Submarine Electronics

ABOUT The most secretive of Navy vessels, a submarine requires a select community of specially trained professionals to operate its classified, highly advanced hardware. The Sailors in the Submarine Electronics Computer Field (SECF) work with a submarine’s sonar, weapons, communications, and navigation systems. The training is rigorous, and the career opportunities are equally impressive. RESPONSIBILITIES Within Submarine Electronics, there are four distinct focus areas that have their own training paths and job descriptions. Fire Control Technician (FT) FTs operate, test, and maintain submarine combat control systems. They participate in weapons handling functions and operate and maintain non-tactical computer systems and peripherals. They are responsible for a huge array of weapons, including torpedoes, Tomahawk® cruise missiles, and nuclear ballistic missiles capable of reaching anywhere in the world. Sonar Technician, Submarine (STS) STSs specialize in underwater acoustic technologies. They operate a submarine’s sonar, oceanographic equipment, and auxiliary sonar to conduct underwater surveillance, collect scientific data, and track enemy targets. They also perform maintenance on the highly sensitive, highly classified sonar hardware. Electronics Technician (ET / RF AND ET / NAV) ETs focus on installing, administering, and maintaining onboard communications and navigation systems. ET / RFs work with and maintain submarine radio communication equipment, systems, and programs (including submarine LAN systems). ET / NAVs specialize in submarine navigation and radio equipment, systems, and programs. There are also electronics careers that require advanced nuclear training and involve working with nuclear reactor control, propulsion, and power generation on Navy nuclear-powered submarines or aircraft carriers. WORK ENVIRONMENT As a Navy Submarine electronics specialist, you may serve at sea or ashore, operating and repairing systems and equipment on Navy submarines at bases, ports of call, or while underway in undisclosed ocean waters. Since deployments are secret and stealthy, your time on a submarine may last for several months, sometimes with little or no time on the surface. TRAINING & ADVANCEMENT Upon completion of 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 area. This includes extensive training in electricity, electronics, computers, digital systems, fiber optics, and electronics repair. “A” School for FTs – This 27- to 33-week course in Groton, CT, provides knowledge of electronics, mathematics, and computer theory to support the operation and basic maintenance of submarine weapons control systems. Further training may be received at a “C” School that covers advanced maintenance, Tomahawk® Land-Attack Missile (TLAM) Strike, and both computer and computer language skills. “A” School for STSs – This 18-week course in Groton, CT, provides knowledge of electrical skills, electronics, computers, and sonar fundamentals. Further training may be received at a “C” School for advanced maintenance on specific equipment as well as Advanced Oceanography and Acoustic Intelligence Analysis. “A” School for ETs (ET / RF and ET / NAV) – This nine-week course in Groton, CT, provides knowledge of electricity, electronics, and technical computer skills. This is followed by a 14–28-week course – in Groton, CT; Kings Bay, GA; or Bangor, WA – providing further training specific to communications (ET / RF) or navigation (ET / NAV), along with assignment to a fast attack or ballistic missile submarine. Navy Nuclear Field (NF) Program To learn more about the additional training for nuclear-trained ETs, refer to the Navy Nuclear Field (NF) Program section on the nuclear operations page. Promotion opportunities are regularly available but competitive and based on performance. Specialized training received and work experience gained can lead to valuable credentialing and occupational opportunities in related fields. EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES Navy technical and operational training in submarine electronics can translate to credit hours toward a bachelor’s or associate degree through the American Council on Education. You may also continue your education through opportunities such as : Navy College Program and Tuition Assistance Post-9 / 11 GI Bill 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.