This enlistment program option enables men and women to qualify for one of five Four year Electronicsratings(AE, AT, CTM, IT or STG). The associated training includes diagnosis and repair of various state-of-art electrical, electronic and computer systems.

On the second day of the third week (3-2 day) of boot camp. Sailors will be assigned to one of the five four year Electronicsratings based on the current needs of the Navy (primary) and Sailor’s desires.

After completion of recruit training, enlistees in the Four year ElectronicsJob Family will attend Class “A” technical school at one of the following locations for the designated rate: AE/AT Lemoore, CA, Virginia Beach/Norfolk, VA, San Diego, CA, Whidbey Island, WA, Jacksonville,FL, Tinker, OK, Pensacola,FL; CTM/IT Pensacola, FL; STG San Diego. The initial technical school length last from 9 to 26 weeks depending on which school you attend.

After successful completion of training, Four year ElectronicsJob Family Sailor’s are usually assigned to shipboard duties where the Navy needs them the most.

What They Do

AE/AT - Aviation Electronic, Electrical, and Computer Systems Technicians work with some of the most advanced electronics equipment in the world and repair a wide range of aircraft electrical and electronic systems.

AV sailors attend common basic electronics training, after which they are selected for either the Aviation Electrician (AE) rating or the Aviation Electronics Technician (AT) rating.

Depending on selection to AE or AT, the AV sailor will troubleshoot and repair some of the following complex electronic systems, employing the latest test equipment and procedures:

  • digital computers
  • fiber optics
  • infrared detection
  • radar systems

Technicians may also perform the following functions:

  • Testing aircraft instruments and systems such as automatic flight controls, inertial navigation, and compass systems;
  • Installing changes, alterations, and modifications to aircraft electronics systems;
  • Performing micro-miniature module repair on computer circuit cards;

CTM - The Cryptologic Technician Maintenance branch offers a career in the installation, configuration, diagnosis, and repair of state-of-the-art electronic, computer, and network hardware and software systems.

The duties performed by CTM include:

  • Perform hardware and software isolation and repair of stateoftheart electronic, computer and network equipment and related systems using complex test and analysis equipment, diagnostic software, hand tools and technical publications;
  • Perform computer and electronic system hardware and software installation, configuration and modification;

IT - The Information Systems Technician of the 21st century operates and maintains the Navy's global satellite telecommunications systems, mainframe computers, local and wide area networks, and micro-computer systems used in the fleet. Administrative support is also provided with the operation of automated equipment that keeps records of personnel training, disbursement, health, assignments and promotions within the Navy.

The duties performed by IT include:

  • design, installing, operating and maintaining state-of-the-art information systems technology including local and wide area networks, mainframe, mini and microcomputer systems and associated peripheral devices;
  • write programs to handle the collection, manipulation and distribution of data for a wide variety of applications and requirements;
  • perform the functions of a computer system analyst;

STG - These technicians are responsible for operating sonar systems, underwater fire control systems, and supporting equipment on surface ships such as frigates, destroyers and cruisers. STGs are also responsible for undersea surveillance, and aid in safe navigation and search-and-rescue operations. They use equipment to detect, analyze and locate targets of interest.

The duties performed by STG include:

  • identify sounds produced by surface ships, torpedoes, submarines, evasion devices, sonar transmissions, marine life and natural phenomena;
  • operate sonar sensors for detection and classification of contacts;
  • identify the characteristics, functions and effects of controlled jamming and evasive devices on sonar operations;

Working Environment

Sailors in this career field will perform duties at sea and ashore around the world. At various times they could be working at a land-based aircraft squadron or onboard an aircraft carrier, either indoors or outdoors, in a shop environment or in office surroundings, and at a clean lab bench or in a garage-type situation. They work closely with others, require little supervision, and do mental and physical work of a technical nature.

Qualifications and Interests

Four year ElectronicsJob Family Sailor’s must be U.S. citizens and meet eligibility requirements for access to sensitive compartmented information (SCI). Eligibility for a top secret clearance is determined by the results of a Single Scope Background Investigation followed by a reinvestigation every five years. Immediate family members must be U.S. citizens. Excellent hearing; an aptitude for electricity and electronics; skills in arithmetic, speaking and writing; the ability to do detailed work, keep records, perform as a team member; curiosity; resourcefulness; a good memory; and manual dexterity with tools, equipment and machines.

Since Navy programs and courses are revised at times, the information contained on this rating card is subject to change.

Reviewed (01/08)