What Is a Navy Rate?
If you've ever seen a sailor's uniform and noticed the insignia on their sleeve, you've seen their rate. In the U.S. Navy, a "rate" refers to an enlisted sailor's paygrade combined with their rating — the occupational specialty that defines what they do, who they are, and what they've earned. It's more than a job title. It's an identity.
Rating vs. Rate — What's the Difference?
These two terms are often used interchangeably, but they mean slightly different things:
- Rating — the occupational specialty (e.g., Boatswain's Mate, Electronics Technician, Hospital Corpsman)
- Rate — the combination of rating + paygrade (e.g., Boatswain's Mate Second Class, or BM2)
Together, they tell the full story of a sailor's rank and role in the fleet.
A Tradition Rooted in Naval History
Navy ratings date back centuries, with roots in the Royal Navy and the earliest days of the U.S. fleet. Many of today's ratings — like Boatswain's Mate and Gunner's Mate — carry names and traditions that have endured for over 200 years. When a sailor earns their rate, they're joining a legacy that stretches across generations of American sea power.
Why Sailors Take Their Rate Seriously
Your rate isn't just assigned — it's earned. Sailors study, test, and compete for advancement. Each stripe, each crow, each specialty mark on the uniform represents hours of training, deployments, and dedication. It's a source of deep pride, camaraderie, and identity that follows a sailor long after they leave the service.
Honor Your Rate with Navy Stickers Plus
At Navy Stickers Plus, we build merchandise around that pride. From rate-specific stickers and decals to apparel and gifts, every product in our catalog is designed to honor the sailor behind the rate. Whether you're active duty, a veteran, or a proud Navy family member — your rate deserves to be celebrated.