A Navy Machinery Repairman (MR) operates machinists’ tools, manufacturing replacement parts for a wide range of maintenance and repair needs
An MR machines replacement parts for engines and propulsion systems for Navy ships, submarines, and aircraft.
They’re trained to use Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) machines, including lathes, milling machines, and drill presses to manufacture parts.
Originally established in 1948, the Machinery Repairman rating was a merger of two separate subsets of the Machinist’s Mate rating: Outside Machinist and Shop Machinist.
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Training And Career Path
What’s Life Like For a Navy Machinery Repairman?
Sea/Shore Rotation
Pay And Benefits
Job Reviews
Civilian Career Opportunities
Summary
Requirements and Qualifications
To serve as a Machinery Repairman (MR) in the United States Navy, there are multiple requirements which must be met:
- Must be between the ages of 18 and 41.
- Normal hearing is required.
- No history of drug abuse.
- Must have vision correctible to 20/20
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Must volunteer for duty onboard submarines.
ASVAB minimum scores to qualify as a Navy Machinery Repairmen are:
- VE+AR+MK+AS>=205
- VE+AR+MK+MC>=205, OR
- AS+MK+AO>=148
Unlike most Navy Rates, US citizenship is not required to become a Machinery Repairman.
Training and Career Path
Like all other Navy enlisted personnel, MRs must successfully complete 10 weeks of Navy Recruit Training, at the Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes (RTC Great Lakes).
After Boot Camp, a Machinery Repairman will attend Engineering Common Core and A School, also located in Great Lakes, Illinois.
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Together, these courses are 18 weeks long in duration, and sailors, through group instruction and practical application, are introduced to technical documentation and basic mechanical theory.
During their training, they are familiarized with shop tools, equipment, machines, and methods that they will utilize in their rating.
What’s Life Like for a Navy Machinery Repairman (MR)?
A Machinery Repairman is the Navy’s skilled machine tool operator.
From occasionally repairing or overhauling a ship’s auxiliary systems and engines to making custom replacement parts, the MR is the sailor the Navy assigns the job.
Additionally, MRs work on deck equipment such as hoists, condensers, winches, and heat exchange devices.
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A Machinery Repairman routinely works a vast array of tasks on a day-to-day basis.
Their numerous and various duties include:
- Engraving, flame spraying, and electroplating operations.
- Prepare specifications to produce replacement parts.
- Producing replacement parts from specifications and sketches using CNC machinery.
- Repairing auxiliary machinery on vessels.
- Operating machine shop equipment including boring mills, power hacksaws, bench grinders, lathes, drill presses, shapers, and milling machines.
Most sailors in the MR rating work indoors in a machine shop-type environment chock full of motor-powered machines.
They are closely supervised and often work closely with others.
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Navy Machinery Repairman (MR) Sea/Shore Rotation
A Machinery Repairman in the Navy spends about 50 percent of their time on shore duty and 50 percent of their time assigned to the fleet.
| Tour | Sea Tour | Shore Tour |
|---|---|---|
| First Tour | 48 Months | 36 Months |
| Second Tour | 36 Months | 36 Months |
| Third Tour | 36 Months | 36 Months |
| Fourth Tour | 36 Months | 36 Months |
| Fifth Tour | 36 Months | 36 Months |
| Sixth Tour | 36 Months | 36 Months |
| Seventh Tour | 36 Months | 36 Months |
How Much Are Machinery Repairman (MR) Paid?
The Navy bases a sailor’s pay on their rank and length of service.
| Insignia | Pay Grade | Rank | Abbreviation | 2023 Minimum Monthly Pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | E-1 +4 months | Seaman Recruit | SR | $1,917.60 |
 | E-2 | Seaman Apprentice | SA | $2,149.20 |
 | E-3 | Seaman | SN | $2,259.90 |
 | E-4 | Petty Officer Third Class | PO3 | $2,503.50 |
 | E-5 | Petty Officer Second Class | PO2 | $2,730.30 |
 | E-6 | Petty Officer First Class | PO1 | $2,980.50 |
 | E-7 | Chief Petty Officer | CPO | $3,445.80 |
 | E-8 | Senior Chief Petty Officer | SCPO | $4,957.20 |
 | E-9 | Master Chief Petty Officer | MCPO | $6,055.50 |
 | E-9 | Command Master Chief Petty Officer | CMDCM | $6,055.50 |
 | E-9 | Master Chief Petty Officer Of The Navy | MCPON | $6,055.50 |
Along with the base monthly show above, MRs may also receive additional pay, including Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) and Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) if authorized to live off base.
They may also receive sea pay and other financial incentives.
In June 2023, the Navy reported that MRs were eligible for Selective Re-enlistment Bonuses (SRB).
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Job Reviews
Reviews from current and former MRs on indeed.com are overwhelmingly positive with many appreciative and grateful for the training they received in the Navy:
The Navy affords MRs the opportunity to not only excel and thrive in their rating but also gives the sailor a sense of purpose.
Take for example the most senior female MR in the Navy, SCMR Tara Horney:
“Literally being at the tip of the spear, in the mix of things, is where I prefer to be. We have no doubt, being here and doing the missions we do, that we are doing important work and can see firsthand why a strong Navy is so important to national security. I go to work every day knowing that what I do is important and our training is more poignant knowing we could actually have to use it out here.”
The Department of the Navy’s Credentialing Opportunities Online (COOL) website estimates that approximately 770 Machinery Repairmen serve in today’s Navy.
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Civilian Career Opportunities
There is no shortage of work for former Machinery Repairman once they leave the military. Civilian career opportunities include:
- Engine and Machines Assemblers
- Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders
- Machinists
- Plating and Coating Machine Operators
- Plastic and Metal Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operators
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics
- Tool and Die Makers
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics
- Machinery Maintenance Workers
Additionally, the Navy COOL Summary For Machinery Repairman (MR) provides links to Betchel, a worldwide employer in engineering, project management, and construction. They are specifically looking for veterans trained and experienced in these highly skilled crafts.
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Also on the site is a link to the Troops to Energy website, dedicated to helping transitioning service members find jobs in the energy industry.
Sailors in the Machinery Repairman rating should take full advantage of the on-the-job (OJT) training opportunities and educational opportunities offered.
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The United States Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP) also allows MRs to complete several of their civilian apprenticeship requirements while on active duty.
Those in the Machinery Repairman rating can earn national certifications, federal licenses, and state licenses through the program.
Summary
Those considering the Navy and possessed of manual dexterity, patience, and math skills should take a long look at the MR rating.
Not only will you have the opportunity to serve your country and see the world, but you will also learn the skills and gain the experience to ensure steady employment for the entirety of your working years.
References
Official Navy Mechanical and Industrial Technology Careers Page
Navy Personnel Command Machinery Repairman (MR) Overview
United States Navy COOL Summary For Machinery Repairman (MR)
Navy COOL Machinery Repairman (MR) Rating Card
Leading from the Front: MRCS Tarah Horney
Navy Machinery Repairman (MR) Reviews – indeed.com
After the Navy, Travis worked in the Information Technology sector for twenty-five years.
Connect with Travis @MichaelTRose.
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There are not two types within the MR Rating and the schools are not 18 weeks long. That was taken from a very old reference.
Hi, Chief Decane
Thanks for pointing that out. I got the 18 weeks long “A” school reference from the Navy COOL Machinery Repairman (MR) Rating Card (which claims it is current as of 06/19) and the two jobs reference from the Navy COOL Summary For Machinery Repairman (MR). Both are listed in the References of the article.
If you can point me to a more accurate source, I’ll get the article updated.
It’s most appreciated.
Thanks,
Travis