🧭 U.S. Navy Enlisted Ratings & Duties (WWII–2010)
-240519-N-DB801-1597-500.jpg "GGA Image ID # 234f1a5c00")
Sailors Crew the Rails of Arleigh-Burke Class Guided-Missile Destroyer Uss Carney (Ddg 64) as It Ends a Seven-Month Deployment and Returns to Homeport Naval Station Mayport. USS Carney (DDG 64) Returns to Naval Station Mayport After a Deployment in Support of Maritime Security Operations and Theater Security Cooperation Efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet Areas of Operation. (S Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Steven Khor/released) (2024-05-19) | GGA Image ID # 234f1a5c00
This guide provides a detailed look at the many ratings (occupational specialties) held by enlisted personnel in the U.S. Navy from World War II through the early 21st century. From deck seamen to electronics technicians, aviation specialists, and medical corpsmen, these roles defined sailors' skills, duties, and career progression.
📌 What Is a Navy Rating?
A rating is the Navy's term for a job specialty or occupational field. Enlisted sailors receive both a rate (pay grade) and a rating (job title). For example, a Boatswain's Mate First Class is abbreviated BM1 — with BM as the rating and 1 as the pay grade (E‑6).
🔧 Enlisted Ratings by Category
⚓ Deck & Operations
- BM — Boatswain's Mate: Seamanship, mooring, underway duties
- QM — Quartermaster: Navigation, ship control
- SM — Signalman (merged into QM post-2003): Visual signaling, flags
- OS — Operations Specialist: Radar, tracking, tactical plotting
- GM — Gunner's Mate: Weapons maintenance and operation
⚙️ Engineering & Hull
- MM — Machinist's Mate: Engines, propulsion systems
- BT — Boiler Technician (merged into MM): Boiler ops
- EM — Electrician's Mate: Power generation, electrical systems
- HT — Hull Maintenance Technician: Welding, plumbing, shipfitting
- DC — Damage Controlman: Firefighting, flood response
✈️ Aviation
- AE — Aviation Electrician's Mate: Aircraft electrical systems
- AM — Aviation Structural Mechanic: Aircraft structures
- AT — Aviation Electronics Technician: Avionics
- AD — Aviation Machinist's Mate: Aircraft engines
- PR — Aircrew Survival Equipmentman: Parachutes, flight gear
📠 Administrative & Supply
- YN — Yeoman: Clerical/admin support
- PN — Personnelman (merged into YN): Records, paperwork
- SK — Storekeeper (merged into LS): Supply chain
- LS — Logistics Specialist: Warehousing, inventory, purchasing
- PC — Postal Clerk (merged into LS): Mail handling
🩺 Medical
- HM — Hospital Corpsman: Medical care, battlefield aid
- DT — Dental Technician (merged into HM): Dental procedures
🔐 Intelligence & Technical
- CT — Cryptologic Technician: Signals intelligence
- IS — Intelligence Specialist: Image and data analysis
- ET — Electronics Technician: Shipboard electronics, radar, sonar
- FC — Fire Controlman: Weapons systems integration
🧭 U.S. Navy Reference & Research Links
- 🔗 U.S. Navy Ranks, Ratings & Roles (WWII–2010)
- 🔗 Carrier-Specific Roles
- 🔗 Glossary of Naval Terms
- 🔗 Historical Evolution of Ratings (1940–2010)
- 🔗 Officer Ranks & Career Paths
- 🔗 Enlisted Ratings & Duties (You Are Here)
- 🔗 Chiefs & NCO Leadership
- 🔗 Warrant Officers
- 🔗 Boot Camp to Fleet: USNTC Pathways
- 🔗 Navy on Film
- 🔗 Recommended
- Reading List
Editorial Note: This reference page reflects known U.S. Navy ratings and structure from WWII through 2010. Some ratings have merged, evolved, or been retired. Always consult official Navy resources for current designations.
