U.S. NAVY GUNNER'S MATE (GM) BALL CAP DEVICE

Originally created over 220 years ago, the Naval rating of Gunner’s Mate (GM) has understandably seen substantial changes over the decades. While some of these reflect the adoption of new weapons and new technologies, many of them came about as the Navy sought (and continues to seek) a rating system that accurately reflects the jobs performed by Sailors. Gone are service ratings such as Gunner’s Mate Aviation, Gunner’s Mate Construction Battalion, or Gunner’s Mate Armorers, replaced instead by a single Gunner’s Mate rating with three jobs: Weapons Administrator, Weapons Delivery System Technician, and Small Arms Technician.

While Seaman Apprentices are eligible to become Gunner’s Mates, Sailors from other ratings may strike to enter the rating. Those eligible for a career in the GM rating will attend the rating’s Class “A” Technical School held at the Service School Command at Naval Station Great Lakes in Illinois. Classes here last for eight months, with a strong emphasis on electrical systems, electronics, and various weapons launching systems.

Because of the nature of the rating, Gunner’s Mates should expect to spend a considerable amount of time assigned to fleet units. Over the span of a twenty-year Naval career, GM Sailors are likely to spend about three-fifths of their time billeted with a fleet unit, and about forty percent station at a shore installation.

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$7.19

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USPHS

Merchant Marine

AUXILIARY

U.S. NAVY GUNNER'S MATE (GM) BALL CAP DEVICE