
Mineman(MN Navy Rating)
Maintains and deploys naval mines and mine countermeasure systems.
Overall
Quick Stats
- ✓Normal color perception
- ✓No speech impediment
Security Clearance
Secret~$3K–$15K civilian sector value
Requires a National Agency Check with Local Agency Check and Credit Check (NACLC). Processing typically takes 1–3 months and is initiated early in your training pipeline.
ASVAB Requirements
AFQT Minimum
50
Line-score options — meet any one
- VE+AR+MK+MC≥210
Who This Is Best For
Best for technically skilled individuals who want a unique, specialized niche in a small, tight-knit community. If you prefer uncommon expertise over mainstream popularity and enjoy working with complex ordnance systems, this rate offers deployment opportunities and experiences most sailors will never have.
+Pros
- ✓Strong civilian career transition
–Cons
Real Opinions
+Positive
“I would recommend MN to anyone considering it. The training is solid and the community takes care of its own.”
“Mineman is one of the most unique jobs in the military. You work with mine countermeasures, underwater demolition, and explosive ordnance — genuinely exciting work. The small community creates a tight-knit brotherhood where everybody knows everybody. The EOD crossover skills make MNs attractive to defense contractors.”
–Negative & Mixed
“Like any rate, MN has its downsides. Long hours, time away from family, and Navy bureaucracy are real.”
“Being a mineman can be fun but sometimes stressful, especially depending where you get stationed.”
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0 charsRecruiter vs Reality
What the recruiter says vs. what it's actually like.
🫡 Recruiter says
“The MN rate offers great training and career advancement opportunities!”
💀 Reality
Source: MyNavyRates researchTraining and advancement are available but vary by command and manning. Ask specific questions about sea/shore rotation, typical duty stations, and advancement rates for MN.
🫡 Recruiter says
“MN is a small elite community.”
💀 Reality
Source: sailor forumsMN is small, which means tight bonds but also limited duty station options and slower advancement. Most billets are on mine countermeasure ships or at mine warfare commands.
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Horror Stories
Real stories people have shared about this rate. Swipe to browse.
“Leadership is extremely lacking and they care little about quality of life for lower-ranked sailors. Whether you get a great or terrible work environment is completely random and depends entirely on management luck.”
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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