SECF - ET & FT & STS

Hello EllenB, SECF stands for.....SUBMARINE ELECTRONICS / COMPUTER FIELD. If you have any other questions just ask away. :)

OH EllenB these are the ratings for you.
ET COM - Electronics Technician ( Communications )
ET NAV - Electronics Technician ( Navigation )
FT - Fire Control Technician
STS - Sonar Technician ( Submarine )
Hope this helps. :)

my son was lucky and got his first choice - most say it seems to be random, it appears...

You should be so happy for him. We are all here to help you learn :)

When my son was in Sub School his 1st choice was an FT; 2nd was ET. His friend got his first choice, but my son was given his 2nd choice. Someone we know who was Navy for many years said it was because my son scored higher on his ASVAB test. I don't know if that is true or not, but he said ET is a harder course.

PS.....He is an ETNAV

Hi guys just an update. My son is working 12 hour shifts on his boat and will be working this whole weekend. Very busy but loving it. Also today he get his ballcap (USS Cheyenne) from the Captain in front of the whole crew. He sounded very excited about it and couldn't wait. It would be nice if they took a picture of it so I could have it :) Just wanted to share. :)

Hey Jack I did get your note thanks for saying what you said. I try to help the newbe's like you said. I'm only a year into this but I do my research online to find out all I can. Its funny my husband is always asking me "what are you doing now on the computer" I always answer "You know N4M site and on the Navy site learning has much as I can. lol.Happy to hear about your nephew that great news............Hey Tanya don't worry he will get his once he's on the boat. How do you like it down there? Hows that little boy of yours? Glad to hear from you :)

Tanya I guess its different with the SSBN compare to the SSN boats. Nice to see your son is just like anyother young boy he reminds me of my son when he was that age lol. The patches you talk about do everyone on all the boats get them or only the SSBN? I have not hear from my son yet he has been working on his boat all week and weekend. Can't wait to hear how things are going.Tanya are you in GA or VA, I can't remember.

Lynn - is your son in SC for the nuclear power training program?

both Nav-ET and FT (and ST) training pipelines, including BESS, ATT, TCNO and "A" school are in that 28-33 week timeframe, when you include some time on hold. ET-Comm is two weeks longer.

Welcome to our group Pooky. Hope this info helps check this site.
Electronics Technican, Navigation, Submarines (ET-NAV)

Enlisted Rating (job) descriptions and qualification factors for the United States Navy. On this page, all about Electronics Technican, Navigation, Submarines (ET-NAV). ... ET-NAVs are Electronic Technicans aboard Navy submarines who specialize in navigation systems. The are responsible for electronic equipment used...
216k - 31 sec @ 56k usmilitary.about.com/od/enlistedjob1/a/etnav.htm usmilitary.about.com/od/enlistedjob1/a/etnav.htm

Here is more info for you Pooky...
ET-NAVs are Electronic Technicans aboard Navy submarines who specialize in navigation systems. The are responsible for electronic equipment used to navigate Navy submarines. They must maintain, repair, calibrate, tune, and adjust all electronic equipment used for navigation. You cannot enlist with a guarantee for this rating. Instead, you enlist in the Navy's Submarine Electronics/Computer Field (SECF). Following Enlisted Basic Submarine School (BESS) and the first portion of the Submarine Learning Center pipline course, you are assigned to be trained as ET-COM, ET-NAV, FT, or STS. Your rating is determined from your preferences, scores receved in the above two schools, and the "needs of the Navy

Working Environment

Duties in this rating are usually performed aboard submarines. Submarine Electronics/Computer Field personnel usually work indoors in a clean, controlled environment with comfortable temperatures. However, some work is required in a clean or dirty environment of a shop-like nature. Their work may be independent in nature, but they usually work closely with others under direct supervision.
A-School (Job School) Information

•Groton, CT -- 4 weeks (Basic Enlisted Submarine School)
•Groton, CT --18 weeks (Submarine Learning Center)
Note: The Submarine Learning Center includes Apprenticship Technical Training, Tactical Computer Network Operations, or TCNO, and ET-NAV"A-School." Some students may be selected for advanced training ("C-Shool,") prior to shipping out to the fleet
Requirement: AR+MK+EI+GS=222 or VE+AR+MK+MC=222

Security Clearance Requirement: Top Secret

Other Requirements

•Must be U.S. Citizen
•Most have normal color perception
•Must have normal hearing.
•Must volunteer for submarine duty
•Must have no record of conviction by civil court for any offense other than minor traffic.
•Moral turpitude offenses are generally disqualifying.
•No history of drug abuse.
•This job (like all submarine jobs) is closed to women
Sub-Specialties Available for This Rating: Navy Enlisted Classification Codes for ET

Current Manning Levels for This Rating: CREO Listing

Note: Advancement ( promotion ) opportunity and career progression are directly linked to a rating's manning level (i.e., personnel in undermanned ratings have greater promotion opportunity than those in overmanned ratings).

