Submarine Electronics

Overview

The Submarine Electronics Computer Field (SECF) involves Navy personnel who operate the submarine's classified, highly advanced hardware across sonar, weapons, communications, and navigation systems. Training is rigorous and career opportunities are substantial.

Responsibilities

• Within Submarine Electronics, there are four distinct focus areas with their own training paths and job descriptions.
• Fire Control Technician (FT) : Operate, test, and maintain submarine combat control systems; participate in weapons handling and operate non-tactical computer systems and peripherals; responsible for a wide array of weapons including torpedoes, Tomahawk missiles, and nuclear ballistic missiles.
• Sonar Technician, Submarine (STS) : Specialize in underwater acoustic technologies; operate a submarine's sonar and related equipment; conduct underwater surveillance, collect scientific data, track targets, and maintain highly sensitive sonar hardware.
• Electronics Technician (ET / RF and ET / NAV) : Install, administer, and maintain onboard communications and navigation systems; ET / RF maintains submarine radio communications and submarine LAN systems; ET / NAV specializes in navigation and related radio equipment and programs.
• There are also electronics careers that require advanced nuclear training and involve work with nuclear reactor control, propulsion, and power generation on Navy nuclear-powered submarines or aircraft carriers.

Work Environment

As a Navy Submarine electronics specialist, personnel may serve at sea or ashore, repairing and operating systems and equipment on submarines at bases, ports, or underway in undisclosed waters. Deployments are secret and stealthy, and time on a submarine may last several months with little or no surface time.

Training & Advancement

After initial 7–9 week Recruit Training (Boot Camp), Sailors pursue Submarine Electronics roles and attend Basic Enlisted Submarine School (Groton, CT) for 4 weeks of instruction in basic submarine systems. They then attend "A" School in Groton, CT for formal specialty training, covering electricity, electronics, computers, digital systems, fiber optics, and electronics repair.

"A" School for FTs : 27–33 weeks in Groton, CT, covering electronics, mathematics, and computer theory for operation and maintenance of submarine weapons control systems, with potential follow-on "C" School for advanced maintenance and related training.

"A" School for STSs : 18 weeks in Groton, CT, covering electrical skills, electronics, computers, and sonar fundamentals, with potential follow-on "C" School for advanced maintenance and related topics including Advanced Oceanography and Acoustic Intelligence Analysis.

"A" School for ETs (ET / RF and ET / NAV) : Nine weeks in Groton, CT, followed by 14–28 weeks of further training in Groton, CT, Kings Bay, GA, or Bangor, WA for communications or navigation, with assignment to a fast attack or ballistic missile submarine.

Navy Nuclear Field (NF) Program : Additional nuclear-trained ET training is available; refer to the nuclear operations page for details on NF.

Promotion opportunities are regularly available but competitive and based on performance. Specialized training and work experience can lead to credentialing and related opportunities.

Education Opportunities

Navy technical and operational training in submarine electronics can translate to college credit hours toward a bachelor's or associate degree through the American Council on Education. Opportunities include :

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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