
Fire Controlman – Aegis(FCA Navy Rating)
Operates and maintains the Aegis Combat System, SPY radar, and Standard Missile launching systems aboard guided missile cruisers and destroyers.
Overall
Quick Stats
- ✓Vision: Corrects to 20/20
- ✓Normal color perception
- ✓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
Who This Is Best For
Best for elite electronics operators who want to master the most sophisticated integrated combat system in the world. Defense contractors like Lockheed Martin and Raytheon actively recruit former FCA sailors, making this a premier technical rate with outstanding civilian career prospects. Ideal for detail-oriented, system-level thinkers.
+Pros
- ✓Strong civilian career transition
–Cons
- ✗Long A-school pipeline
- ✗Significant sea duty
Real Opinions
+Positive
“I would recommend FCA to anyone considering it. The training is solid and the community takes care of its own.”
“The work is challenging, technical and requires a steady hand. You will operate, maintain and control everything from radars, fire control systems and computer systems to the Navy most advanced missile system.”
–Negative & Mixed
“Like any rate, FCA has its downsides. Long hours, time away from family, and Navy bureaucracy are real.”
“The FCA billet base at E5 is imbalanced for shore duty, which may prevent a Sailor's opportunity for an in-rate shore tour. Aegis manning structure aboard a ship limits opportunity to serve in Leading Petty Officer positions.”
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0 charsRecruiter vs Reality
What the recruiter says vs. what it's actually like.
🫡 Recruiter says
“The FCA rate offers great training and career advancement opportunities!”
💀 Reality
Source: MyNavyRates researchTraining and advancement are available but vary by command and manning. Ask specific questions about sea/shore rotation, typical duty stations, and advancement rates for FCA.
🫡 Recruiter says
“FCA is the most technically demanding weapons rate.”
💀 Reality
Source: sailor forumsTrue, but the Aegis system is complex and the troubleshooting can be frustrating. You are responsible for a system that costs billions and the pressure to keep it operational is constant.
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Horror Stories
Real stories people have shared about this rate. Swipe to browse.
“USS Vincennes shot down Iran Air Flight 655 killing all 290 people. Five CIC crew independently and wrongly reported the civilian airliner was descending in an attack profile. Aegis printouts clearly showed it was ascending the entire time.”
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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