Sea/Shore Rotation for This Rating

•First Sea Tour: 60 months
•First Shore Tour: 36 months
•Second Sea Tour: 60 months
•Second Shore Tour: 36 months
•Third Sea Tour:48 months
•Third Shore Tour: 36 months
•Fourth Sea Tour: 36 months
•Forth Shore Tour: 36 months
Note: Sea tours and shore tours for sailors that have completed four sea tours will be 36 months at sea followed by 36 months ashore until retirement.

Much of the above information courtesy of the Navy Personnel Command

Thank you Jack I just do alot of searching and I'm still new to this....You also have a great Halloween.

ET-NAVs handle the electronic equipment involved in determining the boat's precise location, and also maintain the charts (nautical maps), including plotting the boat's track on the charts. Each boat has several lockers containing hundreds (thousands?) of large scale, detailed charts for any area the boat could conceivably operate. It used to be that there were Quartermasters (QMs) assigned to boats, but they were eliminated from the submarine force ten or so years ago, with their duties assumed by NAV-ETs. In the same way the DS (Data Systems Specialist) rate was eliminated on subs, with duties assumed by FTs (Fire Control).

Pooky - My son is an ET-Nav who enlisted 10/10/06.....tomorrow is his 3rd anniversary with the Navy. He graduated Sub School 1 year and 1 day after he enlisted. He was ACU (awaiting class up) for a couple of weeks (2 or 3) at one time, so your son could finish in less than 1 year. Just depends on how things go. ACU is when there are not enough sailors to make a full class; so they have to wait for more sailors to reach that point. Good Luck! My son does like his job, even though it was his 2nd choice. Turns out it is the right one!

My son did mention that also, Pooky; I just forgot. We teased him when he was told he would be ET Nav by asking him if the Navy knew what kind of driver he was!!! He just laughed at us. He is not a bad driver just drives his cars a little faster than Mom likes (as most young boys and girls do).

I just spoke with my son on the phone. He called to see how I am doing (I had outpatient surgery earlier this week) and to ask about our plans to visit him in HI during the holidays. He has just been certified for scuba diving and has a new love. Have a great weekend!

Hello Anthony's Mom/George's Aunt -
My son's PIR was Dec. 8, 2006. He was at A school in Groton from Dec. '06 until October 11 '07. A school was a lot easier for us (Mom/Dad, etc.). We were able to talk to him whenever he had time and whenever we wanted to call, except for class time etc. Your son will have more freedom than during Boot Camp, but will still have lots of rules. It was such a relief just to be able to talk to him and know how he was doing. Just tell your son to keep his nose clean and don't get in trouble; there were a few who were in with my son that got into trouble for underage drinking and fighting. If he can avoid that and follow the rules he will be okay. A school was the first time in his life that Kerry found out you do get rewarded for following the rules and doing what you are told. He failed 1 of his classes (I can't remember which one now) and was afraid he would be sent home. At his review, the Chief (I think) told him that he would give him another chance since it appeared to be an "aberration" that he failed. He had never been in trouble and had always done what was asked of him; that saved him. It saved him again several months ago when he made a mistake.

I hope your son enjoys A school and has great success. Let me know where he is going when he graduates. (My son finished 3rd in his class by less than 1/10th of a point even with his stumble.) Hope I am not bragging too much.

c drollette - my son did not get his rate until he was in A school for a while. He knew what area he was going into, although he thought he would be an FT. They chose him to be Nav ET which was his 2nd choice. What area is your husband wanting?

They find out about three weeks into BESS (sub school). I see you only mentioned ST and FT. Nav-ET used to be part of SECF, but I saw something that made me think that they were breaking it out into a separate training pipeline. Do you happen to know anything about that?

