Seaman
Undesignated seaman apprentice working in deck or operations divisions while awaiting rating assignment.
Overall
Quick Stats
Security Clearance
None
This rate does not require a security clearance.
ASVAB Requirements
No ASVAB data available
Who This Is Best For
Best for undecided individuals who want shipboard experience before choosing a specialty. You'll gain exposure to deck and operations ratings, but advancement is slower until you strike a rate. Ideal for those who want to experience Navy life firsthand before committing to a career path.
+Pros
- ✓Strong civilian career transition
–Cons
- ✗Significant sea duty
Real Opinions
+Positive
“I would recommend SN to anyone considering it. The training is solid and the community takes care of its own.”
“Being an undesignated Sailor is not as nerve racking as a lot of people make it sound. We don't just sweep the decks, moor lines or chip and paint. It's more than that. One of the perks is the opportunity to get firsthand knowledge of most jobs the Navy offers.”
“I feel like I appreciate where I'm at now more because of my time undesignated. I take a little bit more care in how I represent myself and how I approach my day-to-day challenges. Success comes from the Sailor, not where you start off.”
–Critical & Mixed
“Being undesignated means you do whatever needs doing. You have little control over your day-to-day until you strike a rate.”
“My biggest fear was that I'm 26 and I'm gonna be the lowest man on the totem pole — it's gonna suck. I heard horror stories where commands will keep you as long as they can because you're a body. There's definitely a hierarchy among sailors when you're undesignated.”
“Undesignated sailors are the dogs of the Navy. One was told he would be the dog of the Navy as an undesignated sailor on his ship. Undesignated sailors work long hours at physically demanding jobs like chipping rust, painting large swaths of the ship, and other low-skill tasks.”
“The two hardest working rates on the ship are engineering and un-des seaman — everyone always jokes about it. But when he finally secured a rate, he said you're not just a seaman anymore — you have a title to your name. The experience was fairly positive once you push through it.”
Recruiter vs Reality
What the recruiter says vs. what it's actually like.
🫡 Recruiter says
“Going undesignated lets you try different jobs before committing to one!”
💀 Reality
Source: MyNavyRates researchBeing undesignated means you will likely do the jobs nobody else wants until you strike a rate. You have less control over your career path and may wait months to get into A-school.
🫡 Recruiter says
“Being undesignated builds character and makes you a better sailor.”
💀 Reality
Source: veteran feedbackDeck department work is physically demanding and thankless. Many undesignated sailors regret not picking a rate at MEPS. The experience builds resilience but at the cost of career progression and morale.
🫡 Recruiter says
“You can strike for any surface or admin rate as an SN.”
💀 Reality
Source: reddit r/newtothenavyYou can only strike for rates in your community (surface/admin). You cannot cross into aviation, engineering, or construction without a community change, which is rarely approved. Your options are limited to surface and admin rates.
🫡 Recruiter says
“SN is the fastest path to getting into the Navy.”
💀 Reality
Source: sailor forumsTrue, but once you are in as undesignated, you are at the bottom of the priority list for rate selection. Sailors who signed for a specific rate at MEPS got first pick. You get whatever is left.
🫡 Recruiter says
“Going undesignated as a Seaman lets you try different jobs before committing.”
💀 Reality
Source: veteran feedbackYou will be assigned to deck department doing manual labor: painting, cleaning, line handling, and standing watches. You do not get to freely sample ratings. Striking into a rate requires open billets, your command's approval, and often months of waiting.
🫡 Recruiter says
“As a Seaman, you'll learn seamanship and navigation skills — the foundation of the Navy.”
💀 Reality
You'll be in deck department chipping paint, repainting, sweeping, mopping, and hauling lines. These keep the ship looking good but teach you very little about seamanship or navigation.
🫡 Recruiter says
“Being undesignated gives you time to explore different rates before committing.”
💀 Reality
Undesignated Seamen do the work nobody else wants. Your "exploration time" is spent doing manual labor while trying to convince a department head to let you strike for a rate — and they have no incentive to lose a free worker.
Training Pipeline — Total ~8 weeks (2 months)
Ship Date Calculator
Enter your MEPS ship date to see when you'll complete each stage.
Promotion SpeedEarn higher pay faster—Manning 98% (E-5/E-6)
| Cycle (Year) | Eligible | Selected | Promotion % |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-4252-Spring(2024) | 108 | 68 | 63% |
| E-4252-Fall(2024) | 111 | 62 | 56% |
| E-5252-Spring(2024) | 99 | 58 | 59% |
| E-5252-Fall(2024) | 99 | 29 | 29% |
| E-6252-Spring(2024) | 31 | 10 | 32% |
| E-6252-Fall(2024) | 136 | 41 | 30% |
Bonuses — Click here to see your military pay
Enlistment Bonus
No active bonus for this rate
Potential Civilian Post-Navy Outcomes
General Laborer
Transferability: 3/10
$28k–$40k
Lifestyle3/10
Ship vs. Shore Split
65% / 35%
Deployment Frequency
High
Physical Demand
medium — outdoor
Watch Standing
Assigned to division watch bill (varies by command)
Watch standing is a 24-hour duty rotation where sailors take turns manning critical positions aboard the ship or at their command. The rotation determines how frequently you stand watch and how much rest time you get between shifts.
Watch qualifications vary by command and platform. Expect to qualify within 90 days of reporting.