
Aerographer's Mate(AG Navy Rating)
Forecasts weather conditions for flight operations and naval missions.
Overall
Quick Stats
- ✓Normal color perception
- ✓No speech impediment
Security Clearance
Secret~$3K–$15K civilian sector value
Requires a National Agency Check with Local Agency Check and Credit Check (NACLC). Processing typically takes 1–3 months and is initiated early in your training pipeline.
ASVAB Requirements
AFQT Minimum
50
Line-score options — meet any one
- VE+MK+GS≥162
Who This Is Best For
Best for science-oriented individuals fascinated by atmospheric data and analysis who want a unique niche that blends technical work with direct operational impact. Civilian weather forecasting and environmental science careers are natural transitions, but the community is small — expect tight-knit camaraderie with limited advancement compared to larger rates.
+Pros
- ✓Strong civilian career transition
–Cons
- ✗Long A-school pipeline
Real Opinions
+Positive
“I would recommend AG to anyone considering it. The training is solid and the community takes care of its own.”
“AG is a hidden gem. Small community, good advancement, and you work in a comfortable environment doing weather forecasting.”
–Negative & Mixed
“Like any rate, AG has its downsides. Long hours, time away from family, and Navy bureaucracy are real.”
“Civilian weather jobs are competitive and usually require a degree, so the direct transferability is limited without further education.”
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0 charsRecruiter vs Reality
What the recruiter says vs. what it's actually like.
🫡 Recruiter says
“The AG rate offers great training and career advancement opportunities!”
💀 Reality
Source: MyNavyRates researchTraining and advancement are available but vary by command and manning. Ask specific questions about sea/shore rotation, typical duty stations, and advancement rates for AG.
🫡 Recruiter says
“AG is a small, specialized rate with great civilian prospects.”
💀 Reality
Source: sailor forumsThe skills transfer to civilian meteorology but you need a degree for most NWS positions. AG experience plus a meteorology degree is a strong combination.
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Horror Stories
Real stories people have shared about this rate. Swipe to browse.
“They stationed me on the CVN-77, and I was gone forever. Hardly ever home. Deployment after deployment, and when you're finally back, the turnaround cycle starts immediately. My chief made everything worse — the kind of leader who takes a bad situation and ensures it becomes unbearable. Being an AG means you already know the weather is going to be miserable. What nobody tells you is that the Navy itself is the real storm, and there's no forecast for when it ends.”
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0 charsRelated Reading
Guides on picking a rate, ASVAB, bonuses, promotion, and life after the Navy.
Getting Started
How do you choose the right Navy rate for you?
Choosing a Navy rate means weighing your ASVAB scores, lifestyle preferences, civilian career goals, and willingness to deploy or go to sea. Start by identifying which ratings you qualify for, then narrow the list by what matters most to you.
Getting Started
What is the ASVAB and what scores do you need?
The ASVAB is a multi-aptitude test that determines which Navy ratings you qualify for. Your sub-test scores combine into line scores, and each rating has minimum line-score requirements. Higher scores open more options.
Career & Pay
Which Navy rates have the biggest enlistment bonuses in 2026?
Active Component (Active Duty) only. Per the CNRC GENADMIN dated 10 April 2026, the Nuclear Field carries the biggest source-rate bonus at $40,000 (FY26 ship dates) and a $75,000 EB cap. Top Special Operations and submarine ratings sit at $30,000 EBSR with a $60,000 EB cap. All other rates cap at $50,000. The Loan Repayment Program adds up to $65,000 on top, separately. Reserve component (SELRES) bonuses are governed by a different message and are not covered here.
Career & Pay