atnaval air stations and aboardaircraft carriers. They maintaingasoline anddiesel engines,gas turbinecompressor units and electrical systems.[15]
	Aviation electronics technician	AT[III]
	Aviation Electronics Technicians are responsible for the maintenance ofradars,avionics, and navigation systems at all times. They do checks on equipment, and calibration of many aviation electronics systems on a regular basis.[15]
	Naval Aircrewman	AW	(Operator) (Mechanical) (Avionics) (Helicopter) (Tactical Helicopter)	AWO AWF AWV AWS AWR
	Naval Aircrewman operate airborneradar and electronic equipment used in detecting, locating, and trackingsubmarines. They provide information for aircraft and surfacenavigation and act ashelicopter-rescue crewmen, and function as part of theflight crew on long-range and intermediate-range aircraft.
	Aviation Maintenance Administrationman	AZ
	Aviation Maintenance Administrationmen performclerical,administrative, andmanagerial duties necessary to keep aircraft maintenance activities running smoothly. They schedule and coordinate the maintenance workload, including inspections and modifications to aircraft and equipment.[15]
	Aircrew Survival Equipmentman	PR
	Aircrew Survival Equipmentmen are responsible for the packing and care ofparachutes. They maintainflight clothing,rubber life rafts,life jackets,oxygen-breathing apparatus,protective clothing, and air-sea rescue equipment.[15] The abbreviation comes from the former official title (still used informally) ofparachute rigger.[16]

I^ : ABE, ABF, and ABH combine at paygrade E-9 to the rate ofMaster Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate (ABCM).^[17]
II^ : AM and AME combine at paygrade E-8 to the rate ofSenior Chief Structural Mechanic (AMCS); AM, AME, and AD combine at paygrade E-9 to the rate ofMaster Chief Aircraft Maintenanceman (AFCM).
III^ : AE and AT combine at paygrade E-9 to the rate ofMaster Chief Avionics Technician (AVCM).
IV^ : In 2008, the AW rating merged with all other aircrew NECs and changed their title from aviation warfare system operators to naval aircrewman.

Insignia	General rating	Abbreviation	Service rating	Abbreviation
	Builder	BU[I][IV]
	Navy builders are like civilianconstruction workers. They are skilledcarpenters,plasterers,roofers, cement finishers, asphalt workers,masons, andpainters. They build and repair all types of structures including: piers, bridges, towers, schools, offices, houses, and other buildings.[15]
	Construction Electrician	CE[II][IV]
	Construction Electricians are responsible for the power production andelectrical work required to build and operate airfields, roads, barracks, and hospitals. The work of a CE is equivalent to civilian constructionelectricians,telephone andelectrical repairmen,lineman, and others.[15]
	Construction Mechanic	CM[III][IV]
	Construction Mechanics maintain many types of construction machinery including;buses,dump trucks,bulldozers,rollers,cranes,backhoes, andpile drivers. They work on gasoline and dieselengines andtransmissions. They also repairelectrical,hydraulic,pneumatic andsteering systems.[15]
	Engineering Aide	EA[I][IV]
	Engineering Aides provide construction engineers with information needed to develop final construction plans. They conductsurveys for roads, airfields, buildings, etc. They performsoil tests, preparetopographic andhydrographic maps. They also survey forsewers,water lines,drainage systems andunderwater excavations.[15]
	Equipment Operator	EO[III][IV]
	Equipment Operators work with heavy machinery such asbulldozers,power shovels,pile drivers, etc. They use this machinery to digditches, excavate forbuilding foundations, break up oldconcrete orasphalt paving and pour newpaving. They grade and remove debris from construction sites, raisegirders, and move and set in place other pieces of equipment or materials needed for the job.[15]
	Steelworker	SW[I][IV]
	Steelworkers rig and operate all special equipment used to move or hoist structuralsteel, structural shapes and similar material. They erect and dismantle steel bridges, piers, buildings,storage tanks, etc. They work with steel shapes, plates and built-up sections used in the construction of overseas facilities. They are skilled inarc welding,MIG welding,TIG welding, andgas welding.[15]
	Utilitiesman	UT[II][IV]
	Utilitiesmen supervise and perform tasks involved in the installation and maintenance of plumbing, steam,compressed air and fuel storage and distribution systems. They maintainair conditioning andrefrigeration equipment, as well as sewage collecting and disposal facilities.[15]

