Sonar Technician Submarine	STS
	The acoustic technology specialty, Sonar Technician Submarines(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, aid in safe navigation and search-and-rescue operations. They use sonar to detect, track, and analyze targets of interest. These technicians are operators and electronics technicians responsible for keeping sonar systems and equipment in good operating condition on Nuclear Submarines to include SSNs, SSBNs, and SSGNs or at remote locations throughout the world.

 Sonar Technician (STS) Submarines serve on board multiple classes of submarines and specialize in combat systems. They are responsible for all operational and administrative aspects of the submarine’s computer and control mechanisms used for underwater surveillance and scientific data collection.

What They Do

The duties performed by STS’s include:

• maintain, repair, calibrate, tune, and adjust all electronic equipment used for underwater surveillance and scientific data collection;

• support operation and basic maintenance of underwater surveillance and scientific data collection systems

• perform organizational and intermediate level maintenance on underwater surveillance and scientific data collection systems, equipment, and associated combat control systems test equipment;

• operate underwater surveillance and scientific data collection systems;

• test underwater surveillance and scientific data collection systems;

• operate and maintain combat control systems associated systems;

• use and maintain hand tools and portable power tools.

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 computer science, marine systems management, computer and information science, and applied electronics, applied mathematics, circuit theory, systems maintenance, and communications.

Qualifications and Interests

Sonar Technician Submarines (STS’s) 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.

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.

Working Environment

STS’s duties are usually performed aboard submarines and 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

Placement opportunities are good for qualified applicants. About 1,100 Sailors work in the STS rating.

Navy STS - Sonar Manager

Sonar Managers manage the employment of Undersea Warfare equipment. They evaluate, disseminate and make tactical Undersea Warfare decisions. Coordinate communications. Manage equipment maintenance and training programs. They conduct ordnance oversight.

Navy STS - Sonar Operator

Sonar Equipment Operators operate sonar systems, underwater fire control systems, and support equipment on combatant surface ships and fixed shore stations. They conduct undersea surveillance and aid in safe navigation. They use both shipboard equipment and fixed shore equipment to detect, analyze and locate targets of interest. They conduct ordnance handling and operate various support systems.

Navy STS - Sonar Technician

Sonar Equipment Technicians maintain, troubleshoot and repair sonar systems, underwater fire control systems, and support equipment on combatant surface ships and fixed shore stations.

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