The Bluejacket's Manual (Centennial Edition )

The author, winner of the Alfred Thayer Mahan Award for Naval Literature, has served the Navy in many capacities, both as an enlisted man and officer, and he brings that experience and his devotion to the service to these pages. He explains new terms and such concepts as leadership and core values in both inspiring and pragmatic terms. Relevant photographs, diagrams, and tables enhance the presentation, and accompanying appendixes include a glossary and a wealth of reference material that every sailor will want to keep at hand.

If you are in the Delayed entry program (DEP) or thinking about joining the Navy, this book will give you valuable insight and get you well prepared for your career. Start reading the material right away so you can be prepared for boot camp (making it easier...yes it can be done!) You will get one of these in boot camp, so give this to your family or spouse so they can look up questions they may have. It helps when your family knows what the heck you are talking about when you say such Naval jargon as 'head', 'starboard', 'plankowner', 'scuttlebutt', etc.

Secondly, anyone who has an interest in the Navy and how the enlisted do it will sureley find this valuable. It covers everything from the enlisted ratings (the specific jobs), officer ranks, re-enlistment procedures, commissioning procedures, firefighting, damage control, nautical flags, ship information, etc, etc, etc. It's one of the books that has everything packed into it!

I still have my original book from RTC after nearly 8 years and still look at it now and again.

Fair winds and following seas...


A Classic!   July 3, 2007
Robert L. Lara Jr. (San Angelo, TX)
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

The Bluejacket's Manual has been a staple book of US Navy seamanship for the last century. I'm pre-Recruit Training, but knowing your trade before you're supposed to has never hurt anybody.

The hardback version is perfect for the mantle of any sailor past or present...


Helped prepare for Officer's School   August 29, 2008
K. Walker (Mesquite, TX United States)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

Helped my son greatly improve his score on the OCS exam. Arrived quickly and in excellent condition.


Bluejackets Manual   February 15, 2009
Walter L. Savell (Murrieta, CA)
2 out of 3 found this review helpful

As soon as my common package mailbox freed up, the USPS finally delivered my 22nd edition Bluejackets Manual along with another package. It was in pristine condition with an NROTC GA TECH label on the back. I doubt that it had even been used since there was no "used book" label on it. If it had been used by a midshipman, I would not want to serve under him when he got his commission because the Bluejackets Manual issued to me in boot camp showed signs of much more use when I was done with it.


For Those Considering Navy Boot Camp   July 25, 2008
Keith G. Cromer (Navy Veteran - South Carolina)
This is a required book once you enter the Navy. More than enough information is in the book that will help you on your daily journey in the Navy. It is good to for those that are just interested in the Navy atmosphere. This book will be one that is given to you once you join the Navy. The information will help you in your test taking for promotions as well but it doesn't go into very much detail of the different ratings due to security clearances required for some of the jobs.