Special Warfare Combat Crewman

Job Title: Special Warfare Combat Crewman (SWCC)
Category / Component: Enlisted • Active


Overview
Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and extract SEALs and other special operations forces, conduct high risk coastal and riverine missions, gather reconnaissance, and deliver precision fires in support of Naval Special Warfare and joint operations.


Key Responsibilities
Insert and extract SEALs and other special operations personnel from rivers, coasts, and contested littoral areas; operate and maintain high speed combatant craft, engines, weapons, communications, and navigation systems; collect data on enemy installations, shipping, and coastal activity; assist military and civilian law enforcement agencies when directed; conduct direct action raids against enemy shipping and waterborne traffic; integrate with and support other special operations forces and naval strike groups.


What to Expect
Operate day and night in cold weather, desert, tropical, and jungle environments; frequent field training and live fire exercises with limited administrative time; physically and mentally demanding missions that require excellent conditioning, small boat handling skills, and calm performance under pressure; strong team culture with high expectations for professionalism, reliability, and resilience.


Work Environment
Worldwide deployments along rivers, coastlines, and in littoral regions; work from small, heavily armed boats, larger support ships, and forward shore bases; live and train in tight knit teams with extended time in the field and at sea; exposure to harsh weather, rough seas, and high noise from engines and weapons systems.


Pathways, Training & Advancement
Recruit Training followed by Naval Special Warfare Orientation in Coronado; Basic Crewman Selection, Basic Crewman Training, and Crewman Qualification Training that cover small boat operations, weapons, communications, navigation, and special operations support; continued advanced training in tactics, insertion methods, intelligence, and leadership as you progress and qualify in the community.
Volunteer for the SWCC program while in the Delayed Entry Program or from within the Fleet prior to the thirty first birthday, then pass screening, physical testing, and community selection to enter the SWCC training pipeline.


Qualifications
All Navy jobs require meeting general enlistment or commissioning standards, which typically include:


Eligibility to serve in the United States Navy, which may involve United States citizenship or other legal residency and work status, depending on the program and current law and policy
A high school diploma or equivalent for enlisted positions, and a bachelor's or qualifying professional degree for officer positions
Meeting age limits that vary by program and are set in law and Navy policy. Some communities have more restrictive age ranges
Meeting medical, vision, and dental standards, including body composition and physical fitness requirements, with some jobs requiring more demanding standards
Meeting character and conduct standards, including background screening
Achieving required test scores for your program, such as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery for enlisted roles or officer qualification tests for officer programs
Eligibility for a security clearance when required for your rating or designator
Additional qualifications can include specific skills, education, licensure, or experience that are unique to a job or community and will be reviewed with you by a recruiter.


Additional qualifications for this job may include:
Excellent physical condition and strong swimming ability; eyesight within required limits, for example 20/40 best eye and 20/70 worst eye correctable to 20/25, with normal color vision; qualifying ASVAB scores such as minimum combinations in arithmetic reasoning, verbal, and mechanical comprehension; age 30 or younger at accession; United States citizenship and eligibility for a security clearance; mechanical aptitude and solid arithmetic and algebra skills.


Education
Education benefits are available through standard Navy programs such as Tuition Assistance, the Post-9/11 GI Bill, ACE-recommended college credit for Navy training, Navy COOL-funded certifications, USMAP apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities. Specific options depend on the Sailor's status, training, and current Navy policy.


Pay, Benefits & Service
Pay, benefits, and service commitments follow standard Navy Active and/or Reserve policies for this type of role, including basic pay, allowances when eligible, health coverage, and retirement options. Exact entitlements, special pays, and service obligations depend on program, component, years of service, and current law and Navy guidance.


Incentives
Incentives such as bonuses, special pays, and loan repayment may be available at times for specific ratings or communities, but they change frequently and cannot be guaranteed. Applicants must confirm current incentives and eligibility with an official Navy recruiter or authoritative Navy source.


Notes and Disclaimers
This description is a general overview of typical duties, training, and opportunities in this community. It does not replace official Navy instructions, policies, or contracts and does not guarantee specific assignments, training, incentives, or outcomes. Actual opportunities depend on Navy needs, individual performance, screening results, and current law and policy.