In the U.S. Navy, enlisted Sailors are assigned both a rate and a rating, which define their pay grade and occupational specialty.
Some Sailors consider changing their rating after enlistment due to career goals, job satisfaction, or advancement considerations.
This article outlines the general process, eligibility requirements, and considerations involved in cross rating within the Navy.
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How to Qualify for Cross Rating in the Navy
The first step to changing your rating is to ensure you meet the requirements to apply for a change.
Eligibility requirements for cross rating can include minimum time-in-rating standards set by the Navy.
Time-in-service limits may apply to cross rating eligibility depending on Navy policy.
Disciplinary history may be considered during the cross rating approval process.
Your rank cannot be above a Petty Officer 1st class.
Also, you must visit with your commanding officer regarding the request and gain their support and recommendation.
Now that the basic requirements are out of the way and you have the support of your commander, you may visit with the Command Career Counselor.
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How the Command Career Counselor Can Help with Cross Rating
The goal of the Navy Career Counselor is to make sure Sailors have enough career information so they can make long-term career planning decisions.
The counselor will verify you meet the requirements for a rating change and help to ensure your decision helps serve your long-term career goals.
Also, you must complete the Enlisted Personnel Action Request Form 1306/7.
This form is your official and formal request for the rating change.
The request is forwarded to the Navy Personnel Command, Enlisted Distribution and Readiness Branch through your chain of command.
Once approved, it is time to complete training related to your new Navy rating.
Training usually consists of A school to gain the technical skills of your new occupation, which is then followed by on-the-job training to complete your training.
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Reasons to Consider a Rating Change
For some, cross rating in the Navy is related to realizing the occupation they are currently in is not enjoyable or suitable.
Just like in the civilian world, people often realize their goals and aspirations lead somewhere other than they initially expected.
Other times Sailors never had the opportunity to take the rating they preferred when they first enlisted.
Sometimes ratings are not available at the right time.
Therefore, Sailors will wait for their opportunity to cross-train and develop new skills.
Also, there are times a rating change will create an opportunity for faster promotions.
Some careers do not have as many available open slots in the higher ranks, which leads to slower promotions.
Therefore, there are fewer opportunities for advancement.
On the other hand, other ratings allow for quicker advancements, making them attractive to Sailors.
A career counselor is skilled at helping Sailors find a balance between overall career goals and related promotion opportunities.
What People Get Wrong About Cross Rating in the Navy
A common misconception is that Sailors can change their rating at any time.
In practice, cross rating is subject to eligibility requirements, time-in-service limits, and approval through the chain of command.
Another misunderstanding is that a rating change is automatic once requested.
Approval depends on factors such as current Navy needs, eligibility criteria, and recommendations from command leadership.
Some believe that cross rating eliminates the need for additional training.
In most cases, Sailors must complete formal training associated with the new rating before fully transitioning into the role.
There is also confusion between the terms rate and rating.
Rate refers to pay grade, while rating refers to occupational specialty, and changing a rating does not automatically change a Sailor’s rank.
Conclusion
There are many reasons a Sailor may want to cross rate in the Navy.
Sometimes there is not enough satisfaction with the current rating.
Other times it is due to the desire to promote quicker.
Either way, the first step is to ensure you meet all the necessary requirements.
After verifying those requirements are met, it is time to gain the support of your commanding officer.
After talking to a career counselor, you are ready to submit your request form and prepare for training in your new career.
Resources:
www.public.navy.mil/careercounseling
Jacqueline served 5 years as a hospital corpsman in the US Navy, with tours in San Diego, California and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. She currently resides in Syracuse, NY, and is studying to become a physicians assistant.
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