What does it mean to be a sailor, and when can you be called such?

2017-12-10T01:03:31-05:00

I understand that all Navy personnel are ones, but I'm curious as to how those who don't travel aboard ships or ride them like SEALs, Seabees, and some corpsmen, etc are seen. If you don't consider those groups as such, then how do you categorise them or yourself? Alternatively, when do you become one because for example, one isn't a submariner, regardless of seatime, until dolphins are pinned.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2017 12:11 PM

2017-12-10T12:11:58-05:00

I started to become a Sailor the day I joined the Navy and went to boot camp May 1989 in Orlando FL. I became a Sailor the day I graduated Boot camp July. U then started on my journey to become a Seabee in Gulf Port MS. When we graduated A School had to go to class called TIFT Tactical Infantry Field Training, this is when I realized that I was part if a special Community in the Navy, but still a US Navy Sailor.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2017 5:49 PM

2017-12-10T17:49:32-05:00

My perspective on being a Soldier. You become one when you finish training, from there you take it forward into other titles and experiences.

Response by LTJG Richard Bruce made Dec 10 at 2017 11:41 PM

2017-12-10T23:41:57-05:00

Real sailors join the US Coast Guard.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Dec 11 at 2017 12:55 AM

2017-12-11T00:55:15-05:00

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member I Remember Boot Camp, Everything was "Recruit" I hated that Name. I Remember 2 weeks before Graduation and the CC Woke us Up, Like Always but instead He Said Good Morning "Sailors" I've been a Sailor Ever Since. Now I'm a "Spook" and for the First 2/3 of My Career was Strictly Shore Duty but I finished out the Last Third on Ships USS California CGN-36 and USS Arkansas CGN-41. So I'm Pretty Sure I'm a Sailor.

Response by LTJG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2017 8:00 AM

2017-12-11T08:00:04-05:00

Being a sailor is less about the actual title and more about what it means. To be a sailor is to be a part of the world's best Navy. To be able to operate effectively at sea and ashore. To take and give orders with dignity from those above and below you. Honor Courage Commitment. That sort of thing. Just because someone only 'rides' a vessel does not make them a sailor. Sailor is a tradition that has morals and meanings; not just a title you get for working on a ship.

Response by PO3 Rick Chervenak made Dec 11 at 2017 2:47 PM

2017-12-11T14:47:56-05:00

As a former Corpsman, and land based it's rather simple to answer. A "Sailor" in terms of military language is anyone who has entered and served in the Navy. So even a Corpsman is and ways will be a Sailor first, and then we decide our rate. Throughout your career you may be in different job functions, and also attend different A or C schools. But the tradition, and knowledge of basic seamanship, and the Sailors Creed are learned by all who serve in the Navy prior to becoming anything else while in the Navy, you will first, and forever be a U.S. Navy Sailor.

Response by PO2 Rev. Frederick C. Mullis, AFI, CFM made Dec 11 at 2017 4:47 PM

2017-12-11T16:47:49-05:00

My neighbor went into the NAVY after I did but because of color blindness, is choices were restricted so he became a Corpsman. He requested and got selection after A school to be stationed with the Marines. Needless to say his duty aboard ship was limited to Gators with his team went aboard. To ever tell him he was not a sailor would to take a chance at loosing most of your teeth. He may have worn green but he was 100% NAVY, and damn proud of that fact.
Once you raise your hand and complete your basic training and can add those letters after your Name, USN, USNR, USCG or USMM YOU ARE A SAILOR! You do not have to have any specific time at sea or duty on a boat or ship. Now to become a Shellback is a total other story. When you are ready you can ask abut becoming a "SALT" Not all sailors achieve that title and be warned a SALT and a lifer are not the same. You call some Salts a lifer you will end up picking your ass up off the deck.