Fire Control Technician

Fire Control Technicians (FTs) are the submarine community''s strategic and tactical weapons specialists. They operate and maintain the weapons and fire control systems that launch the MK-48 ADCAP heavyweight torpedo, the Tomahawk cruise missile, and — aboard SSBN ''boomers'' and SSGNs — the Trident II D5 fleet ballistic missile and strategic weapon system.

FT was split off from the older, combined FT rating when the surface Navy''s fire control work was consolidated into the FC (and later FC/FCA) rating. Today the FT rating exists exclusively in the submarine force. FTs serve on SSN fast-attacks, SSGN guided-missile subs, and SSBN ballistic-missile submarines, with watch stations in the Attack Center and Missile Control Center.

The pipeline is long and technical: Basic Enlisted Submarine School (BESS) in Groton followed by FT ''A'' School at Trident Training Facility Bangor, WA (SSBN/SSGN track) or NSB Kings Bay, GA, with advanced ''C'' schools for specific weapon systems. Top Secret / SCI clearance is standard because FTs routinely handle Single Integrated Operational Plan (SIOP) material on strategic boats.

Overall

5.8/10

Burnout4.8

Lifestyle4.0

Civilian ROI

Quick Stats

Enlistment BonusNo active bonus

Civilian Sector Transferability$80k–$135k

Advancement OutlookAverage

Manning %95%

Initial Contract3 yr active

Medical Requirements

✓Normal color perception
✓Normal hearing
✓No speech impediment

Security Clearance

Top Secret / Sensitive Compartmented Information~$15K–$50K civilian sector value

Requires a Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI), including interviews with references, financial review, and a possible polygraph. The process typically takes 6–12 months and is initiated during your training pipeline.

ASVAB Requirements

AFQT Minimum

Line-score options

Who This Is Best For

Best for analytically sharp candidates who want elite strategic-weapons work on submarines, high-end clearances, and a direct path to defense-industry fire-control and missile engineering careers.

+Pros

✓Strong civilian career transition

–Cons

✗Long A-school pipeline
✗Significant sea duty

Real Opinions

+Positive

✓

“What I love about working at this command is the level of pride everyone takes in their work, and the camaraderie I see every day.”

DVIDS|

✓

“Helping to build these torpedoes, and knowing they will be used in the fleet, gives me a tremendous feeling of accomplishment.”

DVIDS|

–Negative & Mixed

✗

“Welcome to the Time Machine, young man, where time is just a number in your logbook.”

The War Horse|

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Recruiter vs Reality

What the recruiter says vs. what it's actually like.

🫡 Recruiter says

“You'll fire MK-48 torpedoes and Tomahawk missiles — the most advanced weapons in the fleet.”

💀 Reality

Source: https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Portals/55/Career/ECM/Submarine/FT%20career%20path.pdf

Most sea time is preventive maintenance, calibration, functional tests, and drills. Actual weapons employment is rare; sailors work long watches in the torpedo room and control during deployments.

🫡 Recruiter says

“Highest ASVAB rating — you'll be surrounded by the smartest sailors on the boat.”

💀 Reality

Source: https://www.cool.osd.mil/usn/rating_info_cards/ft.pdf

The AR+MK+EI+GS ≥ 222 cut is real, but the pipeline is long: RTC → Basic Enlisted Submarine School → SECF/FT "A" school (Groton). Over a year before you reach a boat, and ~60% of a 20-year career is spent in fleet units.

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Advancement Outlook

E-2 to E-4 Advancement Outlook

Time to E-4: 30 months total

E-1 → E-2: 9 months at E-1. Automatic
E-2 → E-3: 9 months at E-2. Automatic
E-3 → E-4: 12 months at E-3. Automatic

E-4 is automatic — competitive advancement starts at E-5

How to advance faster to E-4

Your recruiter can process you in at E-2 or E-3 on day one if you qualify. Every rung skipped shortens the path to E-4 by months. Official transcripts / certificates required at enlistment.

