
Electronics Technician(ET Navy Rating)
Electronics Technicians maintain and repair electronic equipment including radar, communications, navigation, and computer systems aboard ships, submarines, and shore stations.
Overall
Quick Stats
- ✓Normal color perception
- ✓Normal hearing
- ✓No speech impediment
Security Clearance
Secret~$3K–$15K civilian sector value
Requires a National Agency Check with Local Agency Check and Credit Check (NACLC). Processing typically takes 1–3 months and is initiated early in your training pipeline.
ASVAB Requirements
Who This Is Best For
Best for detail-oriented tech enthusiasts who enjoy diagnosing complex electronic problems and want training that opens doors to telecom, IT, and defense industry jobs paying well into six figures. One of the deepest technical education paths in the Navy with strong civilian salary potential.
+Pros
- ✓Active enlistment bonus available
- ✓Strong opportunity advancement outlook
- ✓Strong civilian career transition
–Cons
- ✗Long A-school pipeline
- ✗Significant sea duty
Real Opinions
+Positive
“ET is a solid rate. You learn electronics repair and troubleshooting that applies everywhere in civilian world.”
“A-school is challenging but sets you up well. Great foundation for an engineering career.”
–Negative & Mixed
“Ship heavy but the work is interesting. You maintain and repair the most complex systems on the ship.”
“Underpaid, but you get free training and travel. Extremely micromanaged by leadership who also has no idea what they are doing. Commands can be clicky. Overmanning is severely hurting the advancement percentage from second to first class, creating a bottleneck for junior sailors.”
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0 charsRecruiter vs Reality
What the recruiter says vs. what it's actually like.
🫡 Recruiter says
“ETs work on the most advanced electronics in the military”
💀 Reality
Source: r/navyYou will troubleshoot and maintain systems, but a lot of it is swapping Line Replaceable Units — not designing circuits. Deeper technical work comes with seniority.
🫡 Recruiter says
“ETs work normal hours and have a chill lifestyle”
💀 Reality
Source: r/navyETs on shore duty work reasonable hours. ETs on a ship work around the clock when equipment breaks — and equipment always breaks. You're the one getting called at 2 AM because radar is down or comms are degraded. Expect to troubleshoot under pressure with leadership breathing down your neck.
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Horror Stories
Real stories people have shared about this rate. Swipe to browse.
“STS3 Timothy Sanders, 22, was found dead aboard USS Helena from electrocution while the sub was moored at Norfolk. He was engaged to be married and left behind his parents and four sisters. No charges were filed.”
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0 charsRelated Reading
Guides on picking a rate, ASVAB, bonuses, promotion, and life after the Navy.
Getting Started
How do you choose the right Navy rate for you?
Choosing a Navy rate means weighing your ASVAB scores, lifestyle preferences, civilian career goals, and willingness to deploy or go to sea. Start by identifying which ratings you qualify for, then narrow the list by what matters most to you.
Getting Started
What is the ASVAB and what scores do you need?
The ASVAB is a multi-aptitude test that determines which Navy ratings you qualify for. Your sub-test scores combine into line scores, and each rating has minimum line-score requirements. Higher scores open more options.
Career & Pay
Which Navy rates have the biggest enlistment bonuses in 2026?
Active Component (Active Duty) only. Per the CNRC GENADMIN dated 10 April 2026, the Nuclear Field carries the biggest source-rate bonus at $40,000 (FY26 ship dates) and a $75,000 EB cap. Top Special Operations and submarine ratings sit at $30,000 EBSR with a $60,000 EB cap. All other rates cap at $50,000. The Loan Repayment Program adds up to $65,000 on top, separately. Reserve component (SELRES) bonuses are governed by a different message and are not covered here.
Career & Pay