Intro
Unlock a rewarding career in the US Navy as a Machinists Mate. Discover the top 5 ways to become a skilled Machinists Mate, including meeting eligibility requirements, enlisting and completing basic training, and advancing through technical training and certifications. Master diesel engines, pumps, and compressors, and explore opportunities for advancement and specialization.
Becoming a US Navy Machinist Mate is a challenging yet rewarding career path that requires a combination of technical skills, physical stamina, and dedication to serving one's country. As a Machinist Mate, you will be responsible for operating and maintaining the Navy's vast array of machinery and equipment, from engines and pumps to propulsion systems and aircraft carriers. If you're interested in pursuing this career, here are five ways to become a US Navy Machinist Mate:
Meet the Basic Requirements

To be eligible to become a US Navy Machinist Mate, you must meet certain basic requirements. These include being a US citizen, being between the ages of 17 and 34, and having a high school diploma or equivalent. You must also pass a physical fitness test and meet the Navy's body fat percentage requirements. Additionally, you must score well on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test, particularly in the areas of mechanical comprehension and mathematics.
ASVAB Test Scores
To become a Machinist Mate, you will need to score well on the ASVAB test, particularly in the following areas:
- Mechanical Comprehension (MC): 50 or higher
- Mathematics Knowledge (MK): 50 or higher
- General Science (GS): 50 or higher
- Verbal Expression (VE): 50 or higher
Attend Boot Camp and Machinist Mate "A" School

Once you have met the basic requirements and scored well on the ASVAB test, you will attend boot camp, also known as Basic Training, at the Navy's Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois. Boot camp lasts for approximately eight weeks and is designed to prepare you for life in the Navy. After completing boot camp, you will attend Machinist Mate "A" School, which is located at the Navy's Learning Center in Portsmouth, Virginia. At "A" School, you will learn the fundamental skills and knowledge needed to become a Machinist Mate, including machine shop operations, engine repair, and propulsion system maintenance.
Machinist Mate "A" School Curriculum
The Machinist Mate "A" School curriculum includes the following topics:
- Machine shop operations
- Engine repair
- Propulsion system maintenance
- Pump and valve maintenance
- Electrical systems
- Safety procedures
Gain Practical Experience

After completing "A" School, you will be assigned to a ship or shore-based command, where you will gain practical experience as a Machinist Mate. You will work under the supervision of experienced Machinist Mates and will be responsible for performing maintenance and repairs on a variety of machinery and equipment. As you gain experience and complete additional training, you will have the opportunity to advance to more senior roles and take on additional responsibilities.
Types of Machinist Mate Assignments
As a Machinist Mate, you may be assigned to a variety of ships and shore-based commands, including:
- Aircraft carriers
- Submarines
- Surface combatants
- Amphibious assault ships
- Shore-based power plants
- Ship repair facilities
Advance to Senior Roles

As you gain experience and complete additional training, you will have the opportunity to advance to more senior roles, such as Machinist Mate Second Class, Machinist Mate First Class, and Chief Machinist Mate. These roles come with increased responsibilities and require a higher level of technical expertise and leadership skills.
Advancement Opportunities
As a Machinist Mate, you may have the opportunity to advance to the following senior roles:
- Machinist Mate Second Class (E-5)
- Machinist Mate First Class (E-6)
- Chief Machinist Mate (E-7)
Pursue Specialized Training and Certifications

As a Machinist Mate, you may have the opportunity to pursue specialized training and certifications, such as nuclear power plant operations, diesel engine repair, and refrigeration system maintenance. These specialized skills can increase your value to the Navy and provide you with a competitive edge when it comes to advancement opportunities.
Specialized Training and Certifications
As a Machinist Mate, you may have the opportunity to pursue the following specialized training and certifications:
- Nuclear power plant operations
- Diesel engine repair
- Refrigeration system maintenance
- Welding and metalworking
- Machining and fabrication
US Navy Machinist Mate Image Gallery









What is the role of a Machinist Mate in the US Navy?
+A Machinist Mate is responsible for operating and maintaining the Navy's machinery and equipment, including engines, pumps, and propulsion systems.
What are the basic requirements for becoming a Machinist Mate?
+To become a Machinist Mate, you must be a US citizen, be between the ages of 17 and 34, and have a high school diploma or equivalent. You must also pass a physical fitness test and meet the Navy's body fat percentage requirements.
What kind of training do Machinist Mates receive?
+Machinist Mates attend "A" School, where they learn the fundamental skills and knowledge needed to perform their duties. They also receive practical experience and training on the job.
We hope this article has provided you with valuable information about becoming a US Navy Machinist Mate. Remember to meet the basic requirements, attend boot camp and "A" School, gain practical experience, advance to senior roles, and pursue specialized training and certifications. If you have any questions or would like to learn more, please don't hesitate to ask. Share this article with your friends and family who may be interested in pursuing a career as a US Navy Machinist Mate.