Special Operations

The Navy established the Special Warfare Operator (SO) rating in 2006. The Navy’s Special Warfare Operator rating is also known as the SEAL rating. About 2,400 sailors work in the SEAL rating. The ranks of Navy special operation team members include: Operator Most operators hold the rank of petty officer third class or petty officer second class. Squad leader There’s usually one squad leader in a platoon who holds the rank of petty officer first class. SEALs receive extra pay for: Special duty assignment Diving Parachuting Demolition SEAL training is extremely demanding, both mentally and physically. The majority of SEAL applicants qualify for the SEAL (SO Rating) in the Delayed Entry Program.