NCNavy Counselor(NC Navy Rating)
> Lateral-entry-only rating — not open to boot-camp accessions. > NC cannot be joined directly out of MEPS or RTC. You must already be a > Sailor at E-5 or above and apply via lateral conversion per > MILPERSMAN 1440-020 (Fleet Career Counselor, NC(C)) or COMNAVCRUITCOM > 1130.8 (Career Recruiting Force, NC(CRF)).
Advises Sailors on career options, reenlistment, professional development, education benefits, and transition planning. Fleet Career Counselors (NC(C)) counsel active-duty Sailors aboard ships and at shore commands; Career Recruiting Force Counselors (NC(CRF)) work at NTAG recruiting stations counseling Future Sailors and managing the Delayed Entry Program.
Overall
Quick Stats
Security Clearance
No Clearance — U.S. Citizenship Required
This rate does not require a security clearance but requires U.S. citizenship.
ASVAB Requirements
Remarks
Who This Is Best For
Lateral-entry only (E-5+). Best for experienced Sailors with strong interpersonal skills who want to shape others' careers and the Navy's workforce — a second-career rate for those who find fulfillment in mentoring and counseling rather than technical work. Shore-heavy with meaningful daily impact on people's lives.
+Pros
- ✓Strong civilian career transition
–Cons
Real Opinions
+Positive
“I would recommend NC to anyone considering it. The training is solid and the community takes care of its own.”
“I have been recruiting for over 3 years and I absolutely love it. The people are great and changing lives is what makes me happy.”
–Negative & Mixed
“Like any rate, NC has its downsides. Long hours, time away from family, and Navy bureaucracy are real.”
“Being a military recruiter is described as the hardest job in the military. Working long hours during the week, weekends, and even some holidays, expected to meet goals and quotas.”
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0 charsRecruiter vs Reality
What the recruiter says vs. what it's actually like.
🫡 Recruiter says
“The NC 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 NC.
🫡 Recruiter says
“Navy Counselors help sailors with their careers.”
💀 Reality
Source: veteran feedbackNC advises sailors on reenlistment, career paths, and Navy programs. It is a conversion-only rate meaning you cannot enlist directly into it. You must first serve in another rating and then apply.
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Horror Stories
Real stories people have shared about this rate. Swipe to browse.
“A Navy recruiter in Wisconsin was arrested on four counts of child enticement and three counts of child sexual assault. He visited high schools to recruit, collected teen girls' numbers, then initiated sexual contact outside his role.”
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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.