Yeoman (Submarine)
Provides administrative support aboard submarines.
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 organized administrative professionals who want the unique challenge, camaraderie, and bonus pay of submarine service. If you want clerical and HR skills combined with the pride of being part of an elite undersea crew, this rate delivers both professional development and a distinctive military experience.
+Pros
- ✓Strong civilian career transition
–Cons
Real Opinions
+Positive
“Junior sailors learn the command process first, then take on ownership of routine actions. More experienced YNs commonly run office functions and manage deadlines with less oversight.”
“The admin skills you learn as a Yeoman transfer well to civilian government and corporate jobs. It is a solid foundation for an office career.”
“I would recommend YM to anyone considering it. The training is solid and the community takes care of its own.”
–Critical & Mixed
“Like any rate, YM has its downsides. Long hours, time away from family, and Navy bureaucracy are real.”
“Yeoman on a submarine means you're the only admin person for the entire crew. Every personnel action, every leave request, every award write-up goes through you. The workload is constant and you have no backup. If you make a mistake on someone's pay or leave, you hear about it from 130 angry submariners.”
“Sub YN life is the admin work of a shore-based YN compressed into a submarine schedule. You stand watches like everyone else on top of your admin duties. The submarine community is unforgiving of paperwork errors because everyone's quality of life depends on accurate admin processing.”
Recruiter vs Reality
What the recruiter says vs. what it's actually like.
🫡 Recruiter says
“The YM 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 YM.
🫡 Recruiter says
“"You can switch rates at boot camp if you change your mind."”
💀 Reality
You absolutely cannot. Once you sign your contract and ship to RTC Great Lakes, you belong to that rate. The only way out is failing a school or being medically disqualified. Never sign a contract hoping to change it later — that is not how the Navy works.
🫡 Recruiter says
“"The system is down right now — just sign this contract for now and we'll fix it later."”
💀 Reality
Never sign a contract for a rate you do not want just to "get the paperwork moving." Once your name is on that contract and you ship, that is your rate. Recruiters have quotas to fill, and a signed contract counts whether you wanted that job or not. Walk away and come back another day.
🫡 Recruiter says
“"Submarine rates get the best quality of life because the boats are smaller and tighter-knit."”
💀 Reality
Submarine life means months underwater with no sunlight, hot-racking (sharing bunks on rotation), zero privacy, and limited communication with family. The bonds are real, but the lifestyle is one of the most demanding in the military. Make sure you understand what you are signing up for before choosing a submarine rate.
🫡 Recruiter says
“"You can always get out early if you don't like it."”
💀 Reality
Source: general_red_flagEarly separation is extremely difficult to obtain. The Navy owns your time for the length of your contract. Treat your contract length as absolute.
🫡 Recruiter says
“"You won't have to do anything outside your rate."”
💀 Reality
Source: general_red_flagEvery sailor does collateral duties — cleaning, standing unrelated watches, working parties. On a submarine, you qualify on the entire boat, not just your rate. Expect 20-30% of your time on non-rate duties.
🫡 Recruiter says
“"I wouldn't steer you wrong — I was in your shoes once."”
💀 Reality
Source: general_red_flagYour recruiter served in one rate at a few commands. They have a monthly quota to fill. Their success is measured by contracts signed, not by your satisfaction two years from now.
🫡 Recruiter says
“"You'll get free flights on military aircraft — Space-A travel is amazing."”
💀 Reality
Source: general_red_flagSpace-A flights are free but you fly only when there are empty seats. You can wait days for a seat that never opens. It is a perk for patient travelers — not a reliable way to get home for the holidays.
🫡 Recruiter says
“"You'll never be bored — there's always something happening."”
💀 Reality
Source: general_red_flagLong stretches of military life are profoundly boring. Watches where nothing happens, waiting for orders, and cleaning the same spaces repeatedly. Boredom tolerance is an underrated military skill.
Training Pipeline — Total ~14 weeks (3 months)
Ship Date Calculator
Enter your MEPS ship date to see when you'll complete each stage.
Promotion SpeedEarn higher pay fasterAverageManning 98% (E-4/E-5)
| Cycle (Year) | Eligible | Selected | Promotion % |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-4252-Spring(2024) | 217 | 41 | 19% |
| E-4252-Fall(2024) | 65 | 56 | 86% |
| E-5252-Spring(2024) | 133 | 65 | 49% |
| E-5252-Fall(2024) | 189 | 49 | 26% |
| E-6252-Spring(2024) | 58 | 30 | 52% |
| E-6252-Fall(2024) | 102 | 10 | 10% |
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 Yeoman (Submarine) rating
Advanced specialty code for experienced Yeoman (Submarine) personnel
Potential Civilian Post-Navy Outcomes
Administrative Assistant
Transferability: 5/10
$32k–$48k
Lifestyle7/10
Ship vs. Shore Split
40% / 60%
Deployment Frequency
Moderate
Physical Demand
low — indoor
Watch Standing
Standard shore hours, CDO/DCPO rotation when assigned
Watch standing is a 24-hour duty rotation where sailors take turns manning critical positions aboard the ship or at their command. The rotation determines how frequently you stand watch and how much rest time you get between shifts.
Watch qualifications vary by command and platform. Expect to qualify within 90 days of reporting.
Common Duty Stations
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Schools + spouse jobs
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Avg waitlist for on-base
95
100 = national avg
—
Schools + spouse jobs
—
Avg waitlist for on-base
135
100 = national avg
—
Schools + spouse jobs
—
Avg waitlist for on-base
155
100 = national avg