I^ : BU, EA, and SW combine, as follows:

• at paygrade E-8 to the rating ofSenior Chief Constructionman (CUCS)
• before NAVADMIN 054/21; at paygrade E-9 to the rating ofMaster Chief Constructionman (CUCM).^[18]

II^ : Before NAVADMIN 054/21; CE and UT combine at paygrade E-9 to the rating ofMaster chief Utilitiesman (UCCM).^[18]
III^ : Before NAVADMIN 054/21; CM and EO combine at paygrade E-9 to the rating ofMaster chief equipmentman (EQCM).^[18]

IV^ : Per NAVADMIN 054/21: Constructionman Master Chief (CUCM), Equipmentman Master Chief (EQCM) and Utilities Constructionman Master Chief (UCCM) [E-9 paygrades] rating names, all change to Seabee Master Chief (CBCM). The change applies to Active-Duty and Selected Reserve Sailors. Those Master Chiefs already in CUCM, EQCM or UCCM ratings were to be automatically converted to CBCM on 15 March 2021, but current source ratings badges were to be retained.

Insignia	General rating	Abbreviation	Service rating	Abbreviation
	Hospital Corpsman	HM
	Hospital Corpsmen aremedical professionals who provide health care to service people and their families. They serve aspharmacy technicians,medical technicians,nurse's aides,physician's ordentist's assistants, battlefieldcorpsman (8404), and more. All work falls into several categories:first aid and minorsurgery, patient transportation, patient care,prescriptions and laboratory work, food service inspections, and clerical duties.[15] Also issued tocorpsmen attached to Marine Corps units.

