Submarine Electronics/Computer Field (SECF): 2023 Career Details

In the Submarine Electronics / Computer Field (SECF) of the United States Navy, qualified sailors can train in electronics repair, digital systems, electricity, electronics, computers, and fiber optics for practical use in our country’s nuclear submarine force.

Diligent maintenance and operation of what the Navy calls “Today’s High Technology” digital systems, computers, and advanced electronic equipment used in submarine, sonar, navigation, combat control, and communications are the bread and butter of the four SECF rates.

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The SECF rates are:

• ETN (Electronics Technician – Power) – in charge of nuclear propulsion plants, and involved in the maintenance and repair of the nuclear reactor, steam plant, and auxiliary equipment.
• ETV (Electronics Technician – Navigation) – accountable for the operational efficiency of detecting, tracking, and identifying electronic equipment onboard.
• FT (Fire Control Technician) – operates and maintains the combat control systems as well as associated non-tactical computer systems and peripherals.
• STS (Sonar Technician, Submarines) – responsible for the submarine’s sonar mainframe and auxiliary equipment. 

SECF volunteers face some steep qualification requirements. 

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The training and jobs themselves are both challenging and sometimes stressful. 

Only mature young men and women willing to apply themselves and shoulder significant responsibility should apply.

Per the Navy’s Official SECF page:

“The Sailors in the Submarine Electronics Computer Field (SECF) work with a submarine’s sonar, weapons, communications and navigation systems.

The training is rigorous and the career opportunities are equally impressive.”

The active-duty obligation for SECF volunteers is 72 months (six years). 

Applicants enlist only for four years but concurrently execute an agreement that extends their obligation for an additional two years.

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Requirements and Qualifications

As stated earlier, the requirements to qualify for the Navy’s SECF program are high:

• Must be a member of the US Navy.
• You must be a US citizen.
• Must be between the ages of 18 and 41.
• You’ll need normal color perception.
• You must have completed one year of high school algebra
• Must be eligible for a Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance.

You’ll also need to meet the minimum Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) scores as listed below: 

• (VE) Verbal Expression + AR (Arithmetic Reasoning) + MK (Mathematics Knowledge) + EI (Electronics Information) + GS (General Science) + Navy Advanced Programs Test (NAPT) = 252, with a minimum of 55 on the NAPT.
• AR + MK + EI (Electronics Information) + GS + NAPT >290, with a minimum of 55 on the NAPT.
• AR + MK + EI + GS > 252
• VE + AR + MK + MC (Mechanical Comprehension) > 252

Training and Career Path

Like all other sailors, SECF volunteers must successfully complete 10 weeks of  Navy Recruit Training, at the Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes (RTC Great Lakes).

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Basic Enlisted Submarine School

After successful completion of Navy Boot Camp, SECF candidates attend Nuclear Power School (NPS) in Charleston, South Carolina. 

Afterward, the SECF candidates are assigned their SECF rate (ETR, ETV, FT, STS) based on their preferences, needs of the Navy, Basic Apprenticeship Training (BAT) scores, and NPS scores.

Class “A” Technical School and Specialty Pipeline School

The SECF Class “A” Technical and Specialty Pipeline Schools for ETNs and ETVs are mostly located in Charleston. 

The A School for FTs and STS is in Groton, Connecticut. 

However, the duration of training is dependent on the SECF rate:

• ETN & ETV: A School is approximately 6 months long. 
• FT & STS: Approximately 4 months

It is here, through group instruction, equipment labs, and practical application that SECF candidates are trained in electronics, basic electricity, and general computer technical knowledge. 

Additionally, they learn the communications skills for deployment to a ballistic missile or fast attack submarine.

Let’s take a look at the specific duties of the SECF rates and their lives on a day-to-day basis.

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Electronics Technician – Nuclear Power (ETN)

An Electronics Technician – Nuclear Power (ETN) specializes in the testing, maintenance, and repair of Navy nuclear propulsion systems. ETNs are assigned to multiple submarine classes.

ETNs are charged with repairing, tuning, calibrating, maintaining, and adjusting the nuclear reactor, steam plant, propulsion plant, and auxiliary equipment on the submarine.  

At sea, the Electronics Technician monitors the reactor control, alarm warnings, power distribution readings, and airborne particulate radiation detectors. 

They maintain and repair electronic and hydraulic-electric systems that support reactor plant operation on both surface and sub-surface ships.

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The Sea/Shore rotation for an Electronics Technician – Communication (ETR) is:

Note that some overseas assignments also count as sea tours.

Electronics Technician – Navigation (ETV)

Electronics Technicians – Navigation (ETV) are deployed to multiple classes of submarines.

The Navy ETV is responsible for electronic equipment utilized for conducting and preparing for basic submarine piloting and navigation.

On a day-to-day basis, the Electronics Technician – Navigation (ETV) monitors and operates the Global Positioning and Inertial Navigation systems under the supervision of senior personnel.

ETVs are also responsible for maintaining the ship control subsystems as well as atmosphere monitoring systems. They maintain, repair, and calibrate electronic equipment used for navigation.

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The Sea/Shore rotation for an Electronics Technician – Navigation (ETV) is:

Note that some overseas assignments may also count as sea tours.

Fire Control Technician (FT)

Fire Control Technicians (FT) are specialized in combat systems and deploy aboard multiple classes of submarines.

They have the responsibility of operating and maintaining advanced electronic equipment utilized in the submarine weapon systems, in regards to underwater weapons and guided-missile systems.

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On a day-to-day basis, Fire Control Technicians (FT) perform testing of the submarine combat control systems.