E-2 →Easy
2 years of JROTC completed. Easiest common path if your high school offers JROTC.
E-2 →Moderate
24+ semester hours/ 36+ quarter hours of college credit (below the associate's threshold). Roughly one full year of college.
E-2 →Moderate
Civil Air Patrol Billy Mitchell Award. Achievable with consistent cadet participation, but requires testing and leadership time.
E-2 →Moderate
Sea Cadet Corps — reaching the Sea Cadet E-2 rate (join by age 17).
E-2 to E-3 →Moderate
Boot camp leadership roles — roles don't auto-pin rank. Advancement comes from earning Honor Recruit or Hall of Fame at graduation (one award only, not stacked).
- Honor Recruit up to E-2 — effectively the #1 ranked recruit in your division (~60-80 recruits), one Sailor per division per cycle. Selection is based on cumulative performance across all three academic exams, Physical Readiness Test (PRT) scores, uniform and personnel inspections, military bearing, and peer/Recruit Division Commander (RDC) evaluations. Roles that typically compete at this level:
  - Assistant LPO (ALPO) — deputy to the LPO.
  - Master-at-Arms (MAA) — barracks cleanliness, standards, and discipline.
  - Yeoman (YN) — division admin, paperwork, and tracking.
  - Educational Petty Officer (EPO) — study groups, test prep, and academic remediation.
  - Religious Petty Officer (RPO) — coordinates chapel and religious services.
  - Athletic Petty Officer (APO) — leads PT and fitness assessments.
  - Mail Petty Officer — handles mail distribution and tracking.
  - Section Leaders — squad-level leaders below the division-wide roles.
- Hall of Fame up to E-3 — the most elite recognition at Recruit Training Command (RTC), awarded Navy-wide rather than per division. Requires exceptional performance in every training metric: top-tier scores on all three academic exams (typically 90%+), "Outstanding" on the final Physical Readiness Test (PRT), near-perfect uniform and personnel inspections, held a division leadership role with strong performance, and zero remediation, infractions, or negative marks across the full training cycle. Senior leadership roles positioned to compete:
E-3 →Moderate
3 years of JROTC completed (any service branch). Straightforward if your high school has the program — three school years of enrollment.
E-3 →Hard
Eagle Scout (BSA) or Gold Award (GSUSA) — the highest youth scouting awards. Typically takes years of participation and a capstone service project.
E-3 →Hard
Associate's degree (or 48+ semester hours / 72+ quarter hours of college credit, 100-level or higher from an accredited institution). Two years of full-time college.
E-3 →Hard
Civil Air Patrol Earhart Award. Uncommon — only a small fraction of CAP cadets reach this level.
E-3 →Hard
Sea Cadet Corps — reaching the Sea Cadet E-3 rate (join by age 16).

Ceiling is E-3 at accession — stacking qualifications doesn't push you to E-4 out of the gate.

Ways to accelerate E-4 after you're in

Very HardMeritorious Advancement Program (MAP) — Command-nominated promotion that skips the exam entirely. Each command gets a small seasonal quota of MAP slots and hands them to the top performers based on evaluation ranking. Fastest path on paper, but you're competing directly with every other sailor at your command.

Rules can change — verify current criteria with your recruiter and in the latest Navy Recruiting Manual (COMNAVCRUITCOM) before signing any paperwork that assumes a specific entry paygrade.

E-5 and E-6 Advancement Outlook

Average★☆★☆

1 of 4 factors working in your favor · 1 working against you

▼
Manning
E5 89%E6 101%
E5 is balanced while E6 is overmanned. Your advancement outlook depends on which paygrade you're promoting into next.
Source: N12 Enlisted Community Status Brief, 1 Apr 26
●
Enlistment bonus
No
No active enlistment bonus for this rate. Most ratings do not offer one in any given fiscal year, so this is a neutral signal on its own.
▲
Overall Selective Reenlistment Bonus (SRB) Outlook
Competitive SRB added/increased · SRB reduced/eliminated
Navy is paying a substantial bonus to retain sailors. Strong signal that billets are staying empty at senior paygrades.