Are you sure about that Mark where did you see this. Is it only for ET-Nav or ET-Comm.

They find out at BESS what job they will have. Then a couple of weeks before Sub School Graduation they are assigned a ship and home port.

I have not heard anything about changes at Sub School since my son has been gone from there for 2 years. When he was there all of it was under SECF. But I don't have any subscriptions to any newsletters or anything; I am kind of dumb about where to find news on the Navy. Is there a good website or something?

I do know your husband will make life long friends from BC and A school.

Hello everyone its been awhile just an up date my son called today to say everything is going fine. He is ahead in his learning of his boat. Been working long days. Other wise he's having a great time in Hawaii. We sure do miss him but happy to know he's doing ok.

ET-Comm actually isn't part of SECF technically - it's by itself in the SCERF program, though it seems sailors get switched from SECF to SCERF. I recently suspected ET-Nav was separated after my son told me only STs and FTs work together in the trainer at Sub School in his class - when the sub school site had said that the three work together. Then I saw a mention on the sub school website about something called the "ET-Nav 5YO program" (YO, meaning five year obligation). It makes sense, because the STS and FT jobs are closely related (meaning they work very closely together on the sub, kinda joined at the hip, tactically), while ET-Comm and ET-Nav are quite different.

Hi, I'm hoping for some clarification. My son graduated BC Friday and is headed to Groton Wednesday, scheduled to start training on November 2nd. He says he'll finish in mid-December. Would that be the BESS that he finishes? I'm thinking he'll have more time for A school, and figured he'd finish in early 2010. I'm confused!

You're less confused than he is Cindy - good on ya! That would be BESS, indeed - if he's SECF though, he'll be in Groton until about early October. After BESS, he'll have ATT (Advanced Technical Training) and TCNO (Tactical Computer Network Operator) schools, both of which last about a month, though they're actually self-paced. Then, he'll start "A" school; he'll also have some time on hold between each of the above stages, lasting a week to a month. Clear enuff? ;-)

Mark I do remember my son saying something about SCERF but he also said it had to do with computers. Just glad he's done with his year in Groton for sub school. Now thats he's in Hawaii and working hard on his sub it seem so long ago. My boy is now in Hawaii for 2 months feels longer. Do kind of miss when he was in Groton so close to home could see him on his weekends off. Now being so far its hard. Happy to have cell phones and internet. :)

Enjoy!!!!!!!!!

Hello everyone and thanks for the great info! Mark, thanks for your clarification!

I'm giving up on trying to know what's coming next. I'm resigning myself to do my best being comfortable with general ideas of what's coming, knowing everything's subject to change. Easier said than done!

Hi Mary H in GA, my son love Hawaii and being on his sub. He's only been in Hawaii since mid August. His sub is still in Hawaii. He works on it long hours, at times 12 to 14 hours and when he's on duty its 24 hours on the sub. So he gets to sleep in it. We talk every now and then usually at least once a week. If not we send each other emails or text messages. When he does go on deployment I will be able to email him on his sub. The sailors are given their emails for the sub. In fact he email me today with his. So now when he goes I can write him. P.S he does say its hard work since he trying to get his quals to get his dophins but enjoys it. Hope this answer your question. Wishing the best for your sailor :)

Mary H in GA - My son is in Pearl Harbor on the USS Olympia. He has been there since Oct. '07. He has not been out on a 6 month tour yet, but has been on several shorter trips.
Each sailor has a ".mil" email address given to them. But there are a lot of restrictions when emailing to this address. It must be sent "plain text" not "HTML" with no stationery and you can NOT forward anything to him. There is a list of restrictions somewhere on N4M that tells you the do's and don'ts. I copied it to a word document, but it is 5 pages long (w/pictures) The name is "The Sailor Mail process ..... things you never knew". I will try to find where I found it and let you know. It can take a few days for your sailor to receive his emails from you and vice-versa; everything coming in and going out is checked for security, etc. so it takes longer.

"A" school grads are on Thursdays - my son grads this week as an STS, and is coming "home" to Bangor on Kentucky Gold!

My son also graduated on a Thursday from A school. I don't think we knew the exact date until 5 or 6 weeks before it happened.

