USN WW2 Enlisted Rates: Specialists

U.S. Navy: World War II Enlisted Rates:

Specialists

The Specialist rating was created in late 1941 to allow for new enlisted ratings that would be needed in wartime but didn't fall within the established navy structure. The first four specialists — A, I, S and P — were authorized in February 1942. Specialists could be appointed directly from civilian life to any petty officer grade depending upon their skill level. For more detailed information see John Stacey, United States Navy Rating Badges and Marks 1833 to 2008, ASMIC Pubs, 2008.

7th Grade 6th Grade 5th Grade 4th Grade 3rd Grade 2nd Grade 1st Grade
right sleeve branch mark
cuff mark
Apprentice
Seaman
(AS)
right sleeve branch mark
cuff mark
Seaman
2nd Class
(S1c)
right sleeve branch mark
cuff mark
Seaman
1st Class
(S1c)
Specialist (X)
3rd Class
(Sp(X)3c)
Specialist (X)
2nd Class
(Sp(X)2c)
Specialist (X)
1st Class
(Sp(X)1c)

Chief Specialist (X)
(CSp(X))

 

Specialist A: Athletic Instructor, Physical Training Instructor
Specialist C: Classification Interviewer
Specialist E: Recreation and Welfare Assistant, Motion Picture Service Booker
Specialist F: Fire Fighter
Specialist G: Gunnery Instructor, Aviation Free Gunnery Instructor, Anti-Aircraft Gunnery Instructor
Specialist I: I.B.M. Operator, Punch Card Accounting Machine Operator
Specialist M: Mail Clerk
Specialist O: Inspector of Naval Material
Specialist P: Photographic Specialist, Motion Picture Technician, Photo Laboratory Specialist, Photogrammetry Specialist
Specialist Q: Communications Specialist, Cryptologist, Cryptanalyst, Radio Intelligence Technician, Registered Publications Clerk
Specialist R: Recruiter
Specialist S: Entertainer, Shore Patrol and Security, Master-at-Arms (WAVE), Personnel Supervisor (WAVE)
Specialist T: Teacher, Instructor
Specialist U: Utility (WAVE)
Specialist V: Transport Airman
Specialist W: Chaplain's Assistant
Specialist X: Air Station Operations, Artist, Cartographer, Intelligence, Key Punch Operator, Pigeon Trainer, Plastics Expert, Public Information, Special Projects, Strategic Services, Switchboard Operator, Topographic Draftsman, other specialists not otherwise classified
Specialist Y: Control Tower Operator

Main page: USN Enlisted Rating Insignia of World War II


All text and images © Justin T. Broderick, 2013 unless otherwise indicated.