Most new Sailors pick a job before they even step into boot camp. PACT Sailors don’t. They get in, get trained, and then decide where they want to go.
But here’s the thing—if you know how to work the system, you can fast-track promotions, land high-demand ratings, and lock in huge reenlistment bonuses.
If you’re in PACT (or thinking about it), this is how you make it work for you.
Let’s get into it.
What Is PACT?
PACT (Professional Apprenticeship Career Tracks) is for recruits who join the Navy without a guaranteed job. No assigned school, no locked-in career field. Instead, they go through hands-on training, learning on the job before choosing a rating (Navy job).
This setup gives them time to figure out what they actually want to do. Meanwhile, the Navy fills essential roles. Win-win.
Why PACT Replaced GENDET
Before PACT, there was GENDET. And it had problems:
- No clear career path. Sailors got stuck in limbo.
- Slow, unpredictable job assignments. Many left instead of reenlisting.
- No structured mentorship. You were on your own.
PACT fixes this by giving Sailors a shot at real career growth while making sure the Navy keeps the right people in the right jobs.
The Three PACT Tracks
PACT splits into three categories, each leading to different jobs.
1. Seaman PACT (S-PACT)
Seamanship, navigation, and shipboard operations.
Possible Jobs:
- Boatswain’s Mate (BM): Ship maintenance, deck handling, rigging.
- Quartermaster (QM): Ship navigation and piloting.
- Operations Specialist (OS): Radar, data, and ship comms.
- Gunner’s Mate (GM): Shipboard weapons systems.
- Logistics Specialist (LS): Supply chain, inventory control.
Training: Three weeks at Great Lakes, IL. Covers seamanship, mooring, and replenishment.
2. Airman PACT (A-PACT)
Aviation maintenance, flight deck ops, aircraft handling.
Possible Jobs:
- Aircrewman (AWF, AWO, AWR, AWS, AWV): Search-and-rescue, surveillance, cargo ops.
- Aviation Electronics Tech (AT): Radar, avionics, sensors.
- Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (ABE, ABF, ABH): Aircraft launch and recovery.
- Aviation Ordnanceman (AO): Aircraft weapons, ammunition.
- Air Traffic Controller (AC): Directs aircraft movement.
Training: Three weeks in Pensacola, FL. Covers aviation maintenance, flight deck ops, safety.
3. Engineering PACT (E-PACT)
Ship propulsion, mechanical systems, emergency response.
Possible Jobs:
- Engineman (EN): Diesel engines, hydraulics.
- Machinist’s Mate (MM): Steam turbines, refrigeration.
- Gas Turbine Systems Tech (GSE/GSM): Gas turbine propulsion.
- Damage Controlman (DC): Firefighting, flood control.
- Hull Maintenance Tech (HT): Welding, plumbing, ship repairs.
Training: Four weeks at Great Lakes, IL. Covers machinery operation, tools, and safety.
The PACT Process: From Enlistment to Career
Step 1: Boot Camp & Apprenticeship Training
- Nine weeks at RTC (Great Lakes, IL).
- Learn Navy basics: naval terms, OPSEC, ship operations, weapons handling.
- Move to initial training before heading to a duty station.
Step 2: Duty Station & Fleet Training
At their duty station, PACT Sailors get real-world experience.
- S-PACT: Ship maintenance, cargo, watchstanding.
- A-PACT: Flight deck ops, aircraft maintenance, safety.
- E-PACT: Ship propulsion, mechanical repair, emergency response.
Sea time counts toward promotion and reenlistment eligibility.
Step 3: Choosing a Rating
PACT Sailors apply for a rating 12 months before their PRD (Projected Rotation Date).
How it works:
- C-WAY-PACT: Tracks available jobs.
- Career Development Boards: Check progress every six months.
- Command Career Counselors: Guide job selection.
- Performance Evaluations: Factor into eligibility.
Sailors apply for up to seven ratings per cycle. If they don’t get one after three cycles, their PRD gets adjusted to match their SEAOS (Soft End of Active Obligated Service).
Step 4: “A” School & Career Growth
Once assigned a rating, some PACT Sailors go to “A” School for advanced training.
Training Locations:
- Aviation Ratings: Pensacola, FL.
- Engineering Ratings: Great Lakes, IL.
- Seaman Ratings: Learn on the job.
Promotion Timeline:
- E-1 to E-2: Nine months.
- E-2 to E-3: Nine more months at sea.
- E-4 (Petty Officer 3rd Class): Requires a job and more sea time.
Some PACT Sailors jump to E-4 early if they commit to 24 months at sea and get approval.