Bonuses — Click here to see your military pay

Initial Enlistment Bonus

No active bonus for this rate

You May Qualify for a Navy Enlisted Classification (NEC)

Specialties within this rate you can select, some with additional compensation. Each NEC has its own training, bonus potential, and career path.

0000Any NEC or no NEC (all qualifying Sailors in this rating)

Selective Reenlistment Bonus (SRB)

🟢

First Reenlistment (17 mo to 6 yrs Active Duty)

$30,000

Max

Active (unchanged)

🟡

Second Reenlistment (6 to 10 yrs Active Duty)

$45,000

Max

Reduced · effective 2025-12-18

—

Third Reenlistment (10 to 14 yrs Active Duty)

Not eligible

T03ASSGN Tactical Tomahawk Weapon Control System (TTWCS) Operator

Performs normal operations and basic preventive maintenance on the TTWCS system and associated support and test equipment. Assists in correcting TTWCS casualties. Performs internal and external communications. Troubleshoots and performs operational readiness test of systems, and adheres to safety precautions applicable to the SSGN TTWCS system. Participate in weapon system evolutions.

Requirements

Personnel who previously completed CIN: A-113-0201 are eligible to earn and retain this NEC code.

T04ASSGN Tactical Tomahawk Weapon System (TTWCS) Maintenance Technician

Perform organizational and/or intermediate level maintenance and operate all assigned equipment with the TTWCS and associated support and test equipment on the 726 Class SSGN TTWCS. Troubleshoot and perform operational readiness test of the system and adhere to safety precautions applicable to the SSGN TTWCS. Isolate and repair system faults and failures. Participate in SSGN TTWCS evolutions.

Requirements

Personnel who previously completed CIN: A-113-0202 are eligible to earn and retain this NEC code.

T07AMaster Fire Control Technician

Possesses knowledge and skills required to direct contact management and weapon control teams in advanced tactics, Torpedo Employment, Over- The-Horizon Targeting, Electronic Plot Evaluation, and Submarine Tomahawk Weapon Control System Employment.

Requirements

Personnel awarded NEC code T07A under its previous requirements will retain the NEC Code.

T39AIn-Tube Conversion Technician

Converts Trident II tactical Fleet Ballistic Missiles (FBM) to test configuration in support of the Director, Strategic Systems Program's Flight Test Program.

T49AAN/BYG-1 Maintainer

Performs organizational level maintenance on assigned Tactical Control/Information Management (TC/IM) and Weapons Control (WC) equipment within the AN/BYG-1 Combat Control System. Performs preventive maintenance and troubleshooting analysis to isolate and repair system faults and failures.

Requirements

Secret security clearance required.
NEC is awarded through Factory Training conducted by Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Newport, Rhode Island. Any of the following deactivated CINs fulfill the formal course requirement: A-113-0414, A-113-0415, A-113-0416 or A-113-0417.

712BIntegrated Undersea Surveillance System (IUSS) Master

Conducts in-depth acoustic analysis, multiple ASW platform integration and data fusion. Conducts mission planning and performs contact evaluation based on acoustic contacts from Fixed Surveillance System (FSS), Mobile Surveillance System (MSS) and Deployable Surveillance System (DSS) at IUSS facilities.

Requirements

Member must have completed 48 months of IUSS System experience, the IUSS Journeyman Pipeline, qualified as IUSS Tactical Coordinator (Sea/Shore), and a designated IUSS USL04 Signer prior to being assigned to a billet with this NEC code.
Personnel must successfully complete OJT at an IUSS facility for award of this NEC code.
In addition to prerequisite qualifications, member must have completed the IUSS Master Qualification Card.
Submission of NAVPERS 1221/6 to BUPERS-312 requesting NEC code will be required.

714BIntegrated Undersea Surveillance System (IUSS) Apprentice)

Conducts broad ocean surveillance for ocean-borne acoustics and conducts contact detection, initial analysis, classification, positioning, and reporting on surfaced and submerged contacts detected using Fixed Undersea Surveillance System and Surveillance Towed Array Sensor System (SURTASS) sensors.