They also maintain and operate non-tactical computer systems and are involved in weapons-handling functions as well.

The Sea/Shore rotation for a Fire Control Technician (FT) is:

Note that some overseas assignments count as sea tours.

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Sonar Technician Submarines (STS)

Sonar Technician Submarines (STS) are specialized in sonar systems and deploy aboard multiple classes of submarines.

They’re responsible for operating and maintaining advanced electronic equipment utilized in the submarine sonar systems.

On a day-to-day basis, Sonar Technicians Submarines (STS) perform testing of scientific data collection and underwater surveillance systems.

They also calibrate, adjust, and repair electronic equipment utilized for scientific data collection.

They may also test and repair combat control systems  associated with sonar systems.

The Sea/Shore rotation for a Sonar Technician Submarine (STS) is:

Note that some overseas assignments count as sea tours.

How Much Are Navy SECF Sailors Paid?

Like the other Armed Services, the Navy bases a sailor’s pay on their rank and length of service.

Insignia	Pay Grade	Rank	Abbreviation	2023 Minimum Monthly Pay
N/A	E-1 +4 months	Seaman Recruit	SR	$1,917.60
	E-2	Seaman Apprentice	SA	$2,149.20
	E-3	Seaman	SN	$2,259.90
	E-4	Petty Officer Third Class	PO3	$2,503.50
	E-5	Petty Officer Second Class	PO2	$2,730.30
	E-6	Petty Officer First Class	PO1	$2,980.50
	E-7	Chief Petty Officer	CPO	$3,445.80
	E-8	Senior Chief Petty Officer	SCPO	$4,957.20
	E-9	Master Chief Petty Officer	MCPO	$6,055.50
	E-9	Command Master Chief Petty Officer	CMDCM	$6,055.50
	E-9	Master Chief Petty Officer Of The Navy	MCPON	$6,055.50

All sailors may be entitled to other forms of compensation including Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS), and billet pay (sea pay, submarine pay, hazardous duty pay, etc.) if eligible.

Rates in the SECF program are often eligible for enlistment and reenlistment bonuses dependant on the current needs of the Navy.

What’s Life Like for Sailors SECF Rates

As stated earlier, life as an SECF Sailor is challenging and, at times, stressful. 

There is much time spent at sea aboard the submarine, and the hours are long. 

One reviewer claimed an average of 120-hour work weeks, adding “I loved it.”

Sailors in the SECF rate will be required to obtain their Submarine Warfare Specialist Pin (SS). 

The SS Pin is earned through qualification and broken down into qualification blocks or phases. 

These include:

• Indoctrination/Damage Control Phase
• Propulsion Phase
• Auxiliary Systems Phase
• Electronic Equipment and Navigation Phase
• Combat Systems Phase

After successful completion of the qualification card/book, the sailor must face a “Qual Board” comprised of a submarine-qualified officer, a chief petty officer, and a petty officer who “drill” the member with questions concerning the different systems on the shift, often asking them to draw and/or explain these systems.

If the board deems the sailor worthy, they recommend the SS qualification to the Commanding Officer. 

If the CO agrees with the board’s recommendation, the Sailor is presented with their SS qualification, and their service jacket is updated to reflect such.

Their CO presents their Submarine Warfare Specialist Pin (SS), or “Dolphins,” so they can wear it on their uniform and use the SS after their rate (i.e., STS2(SS), or FT1(SS).

SS-qualified sailors are designated as “Qualified in Submarines” and are viewed with respect by their fellow sailors.

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Job Reviews

Moreover, reviews on indeed.com are primarily positive:

Civilian Career Opportunities

Civilian career opportunities abound for SECF Sailors and include such jobs as:

• Electrical/Electronic Technicians
• Electro-Mechanical Technicians
• Radio Operators
• Electrical Engineering Technicians
• Computer Operators
• Electronics Engineers

Sailors in the SCEF Program should take full advantage of on-the-job training (OJT) opportunities, and educational opportunities offered and afforded them during their naval service.

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The United States Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP) also allows them to complete their civilian apprenticeship requirements while on active duty.

Several national certifications, federal licenses, state licenses, and apprenticeships are available for departing ETNs, ETVs, FTs, and STSs.

If you are considering the US Navy, can meet the rigid qualifications, have the maturity required, and feel confident in handling the training, long hours, and life aboard a submarine, a career in the Navy Submarine Electronics / Computer Field could just be for you.

References

Find A Navy Recruiter

Official Navy Submarine Electronics Careers Description

Navy Personnel Command Submarine Electronics Computer Field Overview

U.S. Navy COOL Summary For Fire Control Technician (FT)

Navy COOL Summary For Navy Electronics Technician, Submarine, Communications (ETR)

U.S. Navy COOL Summary For Navy Electronics Technician, Submarine, Navigation (ETV)

Navy COOL Summary For Navy Sonar Technician Submarine (STS)

U.S. Navy Fire Control Technician (FC) Reviews

U.S. Navy Electronics Technician (ETR/ETV) Reviews

Navy Sonar Technician (STS) Reviews

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Travis R.

A St. Louis, Missouri native, Travis served eight years in the United States Navy. Duty stations include Air Test and Evaluation Squadron One (AIRTEVRON ONE), NAS Patuxent River, MD, the USS Mount Whitney (LCC-20), Commander Second Fleet (COMSECONDFLT), and US Transportation Command, (USTRANSCOM) Scott Air Force Base, Illinois.

After the Navy, Travis worked in the Information Technology sector for twenty-five years.

Connect with Travis @MichaelTRose.

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