Torpedoman's Mate
Maintains and handles torpedoes, missiles, and underwater weapons systems aboard submarines and surface ships.
Overall
Quick Stats
Security Clearance
Secret~$3K–$15K civilian sector value
Requires a National Agency Check with Local Agency Check and Credit Check (NACLC). Processing typically takes 1–3 months and is initiated early in your training pipeline.
ASVAB Requirements
Who This Is Best For
Best for weapons-focused individuals who want a hands-on ordnance career in a small, specialized community. If you're drawn to torpedo and missile systems and prefer a focused weapons specialty over a generalist role, this rate offers unique submarine and surface warfare opportunities with solid advancement.
+Pros
- ✓Strong civilian career transition
–Cons
- ✗Significant sea duty
Real Opinions
+Positive
“The excitement level amongst the sailors is through the roof. It is the right time for a change like this to light the fire under our sailors.”
“Achieved E-5 rank within 3 years of becoming a submariner without joining a special program.”
“I would recommend TM to anyone considering it. The training is solid and the community takes care of its own.”
–Critical & Mixed
“Like any rate, TM has its downsides. Long hours, time away from family, and Navy bureaucracy are real.”
“TM is a very small rate and advancement can be slow at the senior levels because there just aren't enough billets. The work itself — maintaining torpedoes and weapons handling systems — is interesting, but the niche skills don't transfer easily to civilian careers. Most former TMs end up in general technician or manufacturing roles.”
“Being a Torpedoman means you're working with explosive ordnance and weapons systems in confined submarine torpedo rooms. The safety requirements are extreme and the stress of handling live weapons never fully goes away. The submarine lifestyle compounds the difficulty — months underwater with no break from the job.”
Recruiter vs Reality
What the recruiter says vs. what it's actually like.
🫡 Recruiter says
“The TM 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 TM.
🫡 Recruiter says
“TM is one of the most exciting submarine rates.”
💀 Reality
Source: sailor forumsLoading and maintaining torpedoes involves heavy lifting in cramped torpedo rooms. The excitement of a torpedo launch happens only during exercises, not daily operations.
🫡 Recruiter says
“Torpedoman's Mates handle torpedoes on submarines.”
💀 Reality
Source: veteran feedbackTM maintains and loads torpedo systems on submarines. The rate is small and specialized. Most of your time is maintenance and certifications, not launching torpedoes.
🫡 Recruiter says
“Torpedoman's Mates are submarine weapons specialists — you manage torpedoes, missiles, and countermeasures.”
💀 Reality
Loading a torpedo involves the entire weapons department and precision in one of the most cramped spaces on the boat. It is heavy, physical work.
🫡 Recruiter says
“TM is an action-oriented rate — you handle live ordnance and weapons systems.”
💀 Reality
Actual torpedo shoots are rare. Most of your time is maintaining hydraulic launch systems, high-pressure air, and doing weapons department PMS. The daily job is mechanical maintenance and safety checks.
🫡 Recruiter says
“The TM rate was re-established in 2019 because of its proud heritage.”
💀 Reality
TM is still a small submarine-only rate — roughly 1,100 sailors total. Limited billet options, primarily at Groton, Bangor, or Kings Bay.
🫡 Recruiter says
“TMs serve on submarines — the silent service is an elite community.”
💀 Reality
Submarine life means months underwater, hot-racking, zero privacy, and limited communication with family. The qualification process to earn dolphins is intense and the pressure to finish is relentless.
🫡 Recruiter says
“TM skills in hydraulics and weapons systems give you civilian job options.”
💀 Reality
The hydraulic and pneumatic skills transfer to industrial maintenance, aerospace, and defense. But "torpedo weapons systems" does not appear on civilian job postings. You need to translate your experience and may need additional certifications.
🫡 Recruiter says
“TMs are part of the weapons department — the most important department on a submarine.”
💀 Reality
You also handle small arms, ammunition stowage, and magazine sprinkler systems in addition to torpedoes. You are also expected to qualify submarine-wide watchstations that have nothing to do with weapons.
Training Pipeline — Total ~18 weeks (4 months)
Ship Date Calculator
Enter your MEPS ship date to see when you'll complete each stage.
Promotion SpeedEarn higher pay faster—Manning 78% (E-4/E-5)
| Cycle (Year) | Eligible | Selected | Promotion % |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-4252-Spring(2024) | 109 | 77 | 71% |
| E-4252-Fall(2024) | 117 | 22 | 19% |
| E-5252-Spring(2024) | 166 | 36 | 22% |
| E-5252-Fall(2024) | 160 | 15 | 9% |
| E-6252-Spring(2024) | 35 | 20 | 57% |
| E-6252-Fall(2024) | 45 | 11 | 24% |
Bonuses — Click here to see your military pay
Enlistment Bonus
No active bonus for this rate
You May Qualify for a Navy Enlisted Classification (NEC)
Specialties within this rate you can select, some with additional compensation. Each NEC has its own training, bonus potential, and career path.
Primary specialty code for Torpedoman's Mate rating
Advanced specialty code for experienced Torpedoman's Mate personnel
Potential Civilian Post-Navy Outcomes
Ordnance Disposal Technician
Transferability: 3/10
$40k–$65k
Lifestyle4/10
Ship vs. Shore Split
65% / 35%
Deployment Frequency
High
Physical Demand
high — mixed
Watch Standing
3-section underway (8 on / 16 off)
In a 3-section rotation, the crew is divided into three teams. Each team stands an 8-hour watch shift, then has 16 hours off. In port, you stand 24-hour duty roughly every 3 days — one out of every three nights you stay aboard the ship. Underway (when attached to a ship command), the watch schedule runs continuously with shorter rest periods between shifts.
Watch qualifications vary by command and platform. Expect to qualify within 90 days of reporting.