Navy Master-at-Arms (MA): Definitive Guide (2025)

This guide provides helpful information for those looking to join the Navy as a Master-at-Arms (MA) during the Fiscal Year 2025.

Security. Law enforcement. Anti-terrorism. In a massive organization like the Navy, it’s not optional—it’s mission-critical. That’s where the Navy’s military police come in.

These Sailors don’t just enforce the rules. They protect ships, bases, and installations worldwide.

We’re talking crime prevention. K9 handling. Weapons security. Even high-stakes escort missions. When there’s a threat, they’re the first line of defense.

It all starts with defending our own. Ready to take on the challenge?

Job Description

navy-ma-badge
MA Badge – Credit: U.S. Navy

Master-at-Arms (MAs) are the Navy’s military police. Force Protection (FP) is their job—securing bases, ships, and installations. This includes antiterrorism (AT), physical security, and law enforcement. Every day, they’re preventing threats, enforcing laws, and ensuring mission readiness.

Where They Operate

MAs work everywhere—shore stations, ships, maritime security squadrons. Could be in the U.S. or overseas. Could be in a combat zone. Could be anywhere the Navy needs security. Fixed positions, mobile patrols, working alongside host nations and allied forces—it’s all part of the job.

What They Do

  • Security Operations – Patrol bases, ships, and installations. Respond to threats. Control access points.
  • Law Enforcement – Conduct investigations, enforce military law, manage detentions.
  • Specialized Training – Teach Sailors weapons handling, security tactics, and force protection.
  • K9 Handling – Train and deploy military working dogs for narcotics/explosives detection.
  • Protective Services – Provide security for high-ranking officials, VIPs, and key assets.
  • Corrections & Customs – Oversee brigs, detainees, and military customs enforcement.
  • Expeditionary Missions – Deploy to security operations worldwide, from combat zones to humanitarian missions.

Career Path

MAs can advance based on skill, leadership, and performance. A career can span 20–30 years, with opportunities for promotions in enlisted and officer ranks. But the work stays the same—protecting people, places, and operations that keep the Navy moving.

Different Roles

Afloat Security Specialist

Security at sea isn’t a suggestion—it’s survival. Afloat Security Specialists keep ships locked down. Crime? Terror threats? They handle it.

  • Security ops: personnel checks, access control, weapons readiness.
  • Enforce order. Protect lives. Guard intel.
  • Work in a Shipboard Security Department or as an Independent Duty Master-at-Arms (IDMA).
  • Weapons training—firearms, small arms, non-lethal force.
  • Oversee the Ship’s Self-Defense Force (SSDF), keeping crews sharp and ready.

Expeditionary Security Specialist

Security in the toughest environments. Combat zones. Counterinsurgency ops. No room for hesitation.

  • Secure bases, personnel, and sensitive locations in warzones.
  • Threat assessment, high-profile protection, inspections, and access control.
  • Intelligence gathering on enemy forces—sometimes leading to direct combat.
  • Maritime interdiction, aircraft protection, law enforcement, disaster relief.
  • Operations shift between combat, humanitarian aid, and reconstruction.

Installation Security Specialist

Base security starts here. These Sailors enforce order and prevent threats where the Navy lives and operates.

  • Guard resources, facilities, personnel, and classified materials.
  • Access control—screening, inspections, threat assessments.
  • Work with local, state, and federal law enforcement.
  • Surveillance, radio comms, intrusion detection, and patrol operations.
  • If something looks off, they’re the first to know.

Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) Operations Specialist

Crime doesn’t stop at the shoreline. NCIS Ops Specialists track it down.

  • Investigate military offenses.
  • Protect high-risk personnel.
  • Run antiterrorism training.
  • Conduct vulnerability inspections.
  • Work with law enforcement and intelligence agencies.
  • Travel? Expect it. Some cases go global.

Naval Security Forces Trainer-Planner

Security isn’t just about reacting—it’s about training for what’s next.

  • Develop force protection strategies.
  • Oversee security certifications, inspections, and drills.
  • Improve standard operating procedures (SOPs).
  • Evaluate security forces in real-world scenarios.
  • Keep the Navy’s security forces sharp, ready, and ahead of threats.

Strategic Asset Security Specialist

When nuclear security is on the line, there’s no room for error.

  • Guard the nation’s nuclear arsenal and TACAMO aircraft.
  • Patrol high-security zones. Monitor advanced security systems.
  • Surveillance, alarm response, emergency action.
  • Work in Strategic Weapons Facilities (SWF) and alongside Marine Corps Security Force Battalions (MCSFBn).
  • Protect USSTRATCOM’s Airborne Command Post—the Navy’s nuclear command and control lifeline.

Rank Structure

Pay GradeRateAbbreviationTitle
E-1Seaman RecruitSRSeaman Recruit
E-2Seaman ApprenticeSASeaman Apprentice
E-3SeamanSNSeaman
E-4Master-at-Arms Third ClassMA3Petty Officer Third Class
E-5Master-at-Arms Second ClassMA2Petty Officer Second Class
E-6Master-at-Arms First ClassMA1Petty Officer First Class
E-7Chief Master-at-ArmsMACChief Petty Officer
E-8Senior Chief Master-at-ArmsMACSSenior Chief Petty Officer
E-9Master Chief Master-at-ArmsMACMMaster Chief Petty Officer

Salary and Benefits

Salary for the First 6 Years

Monthly pay for Navy enlisted Sailors (E-1 to E-6) in the first six years is laid out in the January  2025 Active Duty Pay chart:

Pay GradeLess than 2 YearsOver 2 YearsOver 3 YearsOver 4 YearsOver 6 Years
E-1$2,108.10$2,108.10$2,108.10$2,108.10$2,108.10
E-2$2,362.80$2,362.80$2,362.80$2,362.80$2,362.80
E-3$2,484.60$2,640.60$2,800.80$2,800.80$2,800.80
E-4$2,752.20$2,892.90$3,049.80$3,204.30$3,341.40
E-5$3,001.50$3,203.70$3,358.80$3,517.20$3,763.80
E-6$3,276.60$3,606.00$3,765.00$3,919.80$4,080.60

Extra Pays and Allowances

Housing Allowance (BAH):
For members living off-base. Covers rent, based on rank, location, and if they have dependents.

