In National Harbor, Md., Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro announced the creation of a new robotics warfare specialist rating at the Navy League’s Sea-Air-Space conference. This new rating, introduced by CNO Franchetti, will focus on computer vision, mission autonomy, navigation autonomy, data systems, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. The Navy unveiled the robotics warfare specialist rating in February, marking a significant milestone in the service’s journey towards a hybrid fleet.
Master Chief Christopher Rambert became the first robotics warfare specialist in February. Active duty sailors between E-4 and E-9 ranks can request to convert to this new rating. The Navy-wide robotics warfare advancement exam will launch in September for E-5 and E-6 sailors, with higher ranks completing the exam and screening board in 2025. This rating is a major achievement for the Navy, as it is the first branch to establish a specific enlisted workforce dedicated to unmanned and autonomous technology.