Insignia	General rating	Abbreviation	Service rating	Abbreviation
	Boatswain's Mate	BM
	Boatswain's Mates train and supervise personnel in all activities relating tomarlinspike,deck, andboat seamanship, and oversee the maintenance of the ship's external structure and deck equipment. They act aspetty officers in charge of small craft and may perform duties asmaster-at-arms, serve in or take charge ofgun crews, anddamage control parties. Boatswain's Mates are also responsible for the "deck side" watch. In port, three of the crew are on deck watch 24/7 (in hazardous areas such as war zones there are more than three, depending on ship's size). They are the Officer of the Deck, Boatswain's Mate of the watch, and Messenger of the Watch (usually a Seaman or Seaman Apprentice). They are stationed very close to the gangway and monitor all the comings and goings of persons to and from the ship. At sea the boatswain's mate of the watch is within ear shot of the conning officer (on the bridge). The boatswain's mate of the watch supervises the rest of the enlisted watch standers on deck. They include helmsman, messenger of the watch, and all the look outs. In port or at sea the boatswain's mate of the watch is charged with the responsibility of making all announcements to the crew; everything from chow call to general quarters (battle stations).[15]
	Culinary Specialist	CS	(Surface) (Subsurface)	CS CSS
	Culinary Specialists prepare menus and order food items. They operategalley and dining facilities, manage large facilities, keep records for food supplies and financial budgets, and can even serve asflight attendant aircrewmen. They can also serve as a personal food service specialist,household/estate manager or chef for anadmiral, theFirst Family,President of the United States atCamp David and theWhite House, to theVice President atNumber One Observatory Circle or for acommanding officer aboard ship or at shore bases. Ashore, Culinary Specialists often manage and maintain clubs, TAD hotels and Permanent Party naval barracks.[19]
	Cryptologic Technician	CT[I]	(Interpretive) (Maintenance) (Collection) (Technical)	CTI CTM CTR CTT
	Cryptologic Technicians control the flow of messages and information and also conduct electronic warfare. Their work depends on their specific branch: CTAs or administration cryptologic technicians perform administrative andclerical duties that control access toclassified material. CTIs or interpretive cryptologic technicians handle radiotelephonecommunications and foreign language translation. CTMs or maintenance cryptologic technicians maintainelectronic andelectromechanical equipment. CTRs or collection cryptologic technicians handle allMorse code communications and operateradio direction-finding equipment. Finally, CTTs or technical cryptologic technicians deal with electronic warfare. CTTs are the first line of defense against inbound threats and anti-ship missiles. They also collect, analyze, and provide electronic intelligence support to commands throughout the world.[15]
	Cyber Warfare Technician	CWT
	A Cyber Warfare Technician (formerly known as Cryptologic Technician Networks), fights in the battlespace of the future. They use state-of-the-art tech to perform offensive and defensive cyber operations, investigating and tracking enemies while also protecting networks from attacks.
	Explosive Ordnance Disposal	EOD
	Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technicians locate, identify, render safe and dispose of all forms of ordnance (conventional,nuclear,chemical,biological,military, andimprovised) both U.S. and foreign made. Parachute or helicopter insertion and deep-seadiving capabilities are sometimes necessary to perform this mission. In addition to working closely with other military services, EOD technicians occasionally assistcivilian law enforcement agencies.[20]
	Electronics Technician	ET	Surface Nuclear Power Submarine, Navigation Submarine, Communications	ET ETN[21] ETV[21] ETR[21]
	Electronics Technicians are responsible for electronic equipment used to send and receive messages, detect enemy planes and ships, and determine target distances. They maintain, repair, andcalibrate all electronic equipment used for communications, detectiontracking, identification, andnavigation. Specially qualified electronics technicians are employed onboardnuclear-powered ships to operate thenuclear reactor and maintain its control subsystems.[15]
	Fire Controlman	FC	Conventional Non-Conventional (Aegis)	FC FCA
	Fire Controlmen (FC's) maintain the control mechanism used inweapons systems on combat ships. Complexelectronic,electrical andhydraulic equipment is required to ensure the accuracy of Navyguided-missile and surface gunfire-control systems. They are responsible for the operation, routine care and repair of this equipment, which includesradars,computers,weapons direction equipment,target designation systems,gyroscopes andrangefinders.[15] Fire controlman - Aegis (FCA's) maintain theAegis Combat System, an integrated naval weapons system on theTiconderoga-class cruiser and theArleigh Burke-class destroyer.
	Fire Control Technician	FT
	Fire Control Technicians maintain the electronic equipment used insubmarine weapons systems. They are responsible for the operation and maintenance of the complex electronic, electrical and mechanicalequipment required to ensure the accuracy of Navyguided-missile systems and underwater weapons.[15] They are responsible for boat safety by recognizing and analyzing data from several critical systems including sonar, radar, periscope, radio, and torpedo inputs.[citation needed]
