Watercraft Operator
Job Overview
As a Watercraft Operator, you’ll be responsible for navigation, cargo operations, and supervising other Soldiers on Army watercraft. As part of the piloting team, you’ll train in the basics of seamanship and vessel operations, using electronic positioning systems, handheld navigation devices, and traditional watch standing procedures. You’ll learn boat handling techniques, how to dock and undock vessels, drop and weigh anchor, interpret code signal flags, and send and receive messages via radio, beacon, and signal flag. Since safety is such an important part of this job, you’ll also learn emergency water survival, how to operate lifeboats, shipboard firefighting, and other emergency procedures.
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Official Qualification Requirements
Requirements being verified against the official service publication. We do not display unofficial or estimated scores — contact a recruiter for the current minimum.
Last verified: 2026-08-14
Requirements are subject to change by the Department of Defense and each service. Always confirm the current standard with an official recruiter before making a decision.
Not required. GoArmy.com states you must "be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a valid Green Card" to enlist, so green card holders qualify for this job (also 10 U.S.C. 504). Source: goarmy.com/how-to-join/requirements. Citizens of the Freely Associated States (Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Palau) may also enlist under 10 U.S.C. 504. Verified August 2026 against the official branch site, 10 U.S.C. 504, and AR 601-210 (20 March 2026).