SECF-Submarine Electronics/Computer Field

Electronics, Computers, LAN & Database Management, Fiber Optics, Satellite Systems, Communications, Navigation, Weapons Launch Control, Underwater Surveillance Systems

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.

Job Categories.

Volunteers for the Submarine Electronics/Computer Field will specialize in one of four Submarine Ratings (Electronics Technician – ET-R (Communications) , Electronics Technician – ET-V (Navigation), Fire Control Technician – FT, Sonar Technician Submarines – STS) working in one of four areas: combat systems, communications, navigation or underwater acoustic technologies. All four ratings areas are heavily involved with computer and electronics systems. The combat systems specialty (FT) is responsible for maintenance and operation of advanced electronic equipment (in regards to guided-missile systems, underwater weapons) used in the submarine weapons systems. The communications specialty (ET-R) is responsible for all operational and administrative aspects of the submarine’s radio communication equipment, systems and programs. The navigation specialty (ETV) is responsible for all operational and administrative aspects of the submarine’s navigation and radar equipment, systems and programs. The acoustic technology specialty (STS) is responsible for all operational and administrative aspects of the submarine’s computer and control mechanisms used for underwater surveillance and scientific data collection. The specialty area is determined at Basic Enlisted Submarine School. All rates have the opportunity to operate and maintain the submarine LAN systems.

Obligation.

Active duty obligation is five years. Applicants will enlist for four years and concurrently execute an agreement to extend their enlistment for one year.

Advancement.

Enlistees enlist as E-1s (seaman recruits). Completion of all advancement-in-rate requirements (including minimum time-in-rate) must be completed prior to advancement to E-2, E-3 and E- 4. Top graduates of initial “pipeline” training may elect accelerated advancement to E-4 if they execute an agreement to extend their enlistment one additional year (six years total obligation). Advancement in this field to E-4 (Petty Officer Third Class) is excellent.

Elite Program.

This rating is open to men who volunteer for submarine duty. Submarine pay is paid monthly upon the start of Basic Enlisted Submarine School, currently $75.00 to $425.00 (see Submarine Pay chart). All submarine ratings are members of an elite community consisting of highly professional, well-trained personnel.

Career Opportunities.

This rating has outstanding technical skills training and development directly transferable to the civilian job sector, either at the end of obligated service or a full 20 to 30 year career. New and exciting career opportunities await the select group of people who possess submarine advanced technology knowledge gained through Navy training. Of course, the longer you stay, the more training, experience, skills, and benefits you will receive. These skills and training are in high demand in both the civilian and military career fields.

Credit Recommendations

The American Council on Education (ACE) guide recommends that semester hour credits be awarded in the vocational certificate or lower-division bachelor's/associate's degree categories for courses taken in this rating on basic electricity and electronics, applied mathematics, circuit theory, systems maintenance, and communications. The following are degree programs that relate directly to the SECF ratings: Oceanography Technology, Computer Science, Marine Systems Management, Computer and Information Science, and Applied Electronics.

Qualifications.

Submarine Electronics/Computer Field technicians must be U.S. citizens eligible to meet security clearance requirements. Important qualifications include knowledge of arithmetic, capability to understand modern computing devices, the ability to speak and write well, function as a member of a team, do detailed work and keep accurate records. Additionally they must possess some physical strength and good manual dexterity.

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.

Opportunities.

The Navy has a continuing need for specialists in these ratings. About 7000 people work in these specialties. Placement opportunities are excellent for qualified male candidates.

Career Path After Recruit Training

Enlistee is taught the fundamentals of this rating through formal Navy schooling. Advanced technical and operational training is available in this rating during later stages of career development.

(School/Present Location/Approximate Training Time/Subjects/Training Methods)

1. Basic Enlisted Submarine School / Groton, CT / 4 weeks / Indoctrination in basic submarine systems/Group instruction.

2. Electronics Technician Class “A” Pipeline School / Groton, CT / 9 weeks / Basic electricity, electronics and computer technical knowledge and skills required for this rating / group instruction, practical application and equipment labs.

Electronics Technician (R/V) Specialty Pipeline School / Groton, CT; Kings Bay, GA; Bangor, WA / 14-28 weeks / preparation for communications or navigation specialties and assignment on a fast attack or ballistic missile submarine. ET-R and ET-V serve on submarines and shore stations in the United States and overseas. ET-R and ET-V 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-R and ET-V will spend about 60 percent of their time assigned to fleet units and 40 percent to shore stations.

3. Fire Control Technician Submarine Class “A” Pipeline School / Groton, CT / 27-33 weeks / electronics, mathematics and basic computer theory to support operation and basic maintenance of submarine weapon control systems / group instruction, practical application and equipment labs. FTs serve on submarines and shore stations in the United States and overseas. FTs who become careerists will attend further training at Class “C” Schools that provide advanced maintenance, TLAM Strike and both computer and computer language skills including maintenance, operations and security of the systems they will be operating and maintaining. During a 20-year period in the Navy, FTs will spend about 60 percent of their time assigned to fleet units and 40 percent to shore stations.

4. Sonar Technician Submarines Class “A” Pipeline School /Groton, CT /37 weeks / basic electrical, electronics and computer technical knowledge and operator skills, sonar fundamentals / group instruction, practical application and equipment labs. STSs are assigned to serve on submarines and shore stations in the United States and overseas. STSs who become careerists will attend further training at Class “C” Schools that provide advanced maintenance instruction on specific equipment they will be maintaining as well as Advanced Oceanography and Accoustic Intelligence Analysis. During a 20-year period in the Navy, STSs spend about 60 percent of their time assigned to fleet units and 40 percent to shore stations.

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