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America's Navy: World Class and Worldwide

Navy Production Division - Defense Media Activity

Oct. 12, 2022 | By Austin Rooney

No matter your background, interests or goals, the Navy can help you unlock every opportunity. Find out everything you need to know about how to join the Navy, from ways you can serve, to our requirements and what to expect on the journey ahead.

Enlisted Sailors are members of the Navy or Navy Reserve who serve in an occupational specialty that requires a high school diploma (or GED) as a minimum educational requirement. Their responsibilities range from entry-level to supervisory, advisory and managerial roles. Enlisted Sailors make up the general workforce of the Navy and Navy Reserve. They hold hundreds of positions in dozens of different areas, from cryptology to construction, nuclear operations to special operations. These servicemembers are highly specialized and perform functions that are very hands-on

Commissioned Officers are members of the Navy or Navy Reserve who have a degree from a four-year college or university as a minimum educational requirement and have gone through Officer Training. Four-year college commissioning programs include NROTC, Naval Academy and other undergraduate degree opportunities. However, there are exceptions to the degree requirement based on extensive service experience. Officer responsibilities range from low-level management to middle management to the highest levels of command.

Explore the possibilities of a civilian career at the Department of the Navy … they are endless and cover virtually every occupation you can imagine. From aircraft mechanic to zoologist, electrician to engineer, pipefitter to physician — there are more than 558 different occupations across the country and the world. Consider working at the Department of the Navy with talented people around the globe with competitive pay and benefits (health and retirement). Most of all, as a civilian employee YOU can serve your nation and support America’s warfighter.