What term describes broad enlisted career fields in the Navy?

The term that describes broad enlisted career fields in the Navy is "Ratings." Each rating represents a specific occupational specialty, allowing personnel to be categorized based on their job functions and responsibilities. For example, ratings encompass all of the various roles within the enlisted workforce, from administrative to technical roles, providing clarity in career progression and training. Each rating not only defines the duties and responsibilities of a service member but also outlines the education and skill requirements necessary for advancement within that career field.

"Departments" typically refer to larger organizational units within the Navy, grouping various divisions and ratings under a common operational umbrella. "Divisions," on the other hand, are usually smaller units within a department, organized to facilitate specific tasks or functions and may contain multiple ratings within them. "Branches" can refer to the general categories of military service (like Navy, Army, etc.) but do not specifically denote enlisted career fields. Therefore, "Ratings" is the most precise term for describing the broad enlisted career fields in the Navy.