Subsistence Allowance (BAS):
Enlisted get $465.77 monthly for food.

Hazard Duty Pay:
For dangerous jobs. Pays $150-$250 per month, depending on the job.

Sea Pay:
For those assigned to ships or deployed units. Depends on rank and time at sea, from $50 to $750 a month.

Special and Incentive Pays:
Bonuses for certain roles, like air traffic control or unique skills. These can be a few hundred to thousands per year.

Source: Figures are from the Defense Finance and Accounting Service.

Benefits

  • Healthcare: Active-duty personnel are eligible for free complete medical and dental treatment. Tricare programs are inexpensive for families to use.
  • Housing Accomodation: Depending on location, rank, and family size, free on-base accommodation or a tax-free housing allowance (BAH) for off-base living are available.
  • Food: Monthly Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) for food costs is known as the “food allowance.”
  • Blended Retirement System (BRS): Conventional pensions are no longer available to active-duty personnel. Rather:
    • Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): Up to 5% in government matching and automatic contributions.
    • Retirement Pay: After 20 years of service, you’re eligible for monthly payments according on the BRS formula, which combines TSP savings with a calculated pension.
  • Education:
    • Availability of tuition assistance programs that pay for all or part of college tuition.
    • Support for higher education under the post-9/11 GI Bill.
    • Navy College Program to support education while on service.
  • Life Insurance: Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) provides coverage up to $500,000.
  • Vacation: ten or more federal holidays plus thirty days of paid vacation each year.
  • Extra Benefits:
    • Exchanges and commissaries provide tax-free purchasing.
    • Discounted travel via military resorts, access to fitness centers, and leisure amenities.
Navy-MA-Rating-Master-at-Arms-Image-704X396

Training and Career Opportunities

Boot Camp & “A” School

Start with Boot Camp. Then, straight to San Antonio, TX for Navy Law Enforcement training. 9-10 weeks of hands-on instruction. This isn’t theory—it’s practical, mission-ready training.

  • Antiterrorism tactics – Spot threats, neutralize risks.
  • Armed sentry & post duties – Guard posts, enforce security.
  • Crime prevention – Learn military and civilian law.
  • Firearms & physical restraint – Train with weapons, control situations.
  • First aid & emergency response – Handle injuries, keep people alive.
  • Communications – Command presence, clear orders, rapid response.

Classroom instruction, field training, real-world scenarios. Then? Fleet assignment—ships or shore duty, U.S. or overseas.

Career Progression & Promotion

Performance matters. Promotions are earned, not given. Competitive advancement based on skill, leadership, and execution.

  • E-6 (Petty Officer First Class) – Eligible for Limited Duty Officer (LDO) Program, transitioning into security officer roles.
  • E-7 (Chief Petty Officer) – Eligible for Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) Program, stepping into higher-level security specialist positions.

60% of an MA’s career is spent with fleet units, 40% at shore stations.

The experience? Global. Tactical. Real.

Post-Service Opportunities

The skills learned here don’t stay in the Navy. Law enforcement, security consulting, federal agencies—MAs walk out with real-world, high-demand experience.

  • Law enforcement – Police, federal agencies (FBI, NCIS, ATF, etc.).
  • Security operations – Private security, corporate protection, risk assessment.
  • Tactical & emergency response – SWAT, crisis management teams.

Qualifications to Join

Basic Requirements

  • Education – High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Citizenship – Requirements may vary.

What It Takes

This isn’t for everyone. Master-at-Arms (MA) need more than just strength—they need awareness, adaptability, and discipline.

  • People-oriented – Dealing with the public, fellow Sailors, and high-pressure situations.
  • Dedicated & resourceful – Quick decisions, problem-solving, staying sharp under stress.
  • Versatile – From law enforcement to combat security, every day is different.
  • Strong communication – Writing reports, giving clear commands, handling investigations.
  • Detail-focused – Every action matters. Accurate records, thorough work, zero shortcuts.
  • Physically strong – Situations can turn physical. Strength and endurance are key.
  • Hands-on skills – Competence with tools, equipment, and firearms is essential.

ASVAB Score Requirement

AR + VE + MK + MC = 188 (Arithmetic Reasoning, Verbal Expression, Mathematics Knowledge, Mechanical Comprehension)


The enlistment qualification requirements above are current as of Fiscal Year 2025, per the Navy Personnel Command. This information is not readily available to the public.

So, contact your local Navy Enlisted Recruiter for the most current requirements to join the Navy as an enlisted Sailor.

More Information

If you wish to learn more about becoming a Master-at-Arms (MA), contact your local Navy Enlisted Recruiter. They will provide you with more detailed information you’re unlikely to find online.

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Ted Kingston
I’m a Navy veteran who used to serve as a Navy recruiter. This website is the most reliable source of information for all Enlisted Navy Sailor aspirants. In coordination with a network of current and former Navy recruiters, my goal is to make reliable information easily available to you so you can make informed career decisions.

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