Requirements

Secret or Top Secret security clearance required based on UIC assigned.
NEC code was previously awarded by completing prerequisite CIN: A-130-0503. Personnel who previously earned this NEC code based on completing CIN: A-130-0503 will retain the NEC code.
Commanding Officers of IUSS commands can request NEC code assignment based on OJT if mandatory course has not been completed. Commander Undersea Surveillance will approve the Commanding Officers request.

715BIntegrated Undersea Surveillance System (IUSS) Journeyman

Performs supervisory tasks related to the detection, analysis, localization, and reporting of ocean-borne acoustics on the Fixed Undersea Surveillance System (FSS) and SURTASS sensors. Specific tasks include Target Motion Analysis (TMA) and track development, multi-sensor correlation, mission planning, and Quality Assurance/contact reconstruction.

Requirements

Personnel must have successfully qualified as IUSS Tracker Reporter prior to attending course.
Secret or Top Secret security clearance required based on UIC assigned.
Commanding Officers of IUSS commands can request NEC code assignment based on OJT if mandatory course has not been completed. Commander Undersea Surveillance will approve the Commanding Officers request.
Members who previously earned this NEC code as a result of completing CIN: A-130-0505 will retain the NEC code.
Member must complete the pipeline or all five segment courses is required for awarding this NEC Code. CINs: A-130-0521, A-130-0522, A-130- 0523 and A-130-0524 may be taken in any order; CIN: A-130-0525 must be taken as the final course in the pipeline.

730AMiniature/Microminiature Module Test and Repair (2M MTR) Technician

Performs corrective maintenance on circuit cards and electronic modules by troubleshooting and repairing the faulty cards and modules. Preventive maintenance will be performed periodically as scheduled by Maintenance Requirement Cards for 2M Rework Stations (Pace PRC 2000) and the primary MTR test system (AN/USM-674).

Requirements

Member must recertify per the 2M MTR Certification Manual (NAVSEA TE000-AA-MAN-010/2M, NAVAIR SE-004-PQS-000).
The source ratings for the AN/USM-674 (CIN A-100- 0076 or S-100-7600 Operator/Maintainer) training are the same as for the 2M training courses. Completing only the AN/USM-674 (CIN A-100-0076 or S-100-7600) training provides no NEC Code however, completion of the AN/USM-674 course and earning NEC code 783A - Microminiature Electronic Repair Technician would award the technician the 730A NEC code.
CIN S-100-7600 and CDPs 12W4, 12W5, 12W6, 12W7, 12WA, 12ZF are for use by NAVSEA-designated personnel (LANT and PAC 2M MTR Fleet Coordinators) only.
For the CTT source rating only, NEC codes C00A, C02A and C04A are prerequisites for this NEC code. 248

738AGlobal Command and Control System-Maritime (GCCS-M) (Force Level 4.1) Increment 2 System Administrator

Performs installation, configuration, administration, repair, and basic operation of the GCCS-M Force Level 4.1 Increment 2 System. Maintains databases, establishes accounts, and configures communications and system interfaces. Performs basic troubleshooting and disaster recovery procedures. These functions are performed afloat and at ashore commands.

737BSSN 719-773 Submarine Vertical Launch System Tube Maintenance Technician

Possesses knowledge and skills required to operate and perform preventative maintenance and basic corrective maintenance on submarine vertical launch tube components unique to SSN 719-773 class ships.

738BCombined Torpedo MK48 Heavyweight Technician

Provide the maintenance technician with the knowledge and skills to perform preventative and basic corrective maintenance at the Intermediate Maintenance Activity (IMA) level in support of the MK48 Heavyweight Torpedo program.

Requirements

Secret security clearance is required to be awarded this NEC code.
Must be submarine qualified.

740AMission Distribution System Operator

Performs all functions related to operation and management of the Mission Distribution System (MDS) and tactical database used to support the Tomahawk strike requirements of the Theater Mission Planning Center (TMPC).

