
Electronic Technician Submarine(ETV Navy Rating)
Maintains navigation, communications, and electronic warfare systems aboard submarines. ETV is the current Navy rating designation for what was previously ETS (Electronics Technician – Submarines, Navigation); the rating was renamed to ETV in the 19 JAN 2026 CNRC rating list. ETVs keep the boat's inertial navigation, GPS, gyrocompass, and EW/communications electronics mission-ready under the water.
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
AFQT Minimum
50
Line-score options — meet any one
Who This Is Best For
Best for tech specialists who want submarine duty with a strong electronics focus and excellent civilian career transferability in telecommunications and defense systems. If you want the submarine experience with a technical career that translates well to civilian IT and defense roles, this delivers both.
+Pros
- ✓Strong civilian career transition
–Cons
- ✗Long A-school pipeline
- ✗Significant sea duty
Real Opinions
+Positive
“Nuke life is brutal but the bonuses and civilian options are insane. I walked into a $90k+ job right out.”
“ETS (nav ET) on submarines is a great rate if you like electronics and navigation systems. You maintain the ship's inertial navigation, GPS, and electronic charting systems. The troubleshooting skills transfer directly to civilian electronics and instrumentation jobs. A-school in Groton is solid technical training.”
–Negative & Mixed
“The hours are absolutely brutal. 12-16 hour days in the plant are normal. Your social life will suffer.”
“Submarine life means months underwater with no sunlight, no cell phone, and no privacy. The berthing is cramped, the hot-racking is real, and you're on watch constantly. Family separation is brutal — your spouse goes through holidays, birthdays, and emergencies alone while you're at depth with no communication.”
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0 charsRecruiter vs Reality
What the recruiter says vs. what it's actually like.
🫡 Recruiter says
“Nuclear program pays huge bonuses and you will have unlimited civilian job options!”
💀 Reality
Source: MyNavyRates researchBonuses are real but come with a 6-year contract minimum. The training pipeline is 2+ years, and underway hours in the plant are grueling. Civilian options are excellent but you earn every penny.
🫡 Recruiter says
“ETS has more variety than nuclear submarine rates.”
💀 Reality
Source: sailor forumsTrue, ETS works on multiple systems rather than focusing solely on the reactor. But you still live the submarine lifestyle with all its constraints.
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Horror Stories
Real stories people have shared about this rate. Swipe to browse.
“You smell Joe's night toots, marked with Jeff's hair pomade and Gary's cologne. Hot-bunking in berths near the engine room. The submarine air saturated with amine from CO2 scrubbers that permeates skin, hair, and clothing.”
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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