
Personnel Specialist(PS Navy Rating)
Manages Navy personnel records, pay, and administrative services.
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
Remarks
Who This Is Best For
Best for organized, people-oriented individuals who want transferable HR and payroll skills with generally good work-life balance. If you enjoy administrative detail work and helping people navigate their careers and benefits, this rate provides solid credentials for civilian human resources, payroll, and benefits administration positions.
+Pros
- ✓Strong civilian career transition
–Cons
Real Opinions
+Positive
“I would recommend PS to anyone considering it. The training is solid and the community takes care of its own.”
“Good office hours and work-life balance. One of the better rates for quality of life.”
–Negative & Mixed
“Like any rate, PS has its downsides. Long hours, time away from family, and Navy bureaucracy are real.”
“PS handles pay, benefits, and personnel records. When you mess up, sailors do not get paid correctly. The pressure is real.”
Page 1 of 2
Share your opinion about PS
0 charsRecruiter vs Reality
What the recruiter says vs. what it's actually like.
🫡 Recruiter says
“The PS 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 PS.
🫡 Recruiter says
“PS has a great quality of life.”
💀 Reality
Source: sailor forumsPS is shore-heavy compared to many rates, but afloat PS billets exist on every ship. Those billets have the same demanding schedule as everyone else plus the stress of being responsible for everyone's pay.
Page 1 of 5
Horror Stories
Real stories people have shared about this rate. Swipe to browse.
“The Navy shut down PSD customer service offices before replacements were ready. Hundreds of sailors were left unpaid, without healthcare, or missing housing entitlements. Over 4,200 separation packages were backlogged.”
Story 1 of 2
Share a horror story about PS
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