How many us submarine sailors are there?

Answer 1

The number of active duty submariners is always a fluid number, being it's an all-volunteer service of the Navy. The numbers have always been historically small; the Submarine Force typically only comprises about 5-6% of the Navy's overall personnel.

In today's terms (assuming 300,000 active duty sailors), given the number of active submarines, newcon (new construction) boats, those who are in the training pipeline, and those in command / support units, the number is likely between 15,000 and 20,000.

It's important to understand that like most hazardous duty services, there are physical and mental requirements that must be met by all volunteers before actually being allowed to a submariner. The most obvious is claustrophobia; unless you're comfortable being in tight, cramped spaces for weeks at a time without seeing daylight (and most people aren't), being on a submarine crew isn't the best career option.