The Navy offers some of the most technically advanced careers in the military. A minimum AFQT score of 35 qualifies you to enlist — but elite ratings like Nuclear Field and Cryptologic require top scores and earn massive signing bonuses.
$40,000
Signing Bonus
Nuclear Field (NUC) — Top 1% Math Performance Required
The Navy Nuclear Field program offers one of the largest signing bonuses in the military. To qualify, you must score in the top 1% for math ability — AR+MK+EI+GS composite of 290 or higher. Graduates operate nuclear reactors aboard aircraft carriers and submarines.
Navy ratings use composite ASVAB scores rather than raw AFQT.
| Rating | Title | Score Req. | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| CT | Cryptologic Technician | VE+MK 114+ | NSA pipeline, top-secret clearance |
| IT | Information Systems Technician | VE+AR 114+ | Network/cybersecurity across the fleet |
| HM | Hospital Corpsman | VE+MK 107+ | Fleet medical — can serve with Marines |
| NUC | Nuclear Field | AR+MK+EI+GS 290+ | $40,000 signing bonus — top 1% math |
| OS | Operations Specialist | VE+MK 106+ | Combat information center, radar/sonar |
| IS | Intelligence Specialist | VE+AR 107+ | All-source analysis, ships/shore |
| AV | Aviation Electronics Technician | AR+MK+EI 162+ | Avionics for naval aircraft |
| NF | Naval Aircrewman | AR+VE 103+ | Fly as crew on helicopters/aircraft |
Cryptologic Technician
NSA pipeline, top-secret clearance
Information Systems Technician
Network/cybersecurity across the fleet
Hospital Corpsman
Fleet medical — can serve with Marines
Nuclear Field
$40,000 signing bonus — top 1% math
Operations Specialist
Combat information center, radar/sonar
Intelligence Specialist
All-source analysis, ships/shore
Aviation Electronics Technician
Avionics for naval aircraft
Naval Aircrewman
Fly as crew on helicopters/aircraft
Three routes to earning your commission in the U.S. Navy.
USNA
United States Naval Academy
Annapolis, MD
Congressional nomination required — 4-year academy
Navy OCS
Officer Candidate School
Newport, Rhode Island
12-week commissioning program for college graduates
Navy ROTC
Reserve Officers Training Corps
160+ universities nationwide
Earn your commission while completing your degree
Identify your score gaps and practice until you hit the requirement.