This guide provides helpful information for those looking to join the Navy as a Gunner’s Mate (GM) during the Fiscal Year 2025.
Thinking About Becoming a Navy Gunner’s Mate (GM)?
Maybe you’re into high-tech weapons. Maybe you like the idea of working on the systems that keep the fleet safe.
Either way, you’re in the right place.
This guide lays it all out—what GMs do, how to become one, career path, pay, and what comes after the Navy.
Sound good? Let’s get started.
What is a Gunner’s Mate, Anyway?
A Gunner’s Mate (GM) is an important enlisted position in the United States Navy, responsible for the operation, maintenance, and repair of the Navy’s most complex weapons systems. A GM is likely to keep a guided missile launcher or a grenade launcher that fires.
Picture This…
You’re the one keeping the Navy’s weapons ready to fire. Missile launchers? Yours. Grenade launchers? Also yours.
Basically, if it goes boom, you make sure it works perfectly.
Gunner’s Mates have been around since the earliest days of the Navy—a role built on tradition and pride.
But don’t get it twisted—this isn’t some old-school job. Today’s GMs are highly trained specialists working with some of the most advanced defense systems on the planet.
Fun Fact: Gunner’s Mate is one of the oldest enlisted jobs in the U.S. Navy.
What Does a Gunner’s Mate Actually Do?
This job is hands-on, technical, and never boring. Here’s what you’d be responsible for:
- Weapons Maintenance – From small arms to missile systems, you keep everything in top shape.
- Ammo Handling – Storing and transporting ammunition safely—because mistakes aren’t an option.
- Training Others – Teaching sailors how to operate weapons correctly.
- Troubleshooting & Repair – Fixing anything mechanical, electrical, or otherwise when things go wrong.
- Safety – Enforcing strict weapons safety protocols to prevent accidents.
Bottom line? You’re the one everyone counts on when it comes to weapons and firepower. If something’s not working, they look to you.
How Do You Become a Gunner’s Mate?
Eligibility Requirements (2025)
To be a Gunner’s Mate (GM), you need:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- U.S. citizenship
- Security clearance eligibility
- ASVAB score: AR + MK + EI + GS = 204
- Normal color vision (no waivers)
- Normal hearing
What You Need to Be Good At
- Using tools – Hand tools, electrical, digital, mechanical—gotta know how to use them.
- Paying attention to detail – Weapons systems need precise maintenance and records.
- Being reliable – This job comes with serious responsibility, so trust matters.
Hearing Requirements
Hearing must be within limits at 3000Hz, 4000Hz, 5000Hz, and 6000Hz:
- Average hearing threshold must be under 30dB
- No single frequency can be over 45dB
If you don’t meet these, you can’t be a GM.
Qualifications depend on whether you’re new, prior service, or currently enlisted.
Step-by-Step Process
Here’s how it works:
- Talk to a Navy Recruiter: They’ll walk you through the application process and help you figure out if you qualify.
- Take the ASVAB Test: This is the big hurdle, so bring your A-game.
- Pass a Medical Exam: The Navy has strict physical and medical standards, so you’ll need to clear this too.
- Complete Boot Camp: That’s 10 weeks of basic training to get you ready for Navy life.
- Go to “A” School: You’ll spend 17 weeks learning the ins and outs of being a GM at the Naval Training Center in Great Lakes, Illinois.
- Get Your First Assignment: Once training’s done, you’re off to your first duty station.
How Long Will You Serve?
The standard initial enlistment for a GM is 4 years, but there’s always the option to re-enlist if you love it—and there are plenty of perks if you do.
Training & Career Path
Training
New Gunner’s Mates learn the basics through on-the-job training or formal Navy schooling. Later in their career, they can take advanced technical and operational training.
