The MN Rating
The Mineman rating was first established in 1943, and disestablished in 1947. The rating was then re-established in 1948.
Mineman perform their duties at sea aboard minesweepers assisting in the detection and neutralization of underwater mines. Ashore, minemen are technicians who test, assemble and maintain underwater explosive devices (mines). They test various electronic components to ensure proper repair and make sure that the mine works properly. They are also responsible for safe storage, handling and loading of mines for transporting.
Mineman (MN)
The duties performed by Minemen include operating sonar systems for detection and classification of contacts, and function in the minesweeping tactical nerve center (CIC) of their ships as part of the command and control team. They handle and operate deck-loaded mine neutralization equipment; as well as, perform maintenance on and assemble mines, and perform electrical and electronic checks and tests of circuitry and components.
Minemen are experts in all aspects of tactical and operational Mine Warfare, including mining and mine countermeasures operations. They perform tactical and operational mine warfare planning, coordination, and execution. They plan tactical employment of airborne and underwater mine countermeasure systems, and perform, manage, and supervise organizational and intermediate maintenance on service mine systems, exercise and training mine systems, and underwater targets.
MNs operate surface mine countermeasures systems, mine warfare tactical decision aids, and environmental sensor systems. They coordinate and supervise minesweeper operations and deck seamanship evolutions such as navigation, fueling, replenishment at sea, search and rescue, towing, anchoring, mooring, and small boat navigation. Minemen perform and manage organizational and intermediate maintenance of small arms, magazine sprinkler systems, and small boats, and they train, qualify, direct, and supervise personnel in the handling and stowing of ordnance, and the operation and maintenance of small arms and crew-served weapons.
Qualifications, Interests, and Working Environment
Manual dexterity, mechanical ability and teamwork are important qualifications. Minemen should be competent in mathematics, possess a good memory and curiosity, and have the ability to perform intricate detailed work. Qualities such as good writing and communication skills, resourcefulness and flexibility are helpful.
MNs must be U.S. citizens eligible for security clearances. Adversely adjudicated drug abuse offenses will not receive waiver consideration. Normal color perception is required. Work in the MN rating is usually performed in a small shop-type setting. Minemen work closely as a team, and individual jobs require both physical and mental talents at sea and ashore. Mineman's ASVAB Test requirement.
Credit Recommendations
The American Council on Education recommends that semester hour credits be awarded in the vocational certificate or lower-division bachelor's/associate's degree categories for courses taken in this rating on electricity and electronics, applied mathematics and blueprint reading.