
Engineman(EN Navy Rating)
Enginemen operate and maintain diesel engines, gas turbines, and ship propulsion systems. They manage fuel systems, air conditioning, and auxiliary machinery.
Overall
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
Line-score options — meet any one
- VE+AR+MK+AS≥188
- VE+AR+MK+AO≥193
Who This Is Best For
Best for mechanically inclined individuals who want steady, hands-on work with big engines and transferable skills in marine engineering, power plant operations, and heavy equipment maintenance. Solid advancement with a practical trade that's always in demand.
+Pros
- ✓Strong civilian career transition
–Cons
- ✗Significant sea duty
Real Opinions
+Positive
“Engineering rates get a bad rap but the job security and trade skills are legit. I went straight into a union job.”
“I am biased as hell, but I think Engineman is the best engineering rate, maybe one of the best rates for someone who likes to work with their hands.”
–Negative & Mixed
“Underway life in engineering is hot, loud, and exhausting. You will stand watch in some miserable conditions.”
“EN can be a great rate, and you have decent advancement rates so study hard and make rank.”
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0 charsRecruiter vs Reality
What the recruiter says vs. what it's actually like.
🫡 Recruiter says
“Engineering rates are always in demand and you will learn a valuable trade!”
💀 Reality
Source: MyNavyRates researchThe trade skills are real but underway life in engineering spaces is hot, loud, and physically demanding. Watch rotations can be exhausting, especially on older ships.
🫡 Recruiter says
“EN is a great stepping stone to a civilian mechanic career.”
💀 Reality
Source: sailor forumsThe fundamentals transfer but civilian diesel mechanics need ASE certifications. The Navy will fund these through COOL if you apply, but many ENs do not take advantage of it.
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Horror Stories
Real stories people have shared about this rate. Swipe to browse.
“Ten out of ten, do not recommend. You become sleep deprived until you can't think straight. The hopelessness sets in around month three and never leaves. The food is disgusting — and that's being generous. Leadership is incompetent at every level that matters. Being an EN was so bad that I wouldn't let my worst enemy join this rate. Not as a joke. Not as an exaggeration. If someone I genuinely despised asked me about enlisting as an EN, I would talk them out of it. That's how bad it is.”
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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