Overview
The Submarine Electronics and Computer Field (SECF) involves trained Navy personnel operating and maintaining a submarine's classified, advanced hardware. Sailors in SECF work with a submarine's sonar, weapons, communications, and navigation systems. The training is rigorous and the career opportunities are substantial.
Responsibilities
- Fire Control Technician (FT) : operate, test, and maintain submarine combat control systems; participate in weapons handling functions; operate and maintain non-tactical computer systems and peripherals; manage weapons such as torpedoes, Tomahawk missiles, and nuclear ballistic missiles.
- Sonar Technician, Submarine (STS) : specialize in underwater acoustics; operate a submarine's sonar, oceanographic equipment, and auxiliary sonar; conduct underwater surveillance, collect data, and track targets; perform maintenance on sensitive sonar hardware.
- Electronics Technician (ET / RF and ET / NAV) : install, administer, and maintain onboard communications and navigation systems; ET / RF maintains submarine radio equipment and submarine LAN systems; ET / NAV specializes in navigation and radio equipment.
- Other electronics roles may include advanced nuclear training involving 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 on submarines at bases or while underway. Deployments are secret and may last for several months with limited surface time.
Training & Advancement
After initial Recruit Training (Boot Camp), Sailors report to Basic Enlisted Submarine School (Groton, CT) for 4 weeks of instruction in basic submarine systems. Then they attend "A" School in Groton to receive formal Navy schooling in their specialty, including training in electricity, electronics, computers, digital systems, fiber optics, and electronics repair.
"A" School for FTs : 27–33 weeks in Groton, CT; covers electronics and computer theory to support operation and maintenance of submarine weapons control systems. Additional training may occur at a "C" School for advanced maintenance, TLAM Strike, and computer skills."A" School for STSs : 18 weeks in Groton, CT; includes electrical skills, electronics, computers, sonar fundamentals; potential advancement at a "C" School (advanced equipment maintenance, oceanography, and acoustic intelligence analysis)."A" School for ETs (ET / RF and ET / NAV) : 9 weeks in Groton, CT; followed by 14–28 weeks of training in communications (ET / RF) or navigation (ET / NAV), with assignments to fast attack or ballistic missile submarines.Navy Nuclear Field (NF) Program : additional training for nuclear-trained ETs (refer to the nuclear operations page for details).Education Opportunities
Navy technical and operational training can translate to college credits through the American Council on Education.Education benefits include Navy College Program and Tuition Assistance and the 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. Applicants must be U.S. citizens who can meet eligibility requirements for a security clearance. General qualifications may vary based on whether you are currently serving, have served before, or have never served.
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