Seaman Recruit is the lowest enlisted rank in the U.S. Navy, just below Seaman Apprentice; this rank was formerly known as Seaman Third Class. Barring cases of demotion, seaman recruits are almost exclusively found in basic training, as advancement to Seaman Apprentice is automatic after completion of basic training. Two separate pay grades exist within this rank (and the corresponding ranks in the other branches of the American military structure) - one for those with service of less than four months, with a higher pay scale for those in service for more than four months, even if they have not yet advanced to Seaman Apprentice.

Seaman recruits do not bear any uniform rank insignia (although at one time they did, in the form of one diagonal stripe - green in color for an Airman Recruit, red for a Fireman Recruit, and formerly, blue for a Constructionman Recruit; otherwise white), which would normally be worn on the left sleeve (holders of the same rank in the United States Coast Guard continue to wear one diagonal stripe).

Related articles

• U.S. Navy enlisted rate insignia
• Comparative military ranks