Constructionman(CN Navy Rating)
Undesignated constructionman apprentice working in Seabee construction divisions while awaiting rating assignment.
PACT (Professional Apprenticeship Career Track) — Construction (Seabees). Constructionman Apprentice (CN) is an undesignated Sailor working in Seabee battalions and construction units while awaiting permanent rating assignment.
Overall
What is PACT?
The Professional Apprenticeship Career Track (PACT) is a program where Sailors enlist into the Navy without a guaranteed rating. After boot camp, they report to a fleet command as an undesignated apprentice and work alongside rated Sailors in their community. At roughly the 18-to-24-month mark, they can apply for a permanent rating through (a) the "A-School" path or (b) on-the-job strike path. See the striking for a rate article. PACT is riskier than a rated contract — conversion is not guaranteed.
Ratings CN can convert into
Seabee ratings available to CN Sailors:
Quick Stats
- ✓Normal color perception
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
AFQT Minimum
35
No rate-specific line-score combo applies to CN. Apprentice rates only need the Navy's minimum AFQT. Rate-specific ASVAB line scores come into play when you PACT-convert into a designated rating — those line-score requirements are set by the target rate, not the apprenticeship.
Who This Is Best For
Best for undecided individuals who want to explore Seabee construction trades before committing. You'll rotate through electrical, mechanical, building, and steelwork shops to find your fit. Advancement is slower until you strike, but the broad exposure helps you make a more informed decision.
+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.”
“You don't need any construction experience as a civilian to become a Seabee — the Navy will give you plenty of hands-on training. As an undesignated Constructionman you get to sample different trades before picking your rate. The Seabee community has strong brotherhood and esprit de corps. The motto "We Build, We Fight" is real.”
–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.”
“Going undesignated as a Constructionman means you haven't locked into a specific rate yet, so you're basically doing whatever grunt work needs doing while waiting for a school seat to open. You're at the bottom of the totem pole. If the rate you want is overmanned, you could be waiting a long time or get forced into something you didn't choose.”
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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
“Going CN and deploying with Seabees is a unique experience.”
💀 Reality
Source: veteran feedbackSeabee deployments involve real construction in real locations, which is more tangible than most Navy work. But as CN, you are hauling concrete and lumber while the rated sailors do the skilled work.
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Horror Stories
Real stories people have shared about this rate. Swipe to browse.
“A CN operating a forklift on a construction site in Afghanistan ran over a concealed IED that had been missed by the sweep team. The blast flipped the forklift. He survived with a TBI and shrapnel wounds but was told his injuries weren't combat-related because he was a construction worker.”
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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