Navy - Boatswain's Mate?

Question

I know when you first start the job of a BM you pretty much chip paint or assign it, but what do you do to qualify for the bigger, better jobs like search and rescue or driving the boats. How long may this take. I am going in next year with no rank, do I just have to make a good name for myself. What would be the best way to stand out as the best and most responsible. What should I say to the higher ranks to stand out as the one.

Answer 1

Don't try to stand out, just do your job and do it well.

Answer 2

Boatswains Mate is the only rating in the Navy which doesn't have a school. Why? Because you can't teach in a classroom what cannot be learned in a classroom. You will learn many skills involved in running a ship. You could work as a crewmember of a boat or ship when you get out of the Navy. You will be able do things and fix things in almost any job. Good Luck!

Answer 3

Don't laugh BM'S in the navy do more than chip paint, Depends on what type of ship that you get assigned to. They also have to qualify on the brigde as a helmsman as well operated deck machinery equipment. Also understand that you can always strike out of deck and chose another rating. As far as being a sar swimmer or getting in any other special ratings check with a carree counselor once you get to permentit command. Beadvise you hear many stories from sea lawyers while you are in I reccommed that look at everything for what it is worth. I am a ret 1st class machinist mate and like you I went in as a undesinated firman or a striker. I got quite a few schools learned a good trade went sailing as a merchant seaman and now I work as a outside machinsit at the naval ship yard here so its possible just take things one day at a time good luck to you.

Answer 4

Well, way back when I was in, ('59-'63) the deck seamen did a lot of chipping paint off and then putting it back on. There was an amazing amount of brass that needed polishing every day. Advancement was tough, you did not see a lot of slick arm (no hash mark) BM2s.
But then you could get lucky. My brother went from boot camp to PHIBGRU1 in the Philippines and was assigned to the Admirals boat crew. He did that a few years, made 3rd class and was the coxan on the barge. The next thing he knew he was transferred to a APA and became an assault boat coxan landing the Marines in Vietnam.
He left the Navy after 11 years as a BM2. He got a job as a rigger at the Pearl Harbor shipyard and retired after 20 years. He still lives in Hawaii.

Answer 5

To start off with, you're joining as an undesignated seaman, right? You'd start off in either Deck Division of Deck Department, depending on your ship. It does involve a lot of chipping and painting. If you want to make a good name for yourself you just need to work hard, stay squared away, and get as many qualifications as you can, starting with DC. Once you make E-3 you'll have to decide on a rating to advance any further. You don't have to pick BM, there may be other rates available. If you qualify, you can strike for certain rates or request an 'A' school for other rates. If you go BM you'll be doing a lot less chipping and painting when you put on BM3, you'll have other duties at that point, and other qualifications to complete.

Answer 6

Best thing you should do is decide what you want to be in and out of the Navy, then get a guaranteed A school for that rating...dont let the recruiter or others tell you what job to take the choice is yours. When I joined the Navy I thought I was going to be homeless within 2 weeks I called the recruiter, took the test and was flown off to boot camp. I had a great time in the service, got awesome duty stations but I wish I didnt jump into it so blind

Answer 7

I am a civilian employee with the US Coast Guard. Before that I was with the Departments of the Navy and Army respectively. My experience with the military says they like the "can do" people, people who make things happen, take charge, see the mission through, etc. The ALSO like volunteerism. That's volunteerism for missions, assignments, and morale events; e.g., volunteering to serve beer or cook hot dogs at the company picnic. That stuff gets you noticed! They also like community activity. NOTHING speaks more highly of you AND your branch of service than a flattering piece in the local newspaper, or, better yet, on the local news. Advancement is all about performance AND setting yourself apart, being noticed, etc.

As for the whole BM thing. I believe that about 6 months in you can go to "A" school. Make sure you pass! Do your best to excel in school. That should follow on the heels of basic, where you ALSO did your best to excel, to stand out, to set yourself apart.

You get the idea.

Answer 8

Work hard and gain advancement and you can get into the better jobs that the BM rating does.

How long does it take? You can go from E1 to E3 in under a year. The Base or ship's commanding officer can assign those advancements at will. (which means any time your supervisors indicate you earned it)

Petty officer ratings (E4,5,6) require testing and the promotions lists come out annually.

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If you have decent grades and do well in the ASVAB, you can just ask the recruiter and get up to E-3 pay grade upon entry. Its that easy. You can also get it in your enlistment contract that you get "A School" immediately after boot camp with E-4 upon successful completion...

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What to say to stand out?

To Officers: YES SIR! Right away! any time thy want something.

To "Chiefs" : Right away Chief! (Note that if they have a star on the anchor... better say "Senior Chief" 2 stars " Master Chief"... and don't forget it)

To Petty Officers: Sure thing!

Can do attitude and willing to get the job done earns good remarks on evaluations.

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BM rating is good... Decent job. Decent amount of time off when the ship is in port.
Stay away from jobs related to propulsion... Their "liberty" starts last and ends first.

Answer 9

Any rating in the Navy can qualify for SAR Swimmer. The SAR Swimmer on my boat was a TM (Torpedoman Mate). As for driving the boats, that is mainly the job of Boatswain's Mates and undesignated Seaman - but anyone can also learn it. I did four years in the US Navy as a FC (Fire Controlman) and qualified for Master Helmsman on my ship (which meant I could pilot the ship underway and during sea and anchor details).

SAR Swimmer is an actual school, and the duration is unknown to me. Master Helmsman can take many months to earn your qualifications for aboard your ship.

Answer 10

You make a good name for yourself by listening at training lectures and applying what you learn on the job. Follow orders to the best of your ability and treat your shipmates with respect. Your life may depend upon their responses to a situation and they have to be able to depend on you in return. A Navy ship is the ultimate expression of teamwork. Your LPO and Division Chief will recognize you for what you are and special requests will be granted if they are earned.

Answer 11

Before you ship to the NAVY, check out the Coast Guard, ignore all the jokes about having to be 6 feet tall and the other crap ....... according to what you said in your Question, the Coast Guard is a little more in your line of Interests ...