- Location: Class “A” Technical School – Great Lakes, IL
- Training Time: ~17 weeks
- Subjects Covered:
- Basic electricity and electronics
- Torpedo operation and launch systems
- Training Methods: Group instruction, self-paced study, and hands-on practice
Where GMs Serve
After training, GMs are assigned to:
- Combat surface ships and tenders
- Aviation units
- Weapons installations and ordnance depots
- Shore stations in the U.S. and overseas
Sea vs. Shore Duty
Over a 20-year career, GMs spend:
- 60% of their time in fleet units (ships, active combat roles)
- 40% in shore stations (maintenance, support, training)
GMs go where the weapons are—whether at sea, in the air, or on land.
Pay and Benefits: What’s in It for You?
2025 Pay Chart (Active Duty Enlisted)
Here’s a snapshot of what you can expect to earn, depending on your rank and years of service:
Rank | <2 Years | 4 Years | 6 Years |
---|---|---|---|
E-1 | $2,108.10 | $2,108.10 | $2,108.10 |
E-3 | $2,800.80 | $2,800.80 | $2,800.80 |
E-5 | $3,517.20 | $3,763.80 | $4,021.80 |
E-7 | $4,502.10 | $4,947.60 | $5,106.30 |
(Source: U.S. Defense Finance and Accounting Service, 2025)
Benefits You’ll Love
- Healthcare: Free medical and dental coverage for you and your family.
- Housing Allowance: Either free housing or a stipend to help cover rent, depending on where you’re stationed.
- Education: Access to tuition assistance, the GI Bill, and certifications to prep for civilian life.
- Retirement: A pension after 20 years of service.
- Paid Vacation: 30 days of leave every year—take that trip or just chill at home.
What’s Next: Your Career
Advancement Opportunities
Here’s a look at how you can move up the ranks as a GM:
Pay Grade | Rate | Abbreviation | Title |
---|---|---|---|
E-1 | Seaman Recruit | SR | Seaman Recruit |
E-2 | Seaman Apprentice | SA | Seaman Apprentice |
E-3 | Seaman | SN | Seaman |
E-4 | Gunner’s Mate Third Class | GM3 | Petty Officer Third Class |
E-5 | Gunner’s Mate Second Class | GM2 | Petty Officer Second Class |
E-6 | Gunner’s Mate First Class | GM1 | Petty Officer First Class |
E-7 | Chief Gunner’s Mate | GMC | Chief Petty Officer |
E-8 | Senior Chief Gunner’s Mate | GMCS | Senior Chief Petty Officer |
E-9 | Master Chief Gunner’s Mate | GMCM | Master Chief Petty Officer |
And if you’re really motivated, you could cross-rate into another field or aim for Chief Petty Officer.
Post-Navy Careers
Your GM skills are in huge demand in the civilian world. You could work as:
- A defense contractor.
- A firearms expert for law enforcement.
- A security consultant.
Life as a Gunner’s Mate
Where You’ll Work
As a GM, you could be stationed:
- Aboard Ships: Aircraft carriers, destroyers, or amphibious assault ships.
- Shore Installations: Bases like Naval Base San Diego or Training Center Yorktown.
- Overseas: Places like Japan, Spain, or Bahrain.
A Typical Day
Here’s what your day might look like:
- Inspect weapons systems.
- Train other sailors on safety protocols.
- Run live-fire exercises.
It’s demanding, but you’ll build friendships and experience teamwork that’s hard to find anywhere else.
Still Have Questions?
Here are a few quick answers to FAQs:
- What rank is a Gunner’s Mate? You’ll start as an E-1 (Seaman Recruit) and can climb all the way to E-9 (Master Chief).
- How much does a GM make? It depends on rank and years of service. For example, an E-5 with 4 years earns $3,763.80/month (2025 rates).
- Is it hard to become a GM? It’s challenging, but with determination, it’s absolutely doable.
Ready to Get Started?
Call 1-800-USA-NAVY or visit navy.com to speak with a recruiter.
The life of a Gunner’s Mate is exciting, purposeful, and full of opportunities. If you’re ready to make an impact, the Navy’s ready for you.
You may also be interested in the following related Navy Enlisted jobs: