Fireman
Undesignated fireman apprentice working in engineering divisions while awaiting rating assignment.
Overall
Quick Stats
Security Clearance
None
This rate does not require a security clearance.
ASVAB Requirements
No ASVAB data available
Who This Is Best For
Best for undecided individuals who want to explore engineering ratings before committing. Broad exposure to electrical, mechanical, damage control, and propulsion helps you make an informed choice. Advancement is slower until you strike, but the hands-on experience across multiple shops is valuable for finding your fit.
+Pros
- ✓Strong civilian career transition
–Cons
- ✗Significant sea duty
Real Opinions
+Positive
“I would recommend FN to anyone considering it. The training is solid and the community takes care of its own.”
“I picked E-PACT and it's been nothing but good for me. The Navy has given me the opportunity to learn about this equipment. At the end of the day, it's hard work. But once you get it done, it pays off.”
“It is bad, but I would rather be engineering than topside when it comes to going PACT — more varied work and far more experience. A Fireman Striker can strike for Engineman, Machinist Mate, Electrician's Mate, or Gas Turbine Systems Tech, which gives you real options.”
–Critical & Mixed
“Being undesignated means you do whatever needs doing. You have little control over your day-to-day until you strike a rate.”
“Engineering sucks whether you're PACT or not. When I was undesignated I worked in R-division and knew that I didn't want to be a turd chaser. Being the lowest in engineering means the worst watches, the worst hours, and the dirtiest jobs nobody else wants to do.”
“Expect to wait a minimum of 1 year before you can strike. When I was in, most weren't allowed to strike until around 3 years in. Basically they push you into another contract. You're a body filling a spot in engineering and the command will keep you as long as they can.”
“Undesignated sailors are called the dogs of the Navy. Ships rely on roughly 7,000 undesignated sailors to do the often difficult, dirty jobs. One fireman described an entire 8-month deployment undesignated as the worst time in his entire life — chipping paint and sweeping when he felt he could have made a difference.”
Recruiter vs Reality
What the recruiter says vs. what it's actually like.
🫡 Recruiter says
“Going undesignated lets you try different jobs before committing to one!”
💀 Reality
Source: MyNavyRates researchBeing undesignated means you will likely do the jobs nobody else wants until you strike a rate. You have less control over your career path and may wait months to get into A-school.
🫡 Recruiter says
“FN can strike for any engineering rate.”
💀 Reality
Source: veteran feedbackYou can request to strike, but availability depends on the ship's manning needs and your ASVAB scores. If the ship needs GS but you want ET, you may not get your first choice. Openings are not guaranteed.
🫡 Recruiter says
“FN is better than SN because engineering rates pay more as civilians.”
💀 Reality
Source: reddit r/newtothenavyTrue that engineering rates have better civilian prospects, but being undesignated FN delays your career start. Sailors who enlisted directly into MM, EN, or ET are already trained while you are still sweeping the engine room.
🫡 Recruiter says
“FN gives you hands-on mechanical experience.”
💀 Reality
Source: sailor forumsThe hands-on work is mostly unskilled labor: cleaning, painting, and basic tasks. The real technical training only starts after you strike into a specific engineering rate and attend A-School.
🫡 Recruiter says
“Going Fireman lets you explore engineering rates before choosing.”
💀 Reality
Source: veteran feedbackFN is assigned to engineering departments doing bilge cleaning, paint chipping, and basic maintenance. You do not rotate through different engineering shops. Striking requires an open billet and your chain of command's support.
🫡 Recruiter says
“As a Fireman, you'll learn engineering systems that power Navy ships.”
💀 Reality
You'll be cleaning bilges, wiping down machinery, and taking gauge readings. Engineers work below the waterline in spaces that are hot, loud, and smell like fuel oil. You're a "snipe."
🫡 Recruiter says
“Your PACT Fireman experience gives you a head start on an engineering career.”
💀 Reality
Your three-week Engineering Common Core covers basic theory. After that, you're doing scut work while trying to learn enough to strike for a rate. The qualified engineers are too busy to train you most of the time.
Training Pipeline — Total ~8 weeks (2 months)
Ship Date Calculator
Enter your MEPS ship date to see when you'll complete each stage.
Promotion SpeedEarn higher pay faster—Manning 99%
| Cycle (Year) | Eligible | Selected | Promotion % |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-4252-Spring(2024) | 121 | 92 | 76% |
| E-4252-Fall(2024) | 214 | 84 | 39% |
| E-5252-Spring(2024) | 65 | 20 | 31% |
| E-5252-Fall(2024) | 158 | 58 | 37% |
| E-6252-Spring(2024) | 40 | 13 | 33% |
| E-6252-Fall(2024) | 149 | 27 | 18% |
Bonuses — Click here to see your military pay
Enlistment Bonus
No active bonus for this rate
Potential Civilian Post-Navy Outcomes
Maintenance Worker
Transferability: 3/10
$28k–$42k
Lifestyle3/10
Ship vs. Shore Split
60% / 40%
Deployment Frequency
Moderate
Physical Demand
medium — indoor
Watch Standing
Assigned to division watch bill (varies by command)
Watch standing is a 24-hour duty rotation where sailors take turns manning critical positions aboard the ship or at their command. The rotation determines how frequently you stand watch and how much rest time you get between shifts.
Watch qualifications vary by command and platform. Expect to qualify within 90 days of reporting.