The TM Rating
The Torpedoman rating was first established in 1921. In 1942, the rating's name was changed to Torpedoman’s Mate (TM).
The submarine service version of the TM rating was renamed in 1995 to the Machinist’s Mate-Weapons (MMW) rating. On, October 1, 2019, the rating's name was changed back to the Torpedoman's Mate.
The surface version of the TM rating was merged into the Gunner's Mate rating on October 1, 2007.
The Navy's computerized personnel system associates the rating name with an alphanumeric Navy Navy Enlisted Manning Code (EMC). For TM, the EMC is C151.
Torpedoman's Mates operate and maintain underwater weapons launch systems (including air and hydraulic systems). They are responsible for the safe loading, unloading, shipping and storage of these weapons and conduct limited maintenance on torpedoes and missiles.
A new enlistee cannot join the Torpedoman's Mate rating directly. During job classification, one must first be qualified for and offered the Machinist's Mate Submarine (MMS) option. After successful completion Basic Enlisted Submarine School in Groton, CT, if selected Torpedoman's Mate, the Sailor would then attend the 10 week TM "A" school also located in Groton. After "A" school, a 17 week "C" school (Weapons Package course) would be completed in either Groton, Kings Bay, GA, or Bangor, ME.
The MMS option requires a 60 month (5 year) service obligation.
Torpedoman's Mate job description (C151)
Torpedoman's Mates perform organizational and intermediate level maintenance on test equipment, launching/firing systems, and stowage facilities associated with underwater ordnance, to include hydraulic systems, air systems, and seawater systems associated with launching and firing systems. They perform maintenance on underwater ordnance, small arms, and ammunition. TMs prepare underwater ordnance for launching to include conducting post fire and post-run routines. They also perform operations and organizational maintenance on submarine anchoring systems.
From common hand tools to specialized testing equipment, TMs use a wide variety of tools and equipment in the every day performance of their duties.
Career Sea - Shore Rotation
| Rating | SEA1 | SEA2 | SEA3 | SEA4 | SEA/SH |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TM | 51 | 42 | 36 | 42 | 36/36 |
| SH1 | SH2 | SH3 | SH4 | ||
| 36 | 36 | 36 | 36 |
Sea tours and shore tours for Sailors that have completed four sea tours will be 36 months at sea followed by 36 ashore until retirement.
Qualifications, Interests, and Working Environment
Those desiring to be an Torpedoman's Mate must be U.S. citizens eligible for security clearance. Applicants must volunteer for Submarine Duty. Normal color perception and normal hearing is required.
Applicants should have an aptitude for working with tools, equipment, mechanical devices and machines. They should possess good manual dexterity and physical stamina. They should have above average math skills and good speaking ability.
Torpedoman's Mates work within, and external to, the hull of a submarine in engine rooms or shops that are sometimes hot, noisy and dirty. Their work is sometimes physical, and they must be able to work closely with others as well as alone with limited supervision.
Men and women in the TM rating perform their duties in clean, comfortable office-like environments. Their work is usually mental, is done closely with others and the applicant should require little supervision. MMS ASVAB Test requirement.
The opportunities to enter the TM rating are excellent for qualified candidates. Currently, about 1,100 men and women work in the Torpedoman's Mate rating.
Personnel in the Torpedoman's Mate rating are paid allowances (Submarine Duty pay, Sea pay, BAH, BAS, etc. if eligible) and basic enlisted military pay based on years of service and paygrade.
Credit Recommendations
The American Council on Education recommends that semester hour credits be awarded in the vocational certificate and lower-division bachelor’s / associate’s degree categories for courses taken in this rating on word processing or data entry applications and office management procedures.
Page written and maintained by NCCM Thomas Goering, USN (Retired).
If you are seeking information about joining the Navy, feel free to contact me.
