Submarine Electronics

Overview

The Submarine Electronics Computer Field (SECF) is a select community of highly trained professionals who operate a submarine's classified, advanced hardware. SECF Sailors work with sonar, weapons, communications, and navigation systems. The 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; operate and maintain non-tactical computer systems and peripherals. Responsible for weapons including torpedoes, Tomahawk missiles, and nuclear ballistic missiles.

Specialize in underwater acoustic technologies; operate sonar, oceanographic equipment, and auxiliary sonar; conduct underwater surveillance, collect data, track targets, and perform maintenance on sensitive sonar hardware.

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

Work Environment

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

Training & Advancement

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

"A" School for FTs

27–33 weeks in Groton, CT covering electronics, math, and computer theory to operate and maintain 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 covering electrical skills, electronics, computers, and sonar fundamentals. May include a "C" School for advanced maintenance and topics like Advanced 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 further training in communications (ET / RF) or navigation (ET / NAV) in Groton, CT; Kings Bay, GA; or Bangor, WA, with assignment to fast attack or ballistic missile submarines.

Navy Nuclear Field (NF) Program

For more on nuclear-trained ETs, refer to the Navy Nuclear Field Program section on the nuclear operations page. Promotions are available regularly but competitive and depend on performance; training and 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 continue 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 eligible for security clearance. General qualifications may vary based on whether you're currently serving, have served before, or have never served.

Other

Note : This description includes content related to the Navy Submarine Electronics field. It may reference positions, training paths, and environments that are subject to change.

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