Which ratings were included in the first women’s Reserve Enlisted Basic Indoctrination classes?

• A. Yeoman, Storekeeper, Radioman, Hospital Corpsman
• B. Yeoman, Clerk, Machinist, Electrician
• C. Storekeeper, Yeoman, Boatswain’s Mate, Coxswain
• D. Hospital Corpsman, Yeoman, Gunner’s Mate, Electrician’s Mate

Answer: (A)

The capacity being tested is which Navy ratings were available to the Women’s Reserve in the very first Reserve Enlisted Basic Indoctrination classes. The four ratings included—Yeoman, Storekeeper, Radioman, and Hospital Corpsman—represent clerical, supply, communications, and medical support roles. These are foundational duties that could be taught and integrated quickly to support a wide range of ships and commands during wartime, making them the natural first group opened to WAVES.

Other options mix in ratings that were either more technical, seamanship-based, or required broader training pipelines that were not part of the initial indoctrination. Machinist, Electrician, Guns’ Mate, and similar specialties needed specialized schooling and equipment access beyond the earliest REBI framework, so they were not among the first wave.