	Gunner's Mate	GM
	Gunner's Mates operate and maintain all gunnery equipment,guided-missile launching systems,rocket launchers,guns,turrets, and associated equipment. They repairelectrical,electronic,hydraulic and mechanical systems, and make detailed casualty analysis. They testammunition,missiles and their ordnance components. GMs train and supervise personnel in the handling and stowage ofammunition,missiles, and assigned ordnance equipment.[15]
	Intelligence Specialist	IS
	Intelligence Specialists are involved in collecting and interpretingintelligence especially secret information about enemies or potential enemies. They analyze photographs and prepare charts, maps, and reports that describe in detail the strategic situation all over the world.[15]
	Information systems technician	IT	(Surface) (Subsurface) (Electronic Warfare) (Communications) (Network)	IT ITS ITE ITR ITN
	Information Systems Technicians design, install, operate, and maintain state-of-the-art information systems. This technology includeslocal andwide area networks,mainframe,mini andmicrocomputer systems and associatedperipheral devices. They also write programs to handle the collection, manipulation, and distribution of data for a wide variety of applications and requirements. They perform the functions of acomputer system analyst, operatetelecommunications systems including automated networks and the full spectrum ofdata links andcircuits.[22] While onboard submarines, they are split into three ratings: ITE (Electronic Warfare), ITR (Communications) and ITN (Network)[23]
	Legalman	LN
	Legalmen are the Navy'sparalegals. They assist Staff Judge Advocates in the proper administration of military justice and administrativelaw, such ascourts-martial,nonjudicial punishment, and administrative separation. They work in Region Legal Service Offices (RLSO), Defense Service Offices, aboard aircraft carriers and large amphibious ships, and at various independent duty locations. Legalmen assist service members, retirees, and their family members with powers of attorney, wills,tax returns,voter registration procedures,immigration and customs regulations,Social Security regulations, andveterans' benefits.[15]
	Logistics Specialist	LS	(Surface) (Subsurface)	LS LSS
	Logistics Specialists manage inventories and issuance of repair parts/general supplies and specialized supplies (e.g., personal flight gear for naval aircrews or specialized combat equipment for Navy SEALs or Naval Military Construction Battalion "Seabees"), as well as distribute mail for naval ships, submarines, aviation squadrons, and shore-based activities. They procure, receive, store and issue material and repair selected components. They utilize financial accounting and database systems to perform inventory and financial management functions. Additionally, they sort and distribute all official and personal mail, manage money order and stamp inventories, and maintain financial and inventory reports.[15]
	Master-at-Arms	MA
	Masters-at-Arms upholdlaw and order aboard ships, shore stations, control access to naval installations, and deploy overseas with expeditionary forces and squadrons performing antiterrorism/force protection (AT/FP) duties. The basic duty of an MA is to enforce rules and regulations, maintain good order anddiscipline, and protect life and property. Some other duties include conducting criminal investigations, personal protective services, take part incorrectional and rehabilitative programs, military working dog (MWD) handlers, small arms instruction, lethal andnon-lethal weapons training, and organize and train sailors assigned to shore patrol police duty. Their equivalents in the civilian world are detectives, security guards, and policemen.[15]
	Mass Communication Specialist	MC
	Mass Communication Specialists arepublic affairs and visual information experts. They present theU.S. Navy story to audiences in the Navy and to the rest of the world through a variety of media. Mass communication specialists write and produce print and broadcastjournalism, news, and feature stories for military and civilian newspapers, magazines, television and radio broadcast stations. They recordstill andvideo photography of military operations, exercises, and other Navy events.[15]
	Mineman	MN
	Minemen test, maintain, and repairmines and their components. They are responsible for assembling, testing, and delivering mines to theplanting agent. They maintain minehandling and minelaying equipment.[15] At sea, minemen primarily man Avenger Class mine countermeasures ships as well the new Independence Class littoral combat ships as a part of the MCM module. Their duties at sea include but are not limited to: operating mine hunting sonar, operating remote controlled submersibles in prosecuting mine-like contacts, rigging and deploying minesweeping gear as well as standing normal underway deck and combat information center watches.[24]
	Missile technician	MT
	Missile Technicians operate and maintain the UGM-133Trident II D5missile Strategic Weapon System (SWS) carried aboard ballistic missile submarines and at strategic weapons facilities. Missile technicians operate and maintainelectronic,mechanical,hydraulic andpneumatic strategic weapon subsystems, test and operate the MK98fire-control system and MK 6guidance system, perform classified targeting operations, and provide physical security to nuclear weapon systems.[15]
