Submarine Electronics

Overview

The Submarine Electronics Computer Field (SECF) involves operating and maintaining submarine sonar, weapons, communications, and navigation systems. Sailors in SECF work with highly advanced, classified hardware. The training is rigorous and the 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 functions and operate and maintain non-tactical computer systems and peripherals. Responsible for a wide array of weapons, including torpedoes, Tomahawk cruise missiles, and nuclear ballistic missiles capable of worldwide reach.
• Sonar Technician, Submarine (STS) — Specialize in underwater acoustic technologies. Operate a submarine's sonar, oceanographic equipment, and auxiliary sonar to conduct underwater surveillance, collect scientific data, and track enemy targets. Perform maintenance on highly sensitive, classified sonar hardware.
• Electronics Technician (ET / RF and ET / NAV) — Install, administer, and maintain onboard communications and navigation systems. ET / RFs work with 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 underway in undisclosed waters. Deployments are secret and stealthy, and time on a submarine can last for several months with limited surface time.

Training & Advancement

After initial Recruit Training (Boot Camp), Sailors pursue Basic Enlisted Submarine School (Groton, CT) for 4 weeks of instruction in basic submarine systems. They then attend "A" School in Groton, CT to receive formal Navy schooling in their specialty area, with extensive training in electricity, electronics, computers, digital systems, fiber optics, and electronics repair.

"A" School for FTs — 27 to 33 weeks in Groton, CT covering 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 that covers advanced maintenance, TLAM Strike, and both computer and computer language skills.

"A" School for STSs — 18 weeks in Groton, CT covering electrical skills, electronics, computers, and sonar fundamentals. Further training may be received at a "C" School for advanced maintenance and related topics.

"A" School for ETs (ET / RF and ET / NAV) — 9 weeks in Groton, CT, 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), with assignment to a fast attack or ballistic missile submarine.

Navy Nuclear Field (NF) Program — For more on nuclear-trained ETs, refer to the Navy Nuclear Field Program page.

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

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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