BMBoatswain's Mate(BM Navy Rating)
Boatswains Mates are the Navy's oldest rate, responsible for deck seamanship, small boat operations, underway replenishment, and anchoring. They lead deck divisions and train junior sailors.
Overall
Quick Stats
Security Clearance
No Clearance — Open to Permanent Residents
This rate does not require a security clearance and is open to lawful permanent residents (green card holders) as well as U.S. citizens.
ASVAB Requirements
Line-score options — meet any one
- VE+AR+MK+AS≥163
- MK+AS+AO≥126
Who This Is Best For
Best for natural leaders who want to be outdoors, in charge of people, and developing core seamanship skills. Leadership experience is unmatched, but civilian technical transferability is limited compared to other rates — choose this if you value leadership credentials and love the sea over a direct trade skill.
+Pros
- ✓Strong civilian career transition
–Cons
- ✗Significant sea duty
Real Opinions
+Positive
“Deckplate leadership experience you cannot get anywhere else. BM/OS taught me how to lead under pressure.”
“There are many different types of jobs aboard a ship but only the BM rate teaches you how to be a sailor.”
–Negative & Mixed
“Long hours on the bridge or topside in all weather. Not glamorous work but someone has to do it.”
“BMs work and do some of the hardest and dirtiest jobs on the ship, and also do some of the most dangerous evolutions in the Navy.”
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0 charsRecruiter vs Reality
What the recruiter says vs. what it's actually like.
🫡 Recruiter says
“You will be on the bridge driving ships and leading sailors from day one!”
💀 Reality
Source: MyNavyRates researchLeadership opportunities are real but come with long hours on the bridge or topside in all conditions. These rates tend to have heavy workloads and less personal time underway.
🫡 Recruiter says
“Boatswain's Mate is the backbone of the Navy — you'll be respected everywhere”
💀 Reality
Source: r/newtothenavyBMs work harder physically than almost any other rate for less pay and fewer transferable skills. You'll do the jobs nobody else wants — painting, cleaning, loading stores. The leadership experience is real, but civilian employers don't know what a BM is. Be honest with yourself about why you're choosing this rate.
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Horror Stories
Real stories people have shared about this rate. Swipe to browse.
“Seaman Spearman, 19, had fainted four times aboard ship including once while steering. Despite this he was cleared for full duty. He fell overboard in the Baltic Sea while working alone — in violation of what was agreed. His father filed a $7M wrongful death claim.”
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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