	Musician	MU
	Musicians play in officialNavy bands and special groups such asjazz bands,dance bands and small ensembles. They giveconcerts and providemusic for military ceremonies, religious services,parades,receptions anddances. Official unit bands usually do not includestringed instruments, but each musician must be able to play at least onebrass,woodwind orpercussion instrument. Sailors are selected for this rating through auditions.[15]
	Navy Counselor	NC	(Career) (Recruiter)	NC(C) NC(R)
	Navy Counselors offervocational guidance toNavy personnel — individually and in groups — aboard ships and at shore facilities. They assess the interests, aptitudes, abilities and personalities of individuals and assist them in reaching their full potential. They are responsible directly to the command triumvirate (CO, XO, CMC) and report on many items such as retention, attrition, advancement, testing and various other facets of the career development program. Additionally, it is their keen eye and attention to detail that ensure personnel throughout the command are updated on current Navy policies in regards to career management, off duty education and administrative procedures, among various other responsibilities.[15]
	Operations specialist	OS
	Operations Specialists operateradar,navigation andcommunications equipment in the shipboardcombat information centers (CICs) orbridges. They detect and track ships, planes, and missiles. They operate and maintainidentification friend or foe (IFF) systems,electronic countermeasures (ECM) equipment andradio-telephones.[15] They control and assist aircraft.
	Personnel Specialist	PS
	Personnel Specialists provide enlisted personnel with information andcounseling about Navy jobs, opportunities for generaleducation andtraining, and promotion requirements. They assist enlisted members' families withlegal aid or reassignments in hardship situations. Personnel Specialists keep records up to date, prepare reports, type letters and maintain files.[15]
	Quartermaster	QM[III]
	Quartermasters assist thenavigator andofficer of the deck (OOD), steer the ship, take radarbearings and ranges, makedepth soundings andcelestial observations, plotcourses and command small craft.[15]
	Religious Program Specialist	RP
	Religious Program Specialists assistNavy chaplains with administrative andbudgetary tasks. They serve as custodians ofchapel funds, keep religious documents and stay in contact with religious and community agencies. They prepare devotional and religiouseducational materials, set up volunteer programs, operate shipboardlibraries, supervise chaplains' offices and perform administrative, clerical and secretarial duties. They train personnel in religious programs and publicize religious activities.[15]
	Retail Services Specialist	RS
	Retail Services Specialists managebarber shops,tailor shops, ships'uniform stores,laundries,dry cleaning plants andcobbler shops. They serve as clerks inexchanges,gas stations,warehouses, andcommissary stores. Some RSs function as Navy club managers.[25][26]
	Robotics Warfare Specialist	RW
	Robotics Warfare Specialists enable Robotic and Autonomous System (RAS) operations and maintenance at the tactical edge. RWs are subject matter experts for computer vision, mission autonomy, navigation autonomy, data systems, artificial intelligence and machine learning on RAS platforms.[27]
	Special Warfare Boat Operator	SB
	Special Warfare Boat Operators (SWCC - special warfare combatant-craft crewmen) drive fastspeedboats down narrow, windingrivers, or the openocean while performing high speed, medium range, or all weather insertion/extraction ofspecial operations forces. They participate in maritime interdiction operations, tactical swimmer operations,intelligence collection, operation deception, and coastal patrol.[28]
	Special Warfare Operator	SO
	Special Warfare Operators areNavy SEALs, which are the Navy's primary unconventional warfare units that conduct warfare atSEa, in theAir, and onLand (SEAL). A SEAL's core skills consist of:sniper, breacher, communicator, maritime/engineering,close air support, driver,navigator (rural/urban/protective security), heavy weapons operator,sensitive site exploitation, air operations (parachuting/helicopter insertion, etc.), climber,interrogator, technical surveillance, and advanced special operations. SEALs oversee ocean-bornemine disposal, carry out direct action raids against military targets, conductreconnaissance, and secure beachheads for invadingamphibious forces.[28]
	Sonar Technician	ST	(Surface) (Subsurface)	STG STS
	Sonar Technicians are responsible for underwatersurveillance. They assist in safenavigation and are responsible for undersea communications. They operate and repairsonar equipment and auxiliaries. Sonar Technicians operate, maintain and repair sonar systems,antisubmarine warfarefire control equipment and other various equipment associated with underwater detection, counter-detection, warfare and communications.[15]
	Yeoman	YN	(Surface) (Subsurface)	YN YNS
	Yeomen performadministrative andclerical work. They deal with visitors, coordinate worldwide travel, submit passport applications,telephone calls and incomingmail, and assist various ships, squadrons, staff commands, and special warfare teams around the world with administrative tasks. They write and type business and social letters, notices, directives, forms and reports.[15]

