If a job exists in the civilian world, the Navy probably has a sailor doing some version of it. With so many options to explore, it’s hard to know where to start. But if five-figure bonuses and rapid promotions sound intriguing, here are six sought-after Navy jobs you should know about.
Aviation Machinist’s Mate (AD)
Hanger bays and flight decks may be a long way from your home garage, but the dirt and oil are all the same. It comes down to taking engines apart and putting them back together piece by piece. If you like working with your hands, have great attention to detail and appreciate the sound of a perfectly tuned engine, you may have what it takes to join a Navy squadron and become an aviation machinist’s mate.
Navy ADs maintain, service and repair the most advanced aircraft in the world. They’re trained to handle complex engine, fuel and lubrication systems with skill and precision. These specialized mechanics are eligible for highly sought-after civilian certifications that lead to big-time, post-service opportunities. Plus, eligible enlistees can earn bonuses of up to $20,000.
Cryptologic Technicians (CT)
Analyze enemy communications, jam radar signals, decipher messages in foreign languages, maintain gear used to generate top-secret intelligence – cryptologic technicians do it all. With some of the highest security clearances in the military, most of their work in information warfare is so secret that recruiters can barely talk about what they do. Navy cryptology technicians have many different backgrounds, not just a knack for computers. Qualified enlistees ready for a challenge can enjoy some of the fastest advancements and enlistment bonuses up to $35,000. Think you can crack the code?
Intelligence Specialists (IS)
Like cryptology technicians, intelligence specialists perform highly classified work, breaking down raw data into relevant and manageable intel. As an IS, you will serve as part of the Navy’s Information Dominance Corps (awesome name) in its mission to gain a deep understanding of adversaries to better defend the fleet. It’s not easy to be an IS, but if you like solving puzzles and knowing more than everybody else in the room, this job is for you. Enlistment bonuses of up to $10,000 are available.
Hospital Corpsmen (HM)
If you're looking to begin a career in health care but medical school is out of reach, hospital corpsmen (HM) use modern training and technology along with quick thinking to help provide care and treatment to sailors and Marines alike, keeping service members healthy and returning them to duty after injury or illness. The training you will receive as an HM will prepare you for all kinds of specialties – surgery, radiology, physical therapy, respiratory medicine and more. Plus, healing hands are in high demand so qualified individuals can receive enlistment bonuses of up to $20,000.
Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technicians (EOD)
This is the bomb squad. Whether getting the job done in a bomb suit or using state-of-the-art robotic technology, as an EOD tech, you’ll be trained to disarm and dispose of all types of ordnance--conventional and chemical explosives, biological weapons and even nuclear bombs. These tough men and women are highly intelligent as well as physically fit, training rigorously to support other special ops/special warfare units such as Navy SEALs and divers. You may even be called upon to help the Secret Service protect the president. No wonder that qualified enlistees are eligible for bonuses of $37,000.
Aviation Rescue Swimmers (AIRR)
There’s no such thing as a typical day for aviation rescue swimmers. One day, you might rescue civilians in the aftermath of a natural disaster, the next -- rappel into harm’s way to save the pilot of a downed aircraft. That’s when you’re not conducting antisubmarine surveillance, protecting American vessels and shores from enemy encroachment. You’ll execute missions in some of the most extreme environments imaginable. This tight-knit community of elite men and women is dedicated to being the top emergency response unit in the world. Training to become a rescue swimmer is intense — physically and mentally — but with enlistment bonuses of up to $37,000 and your days spent in service to others, the rewards are high.
