SECF Electronics Tech (ET - Submarine)

[Mary, Proud Mom of Nick]

Navy Enlisted Job Descriptions & Qualifications

Electronics Technician (Submarine) ETSS

General Info: The Navy's Submarine Electronics / Computer Field (SECF) offers extensive training in the operation and maintenance of "Today's High Technology" advanced electronics equipment, digital systems and computers used in submarine combat control, sonar, navigation and communications systems. An individual selecting SECF will receive training in electricity, electronics, computers, digital systems, fiber optics and electronics repair. The standards for selection for enlistment in the Navy's Submarine Electronics/ Computer Field are high. Personnel interested in applying for the Submarine Electronics/ Computer Field should be seriously interested in pursuing the challenge this highly technical field offers. They must be mature, ready to take on significant responsibility and willing to apply themselves.

What They Do: Volunteers for the Submarine Electronics/Computer Field will specialize in one of three Submarine Ratings (Electronics Technician - ET , Fire Control Technician - FT, Sonar Technician Submarines - STS) working in one of four areas: combat systems, communications, navigation or underwater acoustic technologies. All three ratings/four specialty areas are heavily involved with computer and electronics systems. The specialty area is determined at Basic Enlisted Submarine School. The communications specialty (ET/RF) is responsible for all operational and administrative aspects of the submarine's radio communication equipment, systems and programs (including submarine LAN systems). The navigation specialty (ET/NAV) is responsible for all operational and administrative aspects of the submarine's navigation and radar equipment, systems and programs.

Detailed List of Required Duties

ASVAB Score Requirements: AR+MK+EI+GS=222 or VE+AR+MK+MC=222

Other Requirements: Must have normal color perception. Must have normal hearing. Must have no speech impediment. Security Clearance (TOP SECRET) Requirement (SSBI). Must be submarine qualified. 60 month obligation. Must be U.S. citizen.

Notes: Must be volunteer for submarine and meet physical standards IAW MANMED. No history of drug abuse. Closed to women. Background investigation required.

High school diploma graduate or equivalent. Must be able to type 40 words per minute. Must have no record of conviction by civil court for any offense other than minor traffic.

Technical Training Information:

Course Title Location Calendar Days
BESS SECF Groton CT 26
ET Core Groton CT 61
In addition to above, students must attend the Navigational Operations Pipeline Course or the Radio Frequency Operators Course. Until students attend these follow-on courses, they will not be detailed to ET (SS).

ET(SS)s serve on submarines and shore stations in the United States and overseas. ET(SS)s who become careerists will attend further training at Class “C” Schools that provide advanced maintenance instruction on specific equipment they will be maintaining. During a 20-year period in the Navy, ET(SS)s will spend about 60 percent of their time assigned to fleet units and 40 percent to shore stations.

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.

Note: This job is closed to women.