Posted on Dec 10, 2017
What does it mean to be a sailor, and when can you be called such?
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I understand that all Navy personnel are ones, but I'm curious as to how those who don't travel aboard ships or ride them like SEALs, Seabees, and some corpsmen, etc are seen. If you don't consider those groups as such, then how do you categorise them or yourself? Alternatively, when do you become one because for example, one isn't a submariner, regardless of seatime, until dolphins are pinned.
Posted in these groups: 
Sailors
Navy SEALs
Sailors Navy SEALs
Posted 7 y ago
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My neighbor went into the NAVY after I did but because of color blindness, is choices were restricted so he became a Corpsman. He requested and got selection after A school to be stationed with the Marines. Needless to say his duty aboard ship was limited to Gators with his team went aboard. To ever tell him he was not a sailor would to take a chance at loosing most of your teeth. He may have worn green but he was 100% NAVY, and damn proud of that fact.
Once you raise your hand and complete your basic training and can add those letters after your Name, USN, USNR, USCG or USMM YOU ARE A SAILOR! You do not have to have any specific time at sea or duty on a boat or ship. Now to become a Shellback is a total other story. When you are ready you can ask abut becoming a "SALT" Not all sailors achieve that title and be warned a SALT and a lifer are not the same. You call some Salts a lifer you will end up picking your ass up off the deck.
Once you raise your hand and complete your basic training and can add those letters after your Name, USN, USNR, USCG or USMM YOU ARE A SAILOR! You do not have to have any specific time at sea or duty on a boat or ship. Now to become a Shellback is a total other story. When you are ready you can ask abut becoming a "SALT" Not all sailors achieve that title and be warned a SALT and a lifer are not the same. You call some Salts a lifer you will end up picking your ass up off the deck.
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As a former Corpsman, and land based it's rather simple to answer. A "Sailor" in terms of military language is anyone who has entered and served in the Navy. So even a Corpsman is and ways will be a Sailor first, and then we decide our rate. Throughout your career you may be in different job functions, and also attend different A or C schools. But the tradition, and knowledge of basic seamanship, and the Sailors Creed are learned by all who serve in the Navy prior to becoming anything else while in the Navy, you will first, and forever be a U.S. Navy Sailor.
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Being a sailor is less about the actual title and more about what it means. To be a sailor is to be a part of the world's best Navy. To be able to operate effectively at sea and ashore. To take and give orders with dignity from those above and below you. Honor Courage Commitment. That sort of thing. Just because someone only 'rides' a vessel does not make them a sailor. Sailor is a tradition that has morals and meanings; not just a title you get for working on a ship.
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