What is the best rate in the us navy?

Answer 1

Though the paygrade is the same (E-1), the recruit's general career path determines which recruit rate they are initially assigned:

Engineering Rates (e.g., Machinist's Mate) - Fireman Recruit (FR) - 1 Red Stripe

Aviation Rates (e.g., Aviation Ordnance) - Airman Recruit (AR) - 1 Green Stripe

All others or non-designated careers - Seaman Recruit (SR) - 1 White Stripe

The Seaman, Fireman, or Airman designation stays with the sailor until such time as they're promoted to Petty Officer 3rd Class (E-4), at which point a career rate has been chosen, and their rate designation is shown on their Rank/Rate patch. The stripe colors are used to denote the area the sailor is striking in (working toward), or has chosen for a full career path later.

As an example, when I first joined, I was a Seaman Recruit, having chosen Submarine Sonar as my career path. Since I was also in an accelerated career path, I left BT as a Seaman, and was promoted to 3rd Class after finishing Basic Sonar school, at which point my rank/rate was Sonar Technician (Submarines) 3rd Class.

Answer 2

Depends on your personal interest. But personally I'd say Boatswain's mate if you want to be a real sailor. Gunners mate if you like being around guns.