756ABarber

Provides haircuts that conform to Navy grooming standards; maintains barber equipment; meets sanitation requirements.

Requirements

EMN, ETN and MMN source rating personnel must be submarine designated.

772BMiniature/Microminiature Electronic Repair Inspector

Performs annual recertification of miniature and microminiature technicians and 12-18 month 2M program validation per the 2M MTR Certification Manual (NAVSEA TE000-AA-MAN-010/2M, NAVAIR SE-004-PQS-000).

Requirements

Continued NEC code qualification requires recertification per the 2M MTR Certification Manual (NAVSEA TE000-AA-MAN-010/2M, NAVAIR SE-004-PQS-000).
NEC code is normally assigned to E5-E8 AE and AT; and E7-E8 CTT, EM, ET, FC, FCA, FT, GM, GSE, IC, IT, MT, RW, STG and STS.
For the CTT source rating only, NEC codes C00A, C02A and C04A are prerequisites for this NEC code.

773B2M Instructor

Conducts formal training course for Miniature and Microminiature Electronic Repair, 2M Inspector, Microminiature Recertification Training and 2M Instructor culminating in certification. Applies requirements of the Standard Maintenance Practices Miniature/Microminiature (2M) Electronic Assembly Repair (NAVSEA SE004-AK-TRS-010/2M, NAVAIR 01-1A-23) Technical Manual.

Requirements

Continued NEC code qualification requires recertification per the 2M MTR Certification Manual (NAVSEA TE000-AA-MAN-010/2M, NAVAIR SE-004-PQS-000).
NEC code normally assigned to AE, AT, EM, ET, FC, FT, GM, GSE, IC, MT, STG, STS.
For the CTT source rating only, NEC codes C00A, C02A and C04A are prerequisites for this NEC code.

774CSubmarine Disqualification Tracker

Member has been disqualified from serving on submarine duty and is still in the process of converting to another Source Rating. Once the conversion process is complete, this NEC code shall be achieved.

782BSSN 784 - 802 Virginia Block III/IV Weapons Equipment Technician

Perform preventive maintenance and basic corrective maintenance on submarine weapons equipment installed on SSN 784 - 802 VIRGINIA class ships.

Requirements

Member must possess a Secret security clearance for training and billet assignment.
Member must be a U.S. citizen. 270

783AMicrominiature Electronic Repair Technician

Performs additional repairs beyond those taught to NEC code 784A technicians, e.g., repair of flexible conductors, multilayer conductors and laminates, illuminated panels, and removal and replacement of welded lead components and surface mounted devices per NAVSEAINST 4790.17B and COMNAVAIRFORINST 4790.2B.

Requirements

Continued NEC code qualification requires recertification per the 2M MTR Certification Manual (NAVSEA TE000-AA-MAN-010/2M, NAVAIR SE-004-PQS-000.
NEC code is normally assigned to AE, AT, CTT, EM, ET, FC, FCA, FT, GM, GSE, IC, MT, IT, RW, STG, STS, MN.
CIN: S-100-7300 and CDPs: 12WN, 12WP, 12WR, 12WS, 12WT are for use by the 2M MTR Fleet Coordinators only.
For the CTT source rating only, NEC codes C00A, C02A and C04A are prerequisites for this NEC code.

784AMiniature Electronic Repair Technician

Performs identification, removal and application of conformal coatings, removal and replacement of discrete and multi-lead components, preparation and installation of eyelets, repair and replacement of conductors and laminates, proper connection of wires to terminal and connector cups, and other related repairs per NAVSEAINST 4790.17B and COMNAVAIRFORINST 4790.2B.

Requirements

Continued NEC code qualification requires recertification per the 2M MTR Certification Manual (NAVSEA TE000-AA-MAN-010/2M, NAVAIR SE-004-PQS-000).
NEC code is normally assigned to AE, AT, CTT, EM, ET, FC, FT, GM, GSE, IC, IT, