
Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewman(SB Navy Rating)
Operates and maintains special warfare craft for SEAL team insertions and extractions.
Overall
Quick Stats
- ✓Vision: Corrected worse than 20/25 in either eye DQ; uncorrected worse than 20/70 either eye DQ; uncorrected worse than 20/40 in better eye DQ; non-waiverable; no color-deficiency waivers
- ✓Normal color perception
Security Clearance
Top Secret~$10K–$30K civilian sector value
Requires a Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) covering your financial history, personal references, and criminal record. Processing takes 4–8 months and begins during your training pipeline.
ASVAB Requirements
Who This Is Best For
Best for physically fit, mission-driven individuals who want a special operations career focused on high-performance boat operations without the full SEAL pipeline. Special duty pay, unique deployments, and a tight-knit warrior community make this ideal for operators who prefer small-craft tactics and maritime insertion over direct ground combat.
+Pros
- ✓Active enlistment bonus available
- ✓Strong opportunity advancement outlook
- ✓Strong civilian career transition
–Cons
- ✗Long A-school pipeline
Real Opinions
+Positive
“Not gonna lie, the pipeline is the hardest thing I have ever done. But the community is tight and the job is incredible.”
“We are in a role where we could easily be cut off from any outside help, and we need to be able to fight, survive and succeed in any situation.”
–Negative & Mixed
“Attrition rate is insane. Most people who start the pipeline do not finish. Have a backup plan.”
“Being on a small boat in a rough sea state is bad. Really bad. Back surgery is common and injuries can be career ending.”
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0 charsRecruiter vs Reality
What the recruiter says vs. what it's actually like.
🫡 Recruiter says
“This is the most elite program in the military. You will be among the best of the best!”
💀 Reality
Source: MyNavyRates researchThe attrition rate is 50-80%. Most candidates do not complete the pipeline and get reassigned to fleet needs. Physical and mental demands are extreme and ongoing.
🫡 Recruiter says
“Special Warfare Boat Operators are the Navy SEALs' boat drivers.”
💀 Reality
Source: veteran feedbackSB operates and maintains special warfare craft that insert and extract SEAL teams. The pipeline is extremely demanding with high attrition. If you drop, you get reclassified.
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Horror Stories
Real stories people have shared about this rate. Swipe to browse.
“A SWCC crew was ambushed during a riverine patrol in Iraq, taking fire from both banks while navigating a narrow waterway. Their boats have no armor — speed is their only protection. When the engine takes a round, you're floating targets.”
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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