Kirsten is exactly right, Nikki - I'll add that they've recently broken ET out of the SECF into a Nav-ET 5YO program; but the training is still much the same. I Believe SECF is now down to the STS and FT ratings. FTs (Fire Control) are the ones who target the weapons (working closely with sonar, or STS) - he'll find out about three weeks into BESS which one he'll end up in.

I started a group for the USS Olympia. If you have a loved one on the sub, please join.
Thanks,
Rhonda

Good question not sure how it works but I know someone here should have the answer....I will also see what I can find out for you.

It may depend on how many openings there are in a position also.

My son graduated 3rd in his class and to my knowledge "C" school was never mentioned. (Maybe it does not exist for his position, never thought about that! He is a NavET.

Well hello eveyone its been awhile since I've been here. Has some of you know who are on my personal friend list I had a death in the family. My mother pass away this pass friday Nov. 20th. She lived in Puerto Rico. I just got back yesterday. It was not easy for us. My brother and didn't get a chance to say goodbye to her. It was a masive heart attack. The one who had it worst was our sister who found her. Its not easy especially around the hoildays. My son was able to get leave from his command so he arrived also yesterday to be with me. I am so greatful to them for letting him come home for this. I surely needed my son here with me it helps a whole lot. To all of you who send your thoughts and prayers thankyou. Thankyou for being my extended family

Thankyou Jack and Myfairlady for your prayers. I'm just glad my son was able to make it home during this sad time. I wish you all the best this Thanksgiving Day. Bless you all.

Just heard from my sailor; he is back on dry land. He found out yesterday that he passed his E5 exam. He is now a 2nd class Petty Officer! We are very excited for him. Now he can move off base, IF he can find a place he can afford!

Hello everyone just wanted to say thanks again for your thoughts and prayers on the death of my mother. My son was able to come home which I am so greatful to his command for allowing him. He is now on the way back to Pearl Harbor, Hi. It wasn't easy saying goodbye again but I am very happy to have had this short time with him. It snow yesterday here in New York so now he'll be on that beautiful warm island......he just called landed in Los Angeles...3 hour layover then Hawaii :):):):)

Hello Nikki and maryeddy.....welcome to the group! BESS is at Groton, CT (New London). All Submariners attend school there. Some go to other school after (or before?) but all have to to there before being assigned to a boat.

The tears will continue for awhile, but they will become tears of pride and joy once your sailor finished boot camp and goes to A school.

We are all here to help you through your life changing event. Having a support group is the best way to get through it and there is lots of support on N4M.

All you have to do is let us know you need a shoulder or an ear and you will have it. Thank you sons for volunteering to serve this country.

Hi maryeddy,
Unfortunately for your son, his recruiter is sadly uninformed, and your son will not be spending any of this winter in Pensacola. He will have all his training after boot camp in Groton, and will finish up there in January, 2011.

Has this happen to anyone my son has given us he email for his sub mind you its the 2nd one he's given us and so far they keep bouncing back. I wonder if he made a mistake on the spelling or its something else. The funny thing is I have a 3rd email address which by the way is the ready the first one and so far that one has not bounced back to my mailbox. Wanted to know if this has happen to anyone else?

NAVY BEATS ARMY YESSSSSS

What is different about the new email?

I suggest sending him an email using the old address, telling him about the messages coming back and see if he responds. If not, the only thing I can think of doing would be to contact his Ombudsman to see what might be wrong.

P. S. Way to go Navy Football!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks Rhonda8881 but I got threw to him using the 1st email he gave me a while ago. He's doing great, telling his Dad and me that he had steak shimp and crab the other day for dinner. Nice to know he's eating good on the sub :)

Wow! I wish I had a meal like that Gloria!!! I am glad you got through to him.

It depends. He won't be able to bring a lot of his stuff with him until he is assigned to a boat. He will be allowed to have some things during A school, but they don't have a lot of space in their rooms.

We did not clean my son's room out completely until he had been in Hawaii for 18 months. He was home between BC and A school and we made him clean out what he knew he would not want. Then he came home after A school before going to Hawaii. That time we told him to do it again.......he said he thought he already had!!!! When he left that time, we got rid of his stuff; we kept his stereo system and TV, etc. We also kept his old yearbooks and stuff like that; he may want to browse them later.

If your son is like mine, he will want to buy all new stuff when he is able. Mine even bought new civilian clothes when he got to A school instead of us shipping his old stuff to him.

I hope this helps a little. Merry Christmas!