Submarine Electronics

Overview

The Navy Submarine Electronics Computer Field (SECF) includes specialists who operate a submarine\'s sonar, weapons, communications, and navigation systems. The training is rigorous, and the career opportunities are impressive.

Responsibilities

• Fire Control Technician (FT)

operate, test, and maintain submarine combat control systems; participate in weapons handling; operate and maintain non-tactical computer systems and peripherals; manage a wide range of weapons including torpedoes, Tomahawk missiles, and nuclear ballistic missiles.

operate a submarine\'s sonar and oceanographic equipment; conduct underwater surveillance, collect scientific data, and track targets; perform maintenance on sensitive sonar hardware.

install, administer, and maintain onboard communications and navigation systems; ET / RF maintains submarine radio equipment; ET / NAV specializes in navigation and radio equipment.

Work Environment

As a Navy Submarine electronics specialist, you may serve at sea or ashore, operating and repairing systems on Navy submarines at bases, ports of call, or while underway in undisclosed waters. Deployments are secret and stealthy, so time on a submarine may last for several months with limited surface time.

Training & Advancement

After completing initial 7–9 week Recruit Training (Boot Camp), those pursuing positions in the Navy submarine electronics field report to Basic Enlisted Submarine School in Groton, CT, for 4 weeks of instruction in basic submarine systems. From there, Sailors attend "A" School in Groton, CT, to receive formal Navy schooling in their specialty. This includes extensive training in electricity, electronics, computers, digital systems, fiber optics, and electronics repair.

"A" School for FTs : a 27–33 week course in Groton covers electronics, mathematics, and computer theory to support operation and basic maintenance of submarine weapons control systems. Further training may be received at a "C" School covering advanced maintenance, TLAM Strike, and both computer and computer language skills.

"A" School for STSs : an 18-week course in Groton provides knowledge of electrical skills, electronics, computers, and sonar fundamentals. Further training may be received at a "C" School for advanced maintenance and Advanced Oceanography or Acoustic Intelligence Analysis.

"A" School for ETs (ET / RF and ET / NAV) : a nine-week course in Groton provides knowledge of electricity, electronics, and technical computer skills. This is followed by a 14–28-week course in Groton, Kings Bay, or Bangor for further training specific to communications (ET / RF) or navigation (ET / NAV), with assignment to a fast attack or ballistic missile submarine.

Navy Nuclear Field (NF) Program : to learn more about the training for nuclear-trained ETs, refer to the Navy Nuclear Field (NF) Program section on the nuclear operations page.

Promotion opportunities are competitive and based on performance. Specialized training and work experience can lead to credentialing and opportunities in related fields.

Education Opportunities

Education : Navy technical and operational training in submarine electronics can translate to college credit hours through the American Council on Education. You may continue your education through opportunities such as :

Qualifications & Requirements

A high school diploma or equivalent is required to become an Enlisted Sailor in the Submarine Electronics field in the Navy. Applicants must be U.S. citizens who can meet eligibility requirements for a security clearance. General qualifications may vary based on whether you\'re currently serving, have served before, or have never served.

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