I^ : Cryptologic Technician now includes former rating of electronic warfare technician (EW).^[29]
II^ : Information Systems Technician now includes former rating of cryptologic technician – communications (CTO).^[29]
III^ : Quartermaster QM now exists as electronics technician (navigation) ETV on submarines.^[29]
IIII^^ : LN and RP are also issued to sailors attached to Marine units.

Insignia	General rating	Abbreviation	Service rating	Abbreviation
	Damage Controlman	DC[I]
	Damage Controlmen perform the work necessary fordamage control, ship stability,fire-fighting. They also prepare defenses againstchemical, biological and radiological (CBR) warfare attacks. They instruct personnel in damage control and CBR defense and repair damage-control equipment and systems.[15]
	Electrician's Mate	EM	(Nuclear)	EMN
	Electrician's Mates are responsible for the operation and repair of a ship's or station'selectrical power plant and electrical equipment. They also maintain and repair power and lightingcircuits,distribution switchboards,generators,motors and other electrical equipment. Specially qualified electrician's mates are employed onboardnuclear-powered ships to operate and maintain the electrical power subsystems innuclear reactors.[15]
	Engineman	EN
	Enginemen are responsible for internaldiesel andgasoline engines. They also maintainrefrigeration,air-conditioning,distilling-plant engines and compressors.[15]
	Gas Turbine System Technician	GS	(Electrical) (Mechanical)	GSE GSM
	Gas Turbine System Technicians are responsible for allgas turbine engines. They maintainpropulsion machinery, includinggears, shafting and controllable pitchpropellers, assigned auxiliary equipment propulsion control systems,electrical andelectronic circuitry up to the printed circuit module, andalarm and warning circuitry. They handle administrative tasks related togas turbine propulsion system operation andmaintenance.[15]
	Hull Maintenance Technician	HT[I]
	Hull Maintenance Technicians are responsible for maintainingships' hulls,fittings,piping systems andmachinery. They install and maintain all shipboard and shore basedplumbing and piping systems. They look after a vessel'ssafety andsurvival equipment and perform many tasks related todamage control.[15]
	Interior Communications Electrician	IC[II]
	Interior Communications Electricians operate and repair electronic devices used in the ship's interiorcommunications systems, Shipboard Information, Training and Entertainment (SITE) TV systems,1MC (public address system), electronicmegaphones and other announcing equipment. They are responsible for thegyrocompass systems.[15]
	Machinist's Mate	MM	(Nuclear) submarine (Weapons) submarine (Auxiliary)	MMN MMA
	Machinist's Mates are responsible for the continuous operation of the manyengines,compressors,gears,refrigeration, andair-conditioning equipment along with other types of machinery on board ships and shore installations. They are responsible for the ship'ssteam propulsion and auxiliary equipment and the outside (deck) machinery. Specially trained and qualified machinist's mates are deployed onboardnuclear-powered ships to operate and maintain the machinery and piping innuclear reactors. Some nuclear machinists mates (engineering laboratory technicians) receive additional specialization inhealth physics and maintaining reactor chemistry.[15]
	Torpedoman's Mate	TM	submarine (Weapons, not SLBMS)
	Torpedoman's Mates are responsible for all phases of weapons loading, unloading and storage on all classes of submarines. This includes torpedoes, Tomahawk missiles and countermeasure devices. A TM works on high pressure air and hydraulic systems to maintain loading and launching capabilities for torpedo and vertical launch tubes.[30]
	Machinery Repairman	MR[I]
	Machinery Repairmen are skilled machine tool operators. They make replacement parts and repair or overhaul a ship's engine auxiliary equipment, such asevaporators,air compressors andpumps. They repair deck equipment, includingwinches,hoists,condensers, andheat exchange devices. Shipboard machinery repairmen frequently operate mainpropulsion machinery, besides performing machine shop and repair duties.
	Navy Diver	ND
	Navy divers are responsible for a wide variety of tasks like underwater ship maintenance,construction, andunderwater rescue. They are assigned toNaval Special Warfare Units to provide diving technical expertise and supervisory support to all submersible operations. Also issued to sailors attached to Marine units.[31]

