Naval Education and Training (NEC) is a program offered by the U.S. Navy as part of its personnel development and education efforts. The NEC program provides personnel with a wide range of skills and knowledge related to their job, as well as general education and certifications. It’s an important foundation that helps sailors prepare for advancement and other career opportunities. Understanding how the program works and what it offers is key to helping sailors maximize their education and training experience. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the details of the NEC Navy program—what it is, how it works, and what it offers—so that you can make the most of your experience.
How does the NEC work?
A four-digit number with a two- or three-letter code attached that corresponds to a service member’s job is known as the NEC system. The letter designator identifies the industry in which a person works, and the numbers identifies the precise position that person holds.
An NEC code of LS-2821, for instance, might let a Navy officer looking to assign personnel know that a candidate works in logistics and is an expert in air transportation.
What is the NEC?
The Navy classifies and organizes its sailors’ training and skills using the NEC system. Each Navy enlisted member’s records contain a unique NEC code that enables the Navy to identify each person’s skill set, knowledge, aptitude, and qualifications. These codes aid the Navy in keeping track of sailors’ training and skills, distributing them to the right billets for their jobs, and ensuring that operational units have sailors with the necessary skills to complete their missions.
Types of NECs
There are dozens of different NEC codes in the Navy. The various fields that may be operated on naval installations are designated by each NEC code. Some common types of NEC codes include:
Air traffic controller (AC)
These experts control aircraft from air towers located at various Navy aviation facilities. Facility-rated approach controller, controller for an amphibious air traffic control center, and air traffic control manager are some of the various specialties in the AC field.
Builder (BU)
These experts, who work in the construction sector, assist with the construction, upkeep, and repair of Naval facilities. Advanced builder, tool and equipment technician, and advanced underwater construction technician are some of the different specialties available in the construction industry.
Construction electrician (CE)
These experts install, fix, and maintain electrical lines to supply electrical power necessary for Naval facilities to function as intended. Uninterruptible power supply maintenance, mobile utilities support equipment technician, and advanced construction electrician are some of the specialties available in the field of construction electricians.
Hospital corpsman (HM)
The duty of these naval experts is to provide complete medical care to military personnel and their families. Search and rescue medical technicians, independent duty corpsmen for the submarine force, and independent duty corpsmen for the fleet marine force reconnaissance are among the positions available in the HM field.
Machinists mate (MM)
In order to maintain the functionality of ship propulsion and machinery, MM specialists in the US Navy operate, repair, and maintain engines and machinery. Cryogenics technician, overseas shore base equipment operator, steam propulsion maintenance supervisor, and automated electrolytic oxygen generator maintenance technician are common positions in the MM field.
Master at arms (MA)
At naval stations and military installations, these security specialists carry out force protection, security, and law enforcement duties. As these roles are frequently senior-level ones, these professionals frequently oversee the training and discipline of colleagues. Military investigator, dog handler, kennel master, afloat corrections specialist, and protective service specialist are some of the various positions within this profession.
Nuclear field (NF)
These experts have specialized knowledge in nuclear science that also applies to people with nuclear training who work in other fields. In the Navy, career fields such as machinist mates, electrician mates, and electronics technicians frequently perform nuclear duties in collaboration with experts in the fields of nuclear, technology, and engineering.
Operations specialist (OS)
These individuals control and oversee the use of tools used for air traffic control, such as radar and communication systems. Integrated automatic detection and tracking system operations, radar air controller, and air intercept controller are some of the more typical jobs within the OS specialty.
Quartermaster (QM)
These naval specialists assist officers with navigation and are capable of handling ship control, navigation, or supervisory tasks. One type of QM specialty includes harbor or docking pilots.
Special warfare (SO)
To support military operations and promote American security, these experts provide specialized support. They may have different codes, such as special warfare combatant crewman (SB), explosive ordnance disposal (EOD), and ND, depending on the field of specialization.
The four ratings under Naval Special Warfare / Operations are Navy Diver (ND), Special Warfare Combatant Crewman (SB), and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD).
What fields are included in the NEC?
Each NEC code is associated with a specific Navy field. This aids Navy officers in grouping specialists into various commands, fleets, and units. The Navy divides its personnel into a variety of categories, including:
How does the four-digit number work?
Each NEC code is assigned a four-digit number that identifies the member’s specialty, rank, and qualifications. If the military trains its members in a variety of specialties, they may have multiple four-digit codes attached to their NEC code. For instance, a hospital corpsman who has received training in both operating an X-ray machine and first aid medical services may have two four-digit codes that distinguish between their various certifications.
The four-digit code may also highlight the various vessels that service members are capable of operating, maintaining, or repairing. For instance, a machine mate with the training code 3385 has trained for surface ships, whereas one with the training code 3355 has trained for submarines.
Do the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force also use specialized codes?
Each military branch has its own specialty codes that specify a person’s position and qualifications. The U. S. Army has military occupation codes (MOS), while the U. S. Air Force uses Air Force specialty codes (AFSC). Each specialty code aids the military in effectively allocating personnel to support international military operations.
Please be aware that Indeed is not connected to any of the organizations mentioned in this article.
Navy Sailor Breaks Down The Top 3 Jobs on a U.S. Navy Submarine
FAQ
What is a military NEC?
1. In addition to the enlisted rating structure, the Navy Enlisted Classification (NEC) system, of which the NEC coding system is a part, helps to identify personnel on active or inactive duty and billets in the Navy. manpower authorizations. A non-rating wide skill, knowledge, aptitude, or qualification is identified by a NEC code.
What is Navy NECS?
In order to distinguish between personnel on active duty and those who are not, the Navy Enlisted Classification system (NEC) complements the enlisted rating structure. These codes help with manpower authorizations and billet assignments.
What is MOS or NEC?
Supported military codes include: Military Specialties (MOS) for the US Army and US Marine Corps. United States Air Force Specialty Codes (AFSC). United States Navy Enlisted Classification (NEC).
What is the NEC for Navy SEAL?
As Navy SEALs, the missions entail diving, using underwater explosives, and traveling great distances submerged while swimming on SCUBA or inside a mini-submarine.
