Minemen

Responsibilities

Minemen (MN) serve aboard minesweepers to detect and neutralize underwater mines. Minemen also assemble and test underwater explosive devices. Your job responsibilities as a MN may include:

• Operating sonar systems and submersible remotely operated vehicles (ROV) to detect and classify underwater explosives
• Serving as part of the command and control team aboard your ship
• Handling and operating mine neutralization equipment
• Assembling and maintaining mines
• Testing and troubleshooting electrical and electronic circuitry and components
• Operating mine-handling equipment including forklifts and cranes
• Operating tools and equipment such as sandblasters, grinders, pneumatic torque tools, electrical meters and electronic test equipment

Work Environment

Work in the MN rating is usually performed in a mechanical shop setting both at sea and on shore. As a Mineman, you can expect to perform work of a physical nature as part of a team.

Training & Advancement

Upon completion of initial training at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes (known as Boot Camp), you’ll report for specialized training, including:

Class "A" Technical School

 (19 weeks) in Point Loma, CA, for training in mine location and neutralization skills. After you complete your training, you may be assigned to a minesweeper. Promotion opportunities are regularly available but competitive and based on performance.

Advanced Training

Advanced training as a Mineman may also be available during later stages of your career. For those with further leadership aspirations and a college degree, Officer roles may be available, providing opportunities to lead and train others.

Post-Service Opportunities

Specialized training received and work experience gained in the course of service can lead to valuable credentialing and occupational opportunities in related fields in the civilian world, such as explosives handling, inspection and logistics management.

Education Opportunities

Beyond offering access to professional credentials and certifications, Navy technical and operational training as a Mineman can translate to credit hours toward a bachelor’s or associate degree through the American Council on Education. You may also continue your education through undergraduate degree opportunities like the Navy College Program and Tuition Assistance and the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

Qualifications & Requirements

A high-school diploma or equivalent is required to become an Enlisted Sailor and a Mineman. You must also be a U.S. citizen eligible for security clearance. MN applicants should be possess strong math, writing and communication skills, and an aptitude for working with mechanical equipment and systems. You should be able to perform intricately detailed work and function as part of a team. Important personal attributes for MN applicants include resourcefulness, curiosity and flexibility. You must have good manual dexterity and normal color perception is required. General qualifications may vary depending upon whether you’re currently serving, whether you’ve served before or whether you’ve never served before.

Part-Time Opportunities

Serving part-time as a Navy Reserve Sailor, your duties will be carried out during your scheduled drilling and training periods. During monthly drilling, Minemen in the Navy Reserve typically work at a location close to their homes. For annual training, you may serve anywhere in the world, including locations in the U.S., at bases overseas, or in areas where humanitarian needs are great. Take a moment to learn more about the general roles and responsibilities of Navy Reserve Sailors. Most of what you do in the Navy Reserve is considered training. The basic Navy Reserve commitment involves training a minimum of one weekend a month (referred to as drilling) and two weeks a year (referred to as Annual Training) – or the equivalent of that. Minemen in the Navy Reserve serve in an Enlisted role. Before receiving the ongoing professional training that comes with the job, initial training requirements must be met. For current or former military Enlisted servicemembers, prior experience satisfies the initial Recruit Training requirement, so you will not need to go through Boot Camp again. For those without prior military experience, you will need to meet the initial Recruit Training requirement by attending Boot Camp in Great Lakes, IL. This training course will prepare you for service in the Navy Reserve and count as your first Annual Training.