Prior to March 2014, IC and EM combine at paygrade E-9 to the rating of Master Chief Electrician's Mate (EMCM). After that time, the IC Rating was moved to the Seaman ratings group from the Fireman ratings group. Now, upon selection to E9, ICCS is promoted to ICCM.^[32]

Insignia	General rating	Abbreviation	Status
	Aviation Storekeeper	AK	Merged into Storekeeper on 1 January 2003.[33]
	Aviation Structural Mechanic (Hydraulics) Aviation Structural Mechanic (Structures)	AMH AMS	Merged intoAviation Structural Mechanic on 1 March 2001.[33]
	Aviation Support Equipment Technician (Electrical) Aviation Support Equipment Technician (Hydraulics and Structure) Aviation Support Equipment Technician (Mechanical)	ASE ASH ASM	Merged intoAviation Support Equipment Technician on 1 March 1990.[33]
	Aviation Antisubmarine Warfare Technician Aviation Fire Control Technician	AX AQ	Merged intoAviation Electronics Technician on 1 January 1991.[34]
	Boiler Technician	BT	Merged intoMachinist's Mate on 1 October 1996.[35]
	Cryptologic Technician (Communications) Cryptologic Technician (Administration)Cryptologic Technician (Networking)	CTO CTA CTN	Merged intoInformation Systems Technician on 1 March 2006.[33] Merged into Yeoman on 1 October 2007. Changed to Cyber Warfare Technician on 29 June 2023.[36]
	Disbursing Clerk	DK	Merged intoPersonnel Specialist on 1 October 2005.[33]
	Draftsman/Illustrator-Draftsman	DM	Merged intoMass Communication Specialist on 1 July 2006.[33]
	Data Processing Technician	DP	Merged intoRadioman on October 1, 1998.
	Data Systems Technician	DS	Merged intoElectronics technician andFire controlman on 1 October 1998.
	Dental Technician	DT	Merged intoHospital corpsman on 30 August 2005.[33]
	Electronic Warfare Technician	EW	Merged intoCryptologic Technician on 1 October 2003.[33]
	Gunner's Mate Technician	GMT	Started in 1962 and changed to Weapons Technician in 1986.[14]
	Instrumentman	IM	Started in 1961 and disestablished in 1999.[14]
	Journalist	JO	Merged intoMass Communication Specialist on 1 July 2006.[33]
	Lithographer	LI	Merged intoMass Communication Specialist on 1 July 2006.[33]
	Mess Management Specialist	MS	Changed toCulinary specialist on 15 January 2004.[37]
	Molder	ML	Disestablished in 1997[38]
	Nuclear Weaponsman	NW	Changed to Gunner's Mate Technician in 1962.
	Ocean Systems Technician	OT	Merged intoSonar Technician on 1 October 1998.[33]
	Opticalman	OM	Started in 1948 and disestablished in 2004.[14]
	Postal Clerk	PC	Merged intoLogistics Specialist on 1 October 2009, effective on 1 January 2010.[33]
	Photographers Mate	PH	Merged intoMass Communication Specialist on 1 July 2006.[33]
	Patternmaker	PM	Disestablished in 1997[38]
	Personnelman	PN	Merged intoPersonnel Specialist on 1 October 2005.[33]
	Radarman	RD	Merged intoOperations Specialist in 1972.[33]
	Radioman	RM	Submarine: Merged intoElectronics technician in 1997. Surface: Merged intoInformation Systems Technician in November 1999.[33]
	Storekeeper	SK	Merged intoLogistics Specialist on 1 October 2009, effective on 1 January 2010.[33] Active in the U.S. Coast Guard.
	Signalman	SM	Disestablished on 30 September 2004 and duties absorbed byQuartermaster rating.[33]
	Weapons Technician	WT	Started in 1986 and disestablished in 1995.[14]

• Air Force Specialty Code
• Badges of the United States Navy
• List of Naval Officer Designators
• List of United States Army careers
• List of United States Coast Guard ratings
• List of United States Marine Corps MOS
• List of United States Navy enlisted warfare designations
• List of United States Navy staff corps (insignia)
• Navy Enlisted Classification
• Obsolete badges of the United States military
• Uniforms of the United States Navy
• United States Navy enlisted rate insignia
• United States Navy officer rank insignia

This article incorporates text in thepublic domain from the United States Navy.

• NAVPERS 18068F Navy Enlisted Occupational Standards; also available as aPDF file
• Navy Specialist ratings

• United States Navy lists
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