
Construction Mechanic(CM Navy Rating)
Maintains heavy construction equipment and tactical vehicles for Seabee battalions.
Underwater Construction Team (UCT) pathway. BU / CE / EO / UT / SW / CM / EA sailors can volunteer for the UCT NEC (5932), which combines Seabee construction skills with second-class diver qualification. See the ND profile for full UCT standards (age ≤ 27, dive PST, and the 16-week pipeline at NDSTC Panama City).
Overall
Quick Stats
- ✓Vision: Corrects to 20/20
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
Who This Is Best For
Best for diesel mechanics and gearheads who love troubleshooting mechanical problems on heavy equipment and tactical vehicles. Transferable skills for heavy equipment, trucking, and fleet maintenance careers make this ideal for someone who wants to wrench on big machines.
+Pros
- ✓Strong civilian career transition
–Cons
Real Opinions
+Positive
“Seabees are the best-kept secret in the Navy. Great deployments, real skills, and you actually build stuff.”
“CMs work on everything from bulldozers to humvees. The variety keeps it interesting and the skills are highly transferable.”
–Negative & Mixed
“Deployments can be to some rough locations. And you are still in the Navy, so expect Navy nonsense on top of the construction work.”
“You are a mechanic first and a sailor second. The work is dirty and physical but satisfying.”
Page 1 of 2
Share your opinion about CM
0 charsRecruiter vs Reality
What the recruiter says vs. what it's actually like.
🫡 Recruiter says
“Seabees travel the world building things and have great quality of life!”
💀 Reality
Source: MyNavyRates researchQuality of life is generally good but deployments to austere locations (desert, jungle) are common. You will do real construction but also a lot of maintenance and military duties.
🫡 Recruiter says
“CM leads to a great civilian heavy equipment mechanic career.”
💀 Reality
Source: sailor forumsCM experience with Caterpillar and John Deere equipment transfers directly. Many CMs get hired by construction and mining companies immediately after separation.
Page 1 of 5
Horror Stories
Real stories people have shared about this rate. Swipe to browse.
“High-tempo deployments in Afghanistan — 12-hour days, 7 days a week, going outside the wire while operating heavy equipment near combat zones. Offices and berthing were tents and the food was terrible.”
Story 1 of 2
Share a horror story about CM
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