MA - Master at Arms

The MA rating provides Navy Ships and commands with force protection/antiterrorism specialists who assist in maintaining good order and discipline, law enforcement, and physical security duties. MA's enforce appropriate orders and regulations, make apprehensions, conduct investigations/interrogations and prepare required records and reports. Due to the unique functions and trust inherent in the MA rating, the quality of personnel selected is of paramount importance and requires strict adherence to eligibility criteria.

What They Do:

Enforce rules and regulations to maintain military discipline. Perform physical security duties. Conduct preliminary investigations. Provide Anti-terroism force protection (ATFP) Organize and train personnel assigned to security and overseas shore patrol duties. Conduct crime prevention programs. Operate brigs (jails). Assist in crowd control and confrontation situations. Handle and care for dogs that detect narcotics and explosives.


ASVAB Score:
AR+WK=98 and WK=43

Must have normal color perception. Must have normal hearing. Must have no speech impediment. Security Clearance, (SECRET) Requirement. 48 month obligation. Must be U.S. citizen.

Notes: High school diploma graduate or equivalent. Must be able to type 40 words per minute. Must have no record of conviction by civil court for any offense other than minor traffic.

Technical Training Information:

Convertees and recruits are taught the fundamentals of this rating through formal Navy schooling and on-the-job training.


Lackland AFB, TX -- 40 calendar days
Hampton Roads, VA -- 50 calendar days
Kings Ba, GA -- 50 calendar days

Ship and shore physical security requirements, crime prevention, military and civil law, antiterrorism procedures, physical fitness training, interpersonal communications, first aid, firearms and physical restraint. Group instruction, classroom and physical training in use of restraining devices.

Working Environment:

MA's may expect to be assigned to duty aboard ships and shore stations having 200 or more people assigned. The working environment varies widely with individual assignments. MA's usually work closely with others, with little supervision and do mostly mental work.