Professional Apprenticeship Career Track Sailors are categorized by which of the following paygrades?

Professional Apprenticeship Career Track (PACT) Sailors are designed to provide a pathway for enlisted personnel who are in their initial training phase as they develop their skills and knowledge in a professional field. These Sailors typically fall within the entry-level paygrades, which include E-1 to E-3. This categorization reflects their status as trainees or novice personnel who are just beginning their naval careers and are working on acquiring the necessary competencies in their selected ratings.

Being in the E-1 to E-3 range allows PACT Sailors to focus on their training without the additional responsibilities that come with higher paygrades. This helps to ensure they receive the appropriate mentorship and support as they transition into prospective rated positions. Sailors in this classification are often assigned to various fleet or shore commands to help them gain practical, hands-on experience.

The other paygrade options provided do not accurately reflect the intended group for PACT Sailors. E-4 to E-6, E-5 to E-7, and E-3 to E-5 include higher levels of experience and responsibility that are not suited for those in the beginning stages of their naval careers who are classified under the PACT program.