
Quartermaster(QM Navy Rating)
Quartermasters are the Navy's navigation experts. They maintain charts, plot courses, monitor weather, and stand bridge watches as helmsman and lookout supervisors.
Overall
Quick Stats
- ✓Vision: Corrects to 20/20
- ✓Normal color perception
- ✓No speech impediment
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
Line-score options — meet any one
- VE+MK≥100
- AR+MK+AO+VE≥196
Who This Is Best For
Best for detail-oriented individuals who love the ocean and want to master the art and science of navigation. If you're drawn to the sea and enjoy precision work with charts, weather, and bridge operations, this rate offers one of the most traditional and satisfying Navy experiences. Skills transfer to merchant marine, maritime pilot, and NOAA careers.
+Pros
- ✓Strong opportunity advancement outlook
- ✓Strong civilian career transition
–Cons
- ✗Significant sea duty
Real Opinions
+Positive
“Deckplate leadership experience you cannot get anywhere else. BM/OS taught me how to lead under pressure.”
“I think the QM rate is one of the better rates. I chose it after seeing a bunch of rates first hand.”
–Negative & Mixed
“Long hours on the bridge or topside in all weather. Not glamorous work but someone has to do it.”
“Not many career opportunities exist outside the Navy as a QM, so sailors should be prepared for that.”
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0 charsRecruiter vs Reality
What the recruiter says vs. what it's actually like.
🫡 Recruiter says
“You will be on the bridge driving ships and leading sailors from day one!”
💀 Reality
Source: MyNavyRates researchLeadership opportunities are real but come with long hours on the bridge or topside in all conditions. These rates tend to have heavy workloads and less personal time underway.
🫡 Recruiter says
“QM is a historic and prestigious rate.”
💀 Reality
Source: sailor forumsThe tradition is real but the role has shrunk with modern navigation technology. Manning is limited and advancement can be slow. Consider whether the romantic appeal matches the daily reality.
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Horror Stories
Real stories people have shared about this rate. Swipe to browse.
“A single navigation mistake can end careers. In the USS Port Royal grounding, investigators found the quartermaster of the watch didn't know how to take navigational fixes near shore. QMs carry navigational responsibility at junior ranks with very little decision-making authority.”
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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