
Hospital Corpsman(HM Navy Rating)
Hospital Corpsmen provide medical care to Navy and Marine Corps personnel. HMs work in hospitals, clinics, dental offices, aboard ships, and with Marine units in the field. Duties range from taking vitals and administering medications to performing minor surgical procedures and providing emergency battlefield medicine.
Overall
Quick Stats
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
50
Line-score options — meet any one
- GS+AR+MK+VE≥208
- GS+MK+2VE≥208
- AR+PC+MK≥156
Who This Is Best For
Best for individuals passionate about healthcare who want the broadest range of clinical experience available in any military branch. The trade-off is slower promotion due to the Navy's largest and most competitive community, but the breadth of patient care hours is unrivaled — counting toward nursing, PA, paramedic, and other healthcare certifications. Ideal for someone willing to trade faster advancement for unmatched medical experience.
+Pros
- ✓Active enlistment bonus available
- ✓Strong opportunity advancement outlook
- ✓Strong civilian career transition
–Cons
Real Opinions
+Positive
“Being a corpsman with the Marines was the hardest and most rewarding thing I have ever done. Would not trade it.”
“The medical training you receive is outstanding. EMT, phlebotomy, pharmacy tech — you come out with real certifications.”
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0 charsRecruiter vs Reality
What the recruiter says vs. what it's actually like.
🫡 Recruiter says
“You'll be saving lives and doing real medical work”
💀 Reality
Source: r/corpsmanupMost HMs spend their first few years doing vitals checks, cleaning, and admin work at a clinic. Combat medic roles require NEC schools that are competitive to get into.
🫡 Recruiter says
“Corpsman is the most respected rate in the Navy”
💀 Reality
Source: Navy advancement dataHM is massively overmanned, which means slow promotions. Many HMs spend 6+ years as E-3/E-4. Respect doesn't pay the bills.
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Horror Stories
Real stories people have shared about this rate. Swipe to browse.
“HM3 Maxton Soviak, 22, ran toward Afghan evacuees at Abbey Gate when a suicide bomber detonated, killing him and 12 others. He was responding to a mother and child. Last American combat casualty of the Afghanistan war.”
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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



