CSSCulinary Specialist Submarines(CSS Navy Rating)
Prepares meals and manages food services aboard submarines.
Overall
Quick Stats
- ✓Normal hearing
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 skilled cooks who want the challenge, camaraderie, and bonus pay of submarine service. Morale runs on food quality aboard submarines — you'll be one of the most important and appreciated people on the boat. Ideal for culinary professionals who want an elite, tight-knit environment.
+Pros
- ✓Strong civilian career transition
–Cons
- ✗Significant sea duty
Real Opinions
+Positive
“I would recommend CSS to anyone considering it. The training is solid and the community takes care of its own.”
“I love to make my Philly cheesesteak. That lets me bring a little bit of home to the crew.”
–Negative & Mixed
“Like any rate, CSS has its downsides. Long hours, time away from family, and Navy bureaucracy are real.”
“When we are out to sea, the highlight of the day is food. There is not much else to look forward to.”
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0 charsRecruiter vs Reality
What the recruiter says vs. what it's actually like.
🫡 Recruiter says
“Culinary specialists are the morale of the ship and learn professional cooking!”
💀 Reality
Source: MyNavyRates researchYou will cook, but expect 14-16 hour days in a hot galley. Meal service happens 4 times a day underway. On submarines it is even more demanding with tighter spaces.
🫡 Recruiter says
“Submarine food is the best in the Navy.”
💀 Reality
Source: sailor forumsTrue, submarine galleys have higher food budgets and CSS takes pride in quality. But you are cooking in a cramped space with limited ventilation for 6+ months straight.
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Horror Stories
Real stories people have shared about this rate. Swipe to browse.
“Had two separate galley fires from the deep fat fryer at sea. The entire crew had to use breathing gear until we could ventilate. A grease fire at depth, where you cannot open a door and cannot call 911, is a routine hazard CSS sailors live with.”
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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 24 July 2026, the biggest source-rate bonus is $40,000 — Nuclear Field on FY26 ship dates ($75,000 EB cap). Special Warfare Boat Operator (SB) follows at $35,000, then EOD and SEAL (SO) at $30,000, and Aviation Rescue Swimmer (AIRR) and Cryptologic Technician Maintenance (CTM) at $25,000. Special Operations Future Sailors who clear the elevated PST standards add a flat $20,000 EBPST. Most rates cap at $50,000 total EB. 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.