How to Rank Up and Max Out Career Opportunities
PACT isn’t a dead-end—it’s a launchpad. If you know how to work the system, you can climb the ranks fast, lock in high-demand jobs, and land big reenlistment bonuses.
Getting to E-4 (Petty Officer Third Class) Faster
Most PACT Sailors hit E-2 after 9 months, then E-3 after another 9. But if you want E-4 sooner, you’ve got three solid options:
- Get a Rating & Finish “A” School
- Lock in a job (rating), go to Class “A” School, get rated, and boom—you’re E-4 eligible.
- Commit to 24 More Months at Sea
- Your Commanding Officer can promote you straight to E-4 if you agree to more sea time.
- Meritorious Advancement Program (MAP)
- If you stand out, your command can fast-track you. No tests—just performance-based.
Key Tip: Stay tight with your command career counselor. They track openings through Career Management System Interactive Detailing (MNA).
Special Assignments That Open Big Career Doors
PACT isn’t just about picking a job—you can aim higher. Special assignments lead to better career moves, bigger bonuses, and high-profile roles.
1. Special Warfare & Special Operations
Want a high-speed, high-risk job? You can apply for:
- Navy SEALs (BUD/S Training)
- SWCC (Special Warfare Combatant-Craft Crewman)
- Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD)
- Navy Diver
What it takes:
- Top ASVAB scores
- Peak physical fitness
- Command endorsement
2. Cyber & Intelligence Jobs
If you’re good with tech, Information Warfare is where you want to be:
- Cryptologic Technician (CT) – Signals intelligence & cyber warfare
- Intelligence Specialist (IS) – Enemy threat analysis
- Information Systems Technician (IT) – Network security & communications
Must-have:
- Security clearance
- High ASVAB technical scores
3. Submarines & Nuclear Power
Want big bonuses and high-demand jobs? Go sub or nuke:
- Submarine Electronics Technician (ET-Sub)
- Missile Technician (MT)
- Nuclear Power School (NPS) for Engineering
Key Tip: These jobs come with huge Selective Reenlistment Bonuses (SRB).
4. Leadership & Recruiting Roles
Later in your career, you can step into:
- Recruit Division Commander (RDC) at Great Lakes
- Navy Recruiting Duty (NRD)
- Career Development Program (CDP) Leadership
Why this matters:
- Looks good on your record
- Opens doors to higher ranks
- Gets you shore duty with better hours
Also Read: Hometown Area Recruiting Program (HARP)
How to Secure a Rating with C-WAY-PACT
C-WAY-PACT (Career Waypoints) decides who gets what job. If you don’t lock in a rating, you stay undesignated.
How to Work the System:
- Apply early – 12 months before your PRD (Projected Rotation Date).
- Stay on top of eligibility – Work with your Career Counselor.
- Check rating availability – MyNavy Assignment (MNA) updates often.
- Secure “A” School training – Get that formal job training locked in.
If you don’t secure a rating after three cycles, your PRD adjusts to match SEAOS (Soft End of Active Obligated Service).
Key Tip: The earlier you apply, the better your job choices.
Reenlistment Bonuses: How to Cash In
PACT Sailors who transition into high-demand ratings qualify for Selective Reenlistment Bonuses (SRB)—meaning big money for staying in.
Biggest Bonus Jobs for PACT Sailors:
- Aviation (AT, AE, AWV, AO): Up to $75,000
- Nuclear Power & Engineering (MMN, ETN, EMN): $100,000+
- Information Warfare (CT, IS, IT): High-demand = big incentives
- Special Warfare (SEAL, SWCC, EOD, Diver): Max-level SRBs
How Far Can PACT Take You?
1. Chief Petty Officer (CPO) & Beyond
A lot of former PACT Sailors make it to:
- E-7 (Chief Petty Officer)
- E-8 (Senior Chief)
- E-9 (Master Chief)
How to move up faster:
- Take leadership roles ASAP.
- Get warfare qualifications.
- Stay active in Career Development Boards (CDBs).
2. Become an Officer
Want to go from enlisted to officer? These programs get you there:
- Seaman to Admiral-21 (STA-21) – Best route to commission.
- Limited Duty Officer (LDO) Program – Stay in your field, but as an officer.
- Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) Program – Advanced technical leadership.
Why bother?
- More pay.
- More responsibility.
- More career options.
Bottom Line: Why PACT Works
PACT isn’t just a waiting room—it’s a career accelerator.
- You control your rating choice.
- You can fast-track to E-4.
- You qualify for some of the biggest reenlistment bonuses.
- You can move into leadership or even become an officer.
If you play it right, PACT sets you up for a long, successful Navy career.
