Navy Yeoman – Submarines (YNS): Definitive Guide (2025)

This guide provides helpful information for those looking to join the Navy as a Yeoman – Submarines (YNS) during the Fiscal Year 2025.

An office job doesn’t have to mean corporate life. As a Navy Yeoman, you’ll handle clerical work in a fast-moving, high-stakes environment. The paperwork matters—legal records, reports for Commanding Officers, promotion documents.

One day, you’re managing court records for a submarine legal team. The next, you’re compiling reports that help make critical decisions. No matter what, your skills are always in demand.

Ready to take your administrative career beneath the waves?

Job Description

navy-yns-insignia
YNS Insignia – Credit: U.S. Navy

Yeomen – Submarines (YNS) handle administrative and clerical tasks aboard submarines and shore-based commands. They keep things organized, efficient, and secure.

  • Manage office operations—typing, filing, preparing correspondence.
  • Handle personnel records, pay, and official publications.
  • Support legal teams—maintain files, assist with legal proceedings.
  • Coordinate travel, overseas operations, and security requirements.
  • Organize command-level ceremonies and interviews.
  • Assist with career guidance—help Sailors with promotions, benefits, and training.
  • Oversee classified records and enforce security protocols.

Where They Work

YNS personnel serve on submarines and shore installations worldwide. Though their specialty is submarine duty, their work setting is typically an administrative office.

They may work independently with minimal supervision or as part of a closely supervised team, depending on the assignment.

By the Numbers

  • Approx. 600 Yeomen serve in this role across the Navy.
  • YNSs split their careers between submarines and shore duty—typically 50% at sea, 50% on land.
  • Level of independence varies based on assignment and experience.

Specific Responsibilities

  • Sort and distribute mail—both official and personal.
  • Manage payroll and financial records for officers and enlisted personnel.
  • Secure and maintain classified records and reports.
  • Work with Navy public affairs to coordinate media.
  • Plan and arrange ceremonies at the command level.
  • Prepare and route correspondence, reports, and publications.
  • Manage personnel files and office records.
  • Handle phone calls, visitor reception, and office schedules.
  • Execute administrative tasks related to legal proceedings.
  • Serve as office managers—ensuring smooth operations.

No submarine runs without precision and order. YNS make sure everything behind the scenes stays on track.

Different Roles

Submarine Administrative Assistant

Keeps daily operations running smoothly on submarines and shore facilities.

  • Prepares, types, and routes correspondence and reports.
  • Operates computers, copiers, and audio-recording devices.
  • Manages records, filing systems, and databases.
  • Coordinates travel arrangements, budgets, and office maintenance.
  • Handles sensitive information related to submarine missions.

Must be organized, detail-oriented, and able to work under pressure. Works independently or in teams.

Submarine Administrative Manager

Leads administrative personnel and oversees office operations.

  • Trains and manages administrative staff.
  • Maintains files, records, and official publications.
  • Oversees travel programs and daily office operations.
  • Supports legal proceedings and personnel coordination.
  • Provides assistance to visitors and executive-level staff.

Must be highly organized, independent, and able to handle confidential information.

Submarine Administrative Office Supervisor

Manages office workflow, personnel, and customer service.

  • Communicates work procedures and policies.
  • Ensures tasks are completed accurately and on time.
  • Evaluates job performance and compliance.
  • Advises executive personnel and senior leadership.
  • Creates work schedules and duty assignments.

Requires multi-tasking, problem-solving, and strong leadership skills. Fast-paced, high-responsibility role.

Rank Structure

Pay GradeRateAbbreviationTitle
E-1Seaman RecruitSRSeaman Recruit
E-2Seaman ApprenticeSASeaman Apprentice
E-3SeamanSNSeaman
E-4Yeoman Submarines Third ClassYNS3Petty Officer Third Class
E-5Yeoman Submarines Second ClassYNS2Petty Officer Second Class
E-6Yeoman Submarines First ClassYNS1Petty Officer First Class
E-7Chief Yeoman SubmarinesYNSCChief Petty Officer
E-8Senior Chief Yeoman SubmarinesYNSCSSenior Chief Petty Officer
E-9Master Chief Yeoman SubmarinesYNSCMMaster 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.
  • Submarine Duty Incentive Pay (SUBPAY): Up to $1,000/month based on qualifications and assignment.
  • 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-YNS-Rating-Yeoman-Submarines-Image-704X396

Training and Career Opportunities

Initial Training

Yeomen receive formal Navy schooling and on-the-job training to prepare for long-term career growth.

After Boot Camp at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, future Yeoman – Submarines (YNS) report to:

  • Class “A” Technical School7 weeks in Meridian, MS. Learn personnel administration, forms, and procedures.
  • Basic Enlisted Submarine School9 weeks in Groton, CT. Learn submarine systems and operations. (Only required for Yeoman Submarines.)

Training Breakdown

SchoolLocationLengthFocusMethod
Class “A” Technical SchoolMeridian, MS7 weeksPersonnel administration, forms, proceduresGroup instruction, hands-on training
Basic Enlisted Submarine SchoolGroton, CT9 weeksSubmarine systems and operationsGroup instruction

Once training is complete:

  • Yeoman – Submarines (YNSs) typically begin with a sea tour aboard a Fast Attack or Ballistic Missile submarine.

Advanced Training & Career Growth

  • Promotion opportunities are regular but competitive—based on performance.
  • Additional training is available later in a Yeoman’s career.
  • Officer roles may be possible for those with leadership aspirations and a college degree.

Submarine Duty & Pay

  • Submarine duty is voluntary. Applicants must sign the Submarine Volunteer Statement of Understanding.
  • Submarine pay: $75 to $600 per month (begins at Basic Enlisted Submarine School).

Yeomen are part of an elite, highly trained community. Their role is essential to Navy operations—on land and below the surface.


Service & Advancement

  • Enlistment starts at E-1 (Seaman Recruit). Advancement to E-2, E-3, and E-4 requires meeting time-in-rate and performance standards.
  • Top graduates from training may qualify for accelerated advancement to E-4 (Petty Officer Third Class) by extending their enlistment to six years.
  • Advancement to E-4 in this rating is historically higher than most other Navy jobs.

Post-Service Opportunities

The skills and training gained as a Yeoman translate well into civilian careers such as:

  • Executive Assistant
  • Legal Assistant
  • Human Resources Specialist

Qualifications to Join

Requirements for YNS (Submarine Yeoman)

To qualify as a Yeoman – Submarines (YNS), you must:

  • Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Be a U.S. citizen and eligible for security clearance.
  • Possess strong writing and oral communication skills.
  • Have record-keeping skills and attention to detail.
  • Be able to perform repetitive tasks accurately.
  • Pass a typing test during training.
  • Be resourceful, curious, and people-oriented.
  • Must volunteer for submarine duty.

Commitment & Testing

  • Active duty obligation: 4 years
  • ASVAB score requirement:
    • AR + MK + EI + GS = 200 or
    • OR VE + AR + MK + MC = 200

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 Yeoman – Submarines (YNS), contact your local Navy Enlisted Recruiter. They will provide you with more detailed information you’re unlikely to find online.

If you wish to review the requirements for the regular non-submarine Yeoman job, see this article: https://navyenlisted.com/job/navy-yn-rating-yeoman/

You may also be interested in the following related Navy Enlisted Submarine jobs:

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.

Affiliate Notice
The pages on this site may contain affiliate links. I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases through these links. You agree to this notice if you continue to use this site.