This guide provides helpful information for those looking to join the Navy as a Yeoman (YN) during the Fiscal Year 2024.
A career in administration need not restrict one to the corporate world. As a Navy Yeoman, there are several chances to gain clerical abilities while working in a dynamic setting.
Job roles range from managing legal team records and communication, assembling reports for Commanding Officers, or documenting promotions of fellow Sailors.
Job Description
Yeomen (YNs) are Navy enlisted Sailors who conduct clerical duties, personnel security, and administrative tasks. These tasks include typing, record-keeping, and publication maintenance. They also prepare reports and correspondence while maintaining service records.
The counsel office personnel in YNs offer guidance on administrative issues, provide support for legal proceedings onboard ships, and manage legal files.
Their duties include interviewing for reporting and detachment, as well as retention-related matters. They are also responsible for maintaining personnel security documents and performing other personnel functions, besides serving as office managers.
Yeomen work on ships at sea or on shore-based installations worldwide. Yeomen Submarines can also serve aboard submarines. Their assignments typically involve working in an administrative office environment, either independently or as part of a team under close supervision.
The YN rating employs approximately 6,400 individuals. Those who possess the qualifications and exhibit self-motivation are well-suited for a career in this field.
During a 20-year span while in the Navy, YNs could expect to be assigned to fleet units for 40% of their time and shore stations for 60%.
Specific Responsibilities
Yeomen, also known as YNs, handle administrative and clerical tasks for Navy ships and personnel. There are two types of Yeomen – one for serving on submarines and another with corresponding responsibilities.
Yeoman (YN)
- Writing and dispatching documents and messages
- Keeping files in order and up-to-date, including employee records
- Managing in-person and telephonic interactions in the office
- Engaging in office personnel administration duties
- Keeping and archiving official documents and publications
- Carrying out administrative tasks for legal processes
- Working in the capacity of office managers
- Undertaking diverse clerical and administrative tasks
Yeoman Submarines (YNS)
- Processing and delivering mail
- Performing payroll duties on ships
- Keep confidential files and documents
- Stay in touch with Navy public affairs for media coordination
- Plan high-level events
- Creating and sending letters and reports
- Keeping records and managing personnel files
- Managing in-person and phone communication
- Administering office personnel
- Recording and publishing documents
- Assisting legal procedures with administrative tasks
- Managing offices
- Carrying out clerical and administrative tasks
Different Roles
Administrative Assistant
Administrative Assistants handle daily office tasks, such as preparing, typing, and routing correspondence and reports. They also operate various office equipment, including personal computers, reproduction machines, and audio-recording devices.
Administrative Supervisor
The role of Administrative Supervisors involves training and supervising administrative personnel, as well as maintaining files, records, and official publications. They oversee daily administrative operations and provide support for legal proceedings.
Office Manager
Office Managers oversee office personnel administration and communicate work procedures and policies to staff. They supervise the work of administrative, customer service, and office employees to ensure they meet quality standards within deadlines and proper procedures.
Office Managers evaluate job performance of employees while adhering to regulations, correcting errors or problems as necessary, and recommending appropriate personnel action. Scheduling work assignments, deadlines and duties of office personnel also falls under the responsibilities of an Office Manager.
Training and Promotion Opportunities
After finishing the basic training at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes (also known as Navy Boot Camp), they will report to further specialized training.
YNs attend a technical training program in Meridian, MS that lasts for 7 weeks and focuses on personnel administration forms and procedures. The said program is also called “A” School.
Upon completion of “A” School, training for Yeoman Submarines (YNS) candidates will proceed to:
The Basic Enlisted Submarine School in Groton, CT offers a nine week training program for basic submarine systems. This training is only for Yeoman Submarines – please take note.
Upon finishing training, Yeomen and Yeomen Submarines will report their initial duties. Yeomen can receive assignments in fleet units or shore stations, while Yeomen Submarines may report to a sea tour on Fast Attack or Ballistic Missile submarines.
Opportunities for advancement are frequently offered but require merit-based competition.
Advanced Training
Those pursuing a Yeoman career may have access to additional training at an advanced level. If one aspires to leadership roles and holds a college degree, Officer positions may be an option that offers opportunities for leading and teaching others.
Qualifications to Join
To qualify as an Enlisted Sailor or a Yeoman, candidates must hold a high school diploma or its equivalent, and should also be eligible for security clearances while being the citizens of the United States.
Yeoman applicants must show proficient writing and oral communication abilities, effective record-keeping skills, attentiveness to detail, and typing skills during training assessments. Essential personal traits include resourcefulness, inquisitiveness, and an affable disposition.
Individuals interested in serving as a YNS on submarines must volunteer for submarine duty.
Qualifications may differ based on your current or prior military service experience.
ASVAB Requirement
Applicants must score the minimum ASVAB score below to qualify to join the Navy as a Yeoman.
- MK + VE = 99; or
- CS + MK + VE = 148
The enlistment qualification requirements above are current as of Fiscal Year 2024, 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 Yeoman (YN), contact your local Navy Enlisted Recruiter. They will provide you with more detailed information you’re unlikely to find online.
You may also be interested in the following related Navy Enlisted jobs in Administration:
