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Master Navy Links List: Official Websites Every Sailor Needs (2026)

One page with the official Navy websites you actually need, sorted by job: pay, records, careers, education, health, family support, travel, transition and crisis help, with what each site is for.

A Navy yeoman at a desk goes through paperwork with another sailor at an administrative office
U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jose Jaen

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In this guide

This is a master list of the official websites a U.S. Navy sailor, family member or veteran is most likely to need. It covers pay, records, careers, education, health, family support, travel, transition and crisis help. Every link goes to an official government or recognised non-profit site.

The Navy has a lot of websites. Their names are short, their jobs overlap, and the one you need is never the one you remember. This page puts them in one place and tells you in plain English what each one is for.

Bookmark it. The next time someone says “just do it on NSIPS” or “check BOL”, you will know exactly where to go. 🧭

50+official links on this page
11groups, sorted by what you need to do
24/7help lines listed for urgent problems
988then press 1: the Military and Veterans Crisis Line

How to use this list

The links are grouped by the job you are trying to get done, not by which command runs the site. Each table gives the site’s name, its address and what you would use it for.

Some sites are open to anyone. Others need you to sign in. A few only work properly on a Navy network or with a Common Access Card. We explain logins further down.

Save time with three bookmarks

If you only save three, make them MyNavy Portal, MyPay and MyNavy HR. Between them they cover most day-to-day needs, and they link out to nearly everything else.

1. Start here: the main Navy portals

Site Address Use it for
MyNavy Portal my.navy.mil The front door to Navy personnel, pay and training services
MyNavy HR mynavyhr.navy.mil Policy, career management, messages and reference manuals
Navy.mil navy.mil Official Navy news, leadership and fact files
Navy App Locker applocker.navy.mil The Navy’s official mobile apps in one place
Navy Reserve navyreserve.navy.mil Reserve news, guidance and the Reserve personnel manual

MyNavy Career Center: when you need a person

The MyNavy Career Center (MNCC) is the Navy’s help desk for personnel and pay questions. The number printed in the Navy’s own manuals is 1-833-330-MNCC (1-833-330-6622), and the email is [email protected]. Use it when a website cannot answer your question or when something in your record is wrong.

2. Pay, leave and personnel records

Site Address Use it for
MyPay mypay.dfas.mil Leave and earnings statements, tax forms, allotments and savings plan contributions
DFAS dfas.mil Military pay information, pay dates and help with pay problems
NSIPS nsips.cloud.navy.mil Your electronic service record and personnel transactions
BUPERS Online (BOL) bol.navy.mil Your official military personnel file and related records
milConnect milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil Checking your family’s DEERS record, benefits and life insurance elections
Military Compensation militarypay.defense.gov Official pay tables, allowances and retirement explainers
Thrift Savings Plan tsp.gov Your retirement savings account

NSIPS is where things get done. BOL is where your record is kept. MyPay is where you see the money.

3. Career, advancement and policy

Site Address Use it for
NAVADMIN messages mynavyhr.navy.mil/References/Messages Navy-wide announcements: advancement results, policy changes, bonuses
MILPERSMAN mynavyhr.navy.mil/References/MILPERSMAN The Navy’s personnel manual: the rules behind most career questions
Uniform Regulations mynavyhr.navy.mil — Uniform Regulations What to wear, how to wear it and the order of awards
Navy COOL cool.osd.mil/usn Civilian licences and certifications linked to your rating, and funding for them
USMAP usmap.osd.mil Earning a civilian apprenticeship certificate while you serve
milGears milgears.osd.mil Mapping your training and experience to civilian careers
Navy directives secnav.navy.mil/doni Official SECNAV and OPNAV instructions
Navy medicine directives med.navy.mil/Directives Medical instructions and manuals
DoD forms esd.whs.mil/Directives/forms Official DD forms

If you are working on a uniform question, our guide to the Navy order of precedence for ribbons and medals explains the rules in plain English.

4. Education and training

Site Address Use it for
Navy College Program navycollege.navy.mil Tuition Assistance rules, counselling and getting started with college
MyNavy Education myeducation.netc.navy.mil Applying for Tuition Assistance and tracking your requests
U.S. Naval Community College usncc.edu Degree and certificate programmes for enlisted sailors
Naval Education and Training Command netc.navy.mil Navy schools and training commands

5. Health care

Site Address Use it for
TRICARE tricare.mil Health plans, finding a doctor, costs and enrolment for you and your family
Navy Medicine med.navy.mil Navy medical commands and health information
Military OneSource militaryonesource.mil Free, confidential counselling and support, around the clock

6. Family support and emergencies

Site Address Use it for
Military OneSource militaryonesource.mil One-stop help for moving, money, relationships, tax filing and more
Fleet and Family Support ffr.cnic.navy.mil Local support centres: counselling, relocation help, financial classes, deployment support
NFAAS navyfamily.navy.mil Keeping your contact details current and checking in after a disaster
Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society nmcrs.org Emergency financial help and budget counselling
American Red Cross redcross.org — military families Emergency messages to a service member when there is a family crisis
USO uso.org Airport lounges, programmes and support for service members and families
Navy Installations Command cnic.navy.mil Finding your base’s website, services and contact numbers

NFAAS matters more than most people realise. Our step-by-step guide shows how to update and verify your NFAAS contact information.

7. Shopping, recreation and travel

Site Address Use it for
Navy Exchange mynavyexchange.com Tax-free shopping and uniform items
Navy MWR navymwr.org Gyms, tickets, lodging, outdoor recreation and base activities
Defense Travel Management Office travel.dod.mil Per diem rates, travel rules and help with official travel

8. Joining the Navy

Site Address Use it for
Navy.com navy.com Careers, requirements and finding a recruiter
Navy Boot Camp bootcamp.navy.mil What to expect at Recruit Training Command, and graduation details for families
Navy Recruiting Command cnrc.navy.mil Official recruiting information

Thinking about joining? Read our guides to how to join the Navy, the ASVAB and what to expect at boot camp.

9. Leaving the Navy and veteran benefits

Site Address Use it for
DoD Transition Assistance Program dodtap.mil The required steps and classes before you separate or retire
DoD SkillBridge skillbridge.osd.mil Civilian internships and training in your last months of service
VA.gov va.gov Disability claims, health care, GI Bill, home loans and more
Vet Centers vetcenter.va.gov Free, confidential counselling close to home
National Archives archives.gov/veterans Requesting your service records, including a DD-214

Planning your exit? Our Navy transition timeline lays out what to do and when, and our guide to turning Navy experience into a civilian resume helps with the next step.

10. Crisis and safety lines

If you or someone you know is in danger or struggling, use these. They are free and confidential.

Service How to reach it Use it for
Military and Veterans Crisis Line Dial 988, then press 1. Or text 838255. veteranscrisisline.net Immediate help in a mental health crisis, for service members, veterans and families
DoD Safe Helpline Call 877-995-5247. safehelpline.org Confidential support for anyone in the military community affected by sexual assault
Military OneSource militaryonesource.mil Non-medical counselling and urgent practical help, 24 hours a day
In an emergency

If someone’s life is at risk right now, call 911 or your local emergency number first.

11. History, reference and voting

Site Address Use it for
Navy Fact Files navy.mil — Fact Files Official facts about ships, aircraft and weapons
Naval History and Heritage Command history.navy.mil Ship histories, photos and Navy traditions
DVIDS dvidshub.net Official military photos, video and news from around the fleet
Federal Voting Assistance Program fvap.gov Registering and voting absentee while stationed away from home
U.S. Naval Institute usni.org Independent professional reading and Navy news

Want to see how these sources are used? Our guide to how many aircraft carriers the US has is built on the Navy’s fact files.

How logging in works

Not every site works the same way. Here is what to expect.

Type of access What you need Typical sites
Open to everyone Nothing MyNavy HR, Navy.mil, TRICARE information, Military OneSource
Common Access Card (CAC) Your CAC, a card reader and your PIN NSIPS, BUPERS Online, parts of MyNavy Portal
Username and password, or a DoD sign-in An account you set up in advance MyPay, milConnect
A public sign-in service An account with a service such as Login.gov or ID.me VA.gov

Using a CAC at home

To use CAC-only sites from a personal computer you need three things:

  1. A card reader. A small USB device that your CAC slots into.
  2. The right software. Your computer needs the Department of Defense security certificates, and sometimes extra software, before it will trust the sites.
  3. A supported browser. Some older sites are fussy. If one browser fails, try another.

Set up your home access before you need it. The worst time to discover your reader does not work is the night before a deadline.

Set up your non-CAC logins while you still have a CAC

Family members and veterans cannot use a CAC. Before you separate, make sure you can get into MyPay, milConnect and VA.gov without one. It is far easier to set up while you are still serving.

How to tell a real Navy site from a fake

Scammers copy military websites to steal logins and personal details. A few simple checks keep you safe.

  • Look at the ending. Official U.S. military sites end in .mil. Federal government sites end in .gov.
  • Look for the lock. The address should start with https.
  • Be wary of links in emails and texts. Type the address yourself or use a bookmark.
  • Never share your CAC PIN. No real help desk will ask for it.
  • Be careful with search results. Adverts can sit above the real site. Check the address before you click.

A handful of trusted organisations use other endings, such as the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (.org) and the Navy Exchange (.com). When in doubt, reach them through a link on an official .mil page.

Real-life situations

1. Your pay looks wrong

Open MyPay and check your latest leave and earnings statement. Then talk to your command’s admin or pay office. If that does not fix it, call the MyNavy Career Center.

2. You are moving to a new duty station

Start with Military OneSource for the moving process and your new base’s page on the Navy Installations Command site. Update your address in NSIPS, DEERS and NFAAS.

3. You want to start college

Read the rules on the Navy College Program site first, then talk to a counsellor. Applications for Tuition Assistance go through MyNavy Education.

4. A family member is in hospital and you are deployed

Your family can send an emergency message through the American Red Cross. It verifies the emergency so your command can act on it.

5. You are a year from getting out

Open the Transition Assistance Program site, look at SkillBridge, and create your VA.gov login. Download copies of your records while you still have CAC access.

Common mistakes (and the fix for each)

⚠️ Mistake: Searching for a site and clicking the first result.

✅ Fix: Check the address ends in .mil or .gov before you sign in.

⚠️ Mistake: Leaving home CAC access until you need it.

✅ Fix: Set up your reader and test it on a quiet day.

⚠️ Mistake: Relying on a CAC for everything.

✅ Fix: Set up username or public sign-in access for MyPay, milConnect and VA.gov.

⚠️ Mistake: Forgetting to update your address everywhere.

✅ Fix: After a move, update NSIPS, DEERS, NFAAS and MyPay.

⚠️ Mistake: Trusting old forum posts for policy.

✅ Fix: Check the current NAVADMIN or the MILPERSMAN on MyNavy HR.

⚠️ Mistake: Not saving your records before you separate.

✅ Fix: Download your personnel file and medical records while you still have access.

Pro tips

  • Make a bookmarks folder called “Navy” and put the sites you use in it.
  • Check your record twice a year. Errors are easier to fix early.
  • Keep a personal email on file so you can still get in after you leave.
  • Use the official apps. The Navy App Locker lists them all.
  • Write down help desk numbers somewhere you can find them when a site is down.
  • Use a privacy screen in public. Your record contains personal details.

Helpful gear for getting online securely

Most problems with Navy websites at home come down to the card reader. These three items cover the common setups. We chose them by researching what each one does and who it suits. We have not tested them hands-on, and we list the trade-offs. Read how we choose products.

Three items for using Navy sites at home
ProductBest forKey featurePrice levelLink
Best standard readerIdentiv SCR3310v2 Smart Card ReaderComputers with a regular USB portCompact USB-A reader for CAC and PIV cards BudgetSee on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best for newer laptopsZOWEETEK USB-C CAC ReaderLaptops that only have USB-C portsPlugs straight into USB-C BudgetSee on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best for privacy3M Bright Screen Privacy Filter (15.6 inch)Working on records in shared spacesBlocks the view from the side Mid-rangeSee on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Price level is a broad guide, not a live price. Scroll the table sideways on small screens.

Best standard reader

Identiv SCR3310v2 USB Smart Card Reader

Budget

A small, plain USB card reader for Common Access Cards and other chip cards. It plugs into a standard USB-A port. The listing says it works with Windows, macOS and Linux and follows the main smart card standards.

Ideal for: Anyone with a desktop or laptop that has a regular USB port.

  • Compact design
  • Follows major smart card standards
  • No separate power supply
Brand
Identiv
Model
SCR3310v2
Connection
USB Type A
Works with
CAC and PIV chip cards
Systems listed
Windows, macOS, Linux

What we like

  • Simple and widely used style of reader
  • Small enough to travel with
  • Low price

Trade-offs

  • Needs an adapter for USB-C-only laptops
  • You still have to install the DoD certificates yourself
  • No use with phones or tablets
Best for newer laptops

ZOWEETEK USB-C CAC Card Reader

Budget

A card reader with a USB-C plug, for laptops that have dropped the older USB ports. The listing says it supports Windows 10 and 11 and macOS 10.15 or later. It does not work with iPhones or iPads.

Ideal for: Owners of thin laptops with USB-C ports only.

  • Plugs directly into USB-C
  • Made for military and government ID cards
  • No adapter needed
Brand
ZOWEETEK
Connection
USB-C
Systems listed
Windows 10 and 11, macOS 10.15 or later
Not supported
iPhone and iPad

What we like

  • No dongle to lose
  • Compact
  • Inexpensive

Trade-offs

  • Mac users may need extra software, according to the listing
  • Windows 11 may need a driver, according to the listing
  • No use with phones or tablets
Best for privacy

3M Bright Screen Privacy Filter for 15.6-inch Laptops

Mid-range

A filter that sits over your laptop screen so people beside you see a dark panel. The listing says it blacks out the view from outside a 60-degree angle while letting through up to 85% of the screen’s light. It is for 15.6-inch screens with a 16:9 shape, so measure yours first.

Ideal for: Checking pay or personnel records in an airport, barracks lounge or shared office.

  • Brighter than standard black filters, according to 3M
  • Helps reduce blue light
  • Anti-glare
Brand
3M
Model
BP156W9B
Fits
15.6-inch laptops, 16:9
Privacy
Blocks side views outside 60 degrees
Size
about 13.6 x 7.6 inches

What we like

  • Protects personal details in public
  • From a well-known maker
  • Removable

Trade-offs

  • Only fits one screen size and shape
  • Dims the screen slightly
  • Costs more than basic filters

Try our free checklists, pace calculator and study planner.

Open Navy tools

Frequently asked questions

What is the main Navy website for sailors?

MyNavy Portal at my.navy.mil is the Navy’s front door to personnel, pay and training services. MyNavy HR at mynavyhr.navy.mil holds policy, messages and reference manuals.

What is the difference between NSIPS and BOL?

NSIPS is the personnel system where your electronic service record lives and transactions are processed. BUPERS Online, or BOL, gives you access to your official military personnel file and related records.

Where do I see my Navy pay statement?

On MyPay at mypay.dfas.mil. It shows your leave and earnings statement, tax forms and allotments.

Do I need a CAC reader to use Navy websites at home?

For CAC-only sites such as NSIPS and BUPERS Online, yes. You need a card reader, the Department of Defense certificates installed on your computer and your PIN. Many other sites are open to everyone.

What is the MyNavy Career Center phone number?

The number printed in Navy manuals is 1-833-330-MNCC, which is 1-833-330-6622. The email address is [email protected].

How can I tell if a military website is real?

Official U.S. military sites end in .mil and federal sites end in .gov. Check the address before signing in, avoid links in unexpected emails, and never share your CAC PIN.

Your quick-reference checklist

  • Everything: MyNavy Portal — my.navy.mil.
  • Pay: MyPay — mypay.dfas.mil.
  • Record: NSIPS and BUPERS Online.
  • Policy: MyNavy HR — NAVADMINs and the MILPERSMAN.
  • Health: TRICARE — tricare.mil.
  • Family help: Military OneSource and Fleet and Family Support.
  • Disasters: NFAAS — navyfamily.navy.mil.
  • Getting out: DoD TAP, SkillBridge and VA.gov.
  • Crisis: dial 988, then press 1.
  • Stuck: MyNavy Career Center — 1-833-330-MNCC.

You do not need to memorise any of this. You just need to know where the list is. Save this page, set up your logins on a quiet afternoon, and the next deadline will be a lot less stressful. 🧭

Sources

Facts last checked against these sources: October 2026.

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