Can You Pick Your Navy Job? How Rate Selection Works
TL;DR — Quick Answer
Yes — unlike some branches, the Navy lets you select a specific rating (job) before you ship to boot camp, and it is written into your enlistment contract. However, your choices are limited by your ASVAB scores, medical qualifications, and which training seats are currently open.
Guaranteed rating vs. undesignated enlistment
When you sit with a Navy classifier at MEPS, your goal is a "guaranteed A-School" contract — meaning your specific rating is locked in before you leave. This is the standard path for most recruits, and you should push for it. The alternative is enlisting as an undesignated Seaman (SN), Fireman (FN), or Airman (AN), which sends you to the fleet without a rating. You then have to strike (compete for) a rating after arriving at your command. Undesignated enlistment is sometimes the only option if your ASVAB scores are low or the rating you want is full. But it is risky — you may end up chipping paint and standing watches for months before picking up a rate, and you have less control over which rating you ultimately get.
How ASVAB scores shape your options
Every Navy rating requires minimum composite line scores on the ASVAB. High-demand technical rates like CTN (Cryptologic Technician Networks) require a General Science + Arithmetic Reasoning + Mathematics Knowledge composite of 222 or higher. Less technical ratings may only require a score in the low 100s. The higher your ASVAB scores, the more doors are open. If your dream rate requires scores you did not hit, you have two options: retake the ASVAB (after the mandatory waiting period) or choose a different rating. Some sailors enlist in a related field and later cross-rate, but this path is uncertain and can take years.
Negotiation tips at MEPS
The classifier's job is to fill the Navy's open billets, not necessarily to get you your dream job. Go in knowing exactly which ratings you want (have a top-3 list) and which you will not accept. Do not let pressure tactics rush you into signing for a rate you are not interested in — you can always come back another day. Ask about ship dates too. Sometimes a rating you want is available but only with a ship date 8 months out. If you are flexible on timing, you may have more options. Your recruiter can also request a "DAR" (DEP Action Request) to change your rating after you have sworn in, if a seat opens up before your ship date.
The role of the Delayed Entry Program
After signing your contract at MEPS, you enter the Delayed Entry Program (DEP). This is a holding period — usually 1 to 12 months — before you ship to boot camp. During DEP, your recruiter may contact you about rating changes if new slots open up or if the Navy releases new bonuses. DEP is also a window to prepare: study for your rating, work on your physical fitness, and get your personal affairs in order. If for any reason you want to change your rating during DEP, a DAR (DEP Action Request) is the formal mechanism. Your recruiter submits it, and approval depends on availability.
Check your ASVAB eligibility
See which Navy ratings your ASVAB scores qualify you for.
Useful Tools & Pages
Related Questions
What is a Navy rate, and how do Navy ratings work?
In the Navy, a "rate" is your job title combined with your rank — it tells everyone both what you do and where you stand in the enlisted hierarchy. Every enlisted sailor is assigned a rating (such as IT, HM, or BM) that defines their occupational specialty. Understanding your rate is the first step to choosing the right Navy career.
Read answer →The Navy MEPS Process — What to Expect Step by Step
MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station) is the two-day screening where you take the ASVAB, pass a full medical exam, and — if everything checks out — select your Navy rating and swear in. It is the single most important gate between talking to a recruiter and actually joining.
Read answer →Ready to find your rate?
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