Navy Signs First-Ever Contract with Robotics Warfare Specialist

The U.S. Navy introduced the new Robotics Warfare (RW) rating, available for active-duty contracts as of August 27, 2024.

Torres-Casillas, a young recruit from San Diego, became the first female to enlist under this RW rating. “I came here unsure of what job I wanted or was qualified for,” she said. “I got so happy when I received the news that I got the job. My parents sacrificed a lot to provide our family with a better quality of life and I owe it to them to do well with this amazing opportunity the Navy is giving me.

The enlistment was overseen by Damage Controlmen 1st Class Kreig Newton, assigned to Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) Phoenix. Newton, the senior classifier for MEPS Phoenix, realized that Torres-Casillas was fully qualified for the newly available RW rating.

“I was surprised when I saw that RW was available as of today,” Newton said. “I called headquarters to confirm RW and then realized she was qualified based on her ASVAB line scores. I mentioned the job to her and she was super excited. I will never forget the look on her face after I told her she was going to be the first contracted female Robotics [Warfare] Specialist.”

Torres-Casillas will now work with her recruiter, Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Tremaine Smith, also part of NTAG Phoenix. “Petty Officer Newton was amazing,” she said. “He asked me a lot of questions about my interests. Then he told me about the Robotics Warfare Specialist role. It sounded perfect to me. It’s a little overwhelming to be first, but I am ready for the challenge.”

Currently part of the Delayed Entry Program, Torres-Casillas will head to the Navy’s boot camp in Great Lakes, Illinois, in January 2025.

The establishment of the RW rating, announced in the U.S. Navy’s NAVADMIN 036/24, aims to build a team proficient in sensors, platform autonomy, and mission autonomy programs. This vision aligns with Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti’s strategy discussed at the WEST 2024 naval conference.

The Navy’s RW rating marks a groundbreaking initiative, being the first Department of Defense branch to have a dedicated enlisted workforce focused on unmanned and autonomous technology.

For more details on the RW Conversion Opportunity, including NECs, ASVAB scores, and background requirements, visit the Navy HR portal:
Navy Fact Sheet

For information on the application process, consult the RW enlisted community management page on the MyNavy HR website.