Posted on Aug 28, 2017
Is it difficult to become a Seabee in the Navy Reserve?
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My research indicates that the Navy Reserve was aiming to consolidate/reduce its Naval Mobile Construction Battalions (NMCB) a few years back, but I am unable to locate any updated information for 2017. Would it be possible to enlist in the Navy Reserve in one of the Seabee rates in 2017? Would promotions be near impossible due to the limited number of positions?
Any updated information would be greatly appreciated.
Any updated information would be greatly appreciated.
Posted in these groups: 
Navy Reserve
Seabee Combat Warfare Specialist (SCWS)
BU: Builder
UT: UtilitiesmanSteelworker (SW)
Navy Reserve Seabee Combat Warfare Specialist (SCWS) BU: Builder UT: UtilitiesmanSteelworker (SW)
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 17
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As far as ease it's a lot easier if you're geographically near one of the 50 Dets. Other than that you're cross assigned, which makes it harder to make Chief. Currently there are 5 battalions, 2 CBMU's, and 2 Amphibs. There are other billets but those are the main ones. There about 5000 reserve Bees left, a fairly small community with lots of pride. Advancement has improved after the drawdown but it's still not wide open. There are 7 Bee rates and traditionally the largest rates have the best advancement opportunities. BU and EO, followed by CM, UT, CE, and then SW, and EA. The numbers vary by cycle but that's a general idea and my thoughts on it.
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PO1 Gery Bastiani
I retired in 97 as a UT1 Chief was hard to make since they only made maybe 4 a cycle
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SPC Powell - I have been a Seabee in the Reserves for over 28 years. I am also a Recruiter in the Navy. You could stop by or call the nearest Navy Operational Support Center and ask if they have a prior service Recruiter at the station. You can also call a Navy Recruiting Office to find your nearest reserve enlisted Recruiter. Depending on where you are on your Army contract, they could help you come into the Navy Reserves; possibly as a Construction Mechanic likely with a local Seabee Detachment from a Battalion near you. Best of luck!
LT Manhart
LT Manhart
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SPC Leif Powell
Thank you for the response LT Manhart. I am in the process of potentially relocating for my DOD civilian job, and I plan to reach out to the NOSC once I arrive. I did reach out here locally but since I was expecting to relocate I didn't want to waste the recruiters time. I have actually been out of the Army for about 6 years but I would like to continue via the reserve. Thanks again for the reply!
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Go to Port Hueneme Sea Bee base, drop in at the John Wayne Club, buy a beer, talk a bit and listen!
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SPC Leif Powell
Thank you for the reply CSM Hayden. That certainly sounds like more fun than internet research, but unfortunately I am currently on the East coast. While I happen to work on a Naval installation, it is almost all aviation-based personnel. I have contacted a recruiter but have yet to hear back on any Seabee specific questions. Thanks again!
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PO1 James Crowell
Not a lot of Bees on this site, I'm a Retired BU but OF-13 Rates do fill up the best info would be from a Reserve Seabee Unit like Columbus GA is Seabee heavy.
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CSM Charles Hayden Passed 7/29/2025
@PO1 James Crowell The Sea Bees I met at the John Wanye Club were a composite group. They were from everywhere in the US and had all volunteered for that deployment. When theyy offered me a seat, I demurred and said, “Thanks, this is your war!”
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I have been retired since 2013, but from my friends who are still in the Seabee's they are telling me that the rates have opened up and they are bringing more people into the Seabee's
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SPC Leif Powell
Thanks for the reply CPO Graham. It is good to hear this since most of the information online is dated. I plan to reach out to a reserve recruiter again after I relocate for my civilian job.
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Retired EO1, NMCB-22 Det 0522. We are always in need of good SWs, BUs and EOs. Promotions are good for all rates except of EAs, it is difficult to make rate as an EA.
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Yes you can enlist as a seabee in the navy reserve,and no it wouldn't be impossible its just like the active duty navy for advancement
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during my last 5 yrs in the Bees, it was hard to make Chief Petty Officer E7. In my rating they only made between 6 or less each year. The advancement exam is only given once a year in January and the advancement board would meet in June and the results would then come out in late July. And when I retired in 97 there where about 9,000 on active duty with 8 battalions. Now I've read that there is about 6,000 on active duty with only 6 battalions. Don't know what the reserves are doing. Good luck
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CSM Charles Hayden Passed 7/29/2025
@PO1 Gery Bastiani While in the John Wayne Club fifteen years ago, a 'volunteer(?), group of Seabee's from across the Nation were getting acquainted before deploying. They invited me to join the party. They were several generations younger than myself, I declined.
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PO1 Gery Bastiani
the one motto the Seabees have is WE Build, We Fight. Well when I first went in in 71 and being young and dumb we modified it to We Build, We Fight, and Party all Night. Then fall in for morning quarters HUNG over big time
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SPC Leif Powell
I appreciate the response PO1 Bastiani. When I was deployed I noticed that there were Seabee units all over the AO. I was impressed by how efficient and professional they were.
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Was a bee for 6 years.
When I left, they were filled to the brim. Went 3 cycles of 0 advancement across the board back in 2011.
When I left, they were filled to the brim. Went 3 cycles of 0 advancement across the board back in 2011.
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SPC Leif Powell
Thanks for the reply SGM Dawson. I have requested information from a local recruiter, but haven't received any responses on my Seabee specific questions. I am about to relocate cross-country, and I just want get an idea of the climate. I will certainly reach out to a reserve recruiter again once I arrive.
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SGM Mikel Dawson
You should be able to go on line and find a SESBEE unit. If you're looking that way, look at the 12 MOS as well. They do lots of the same types of work and you won't have to cross services.
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EA’s are getting promoted left and right the last 2 cycles, and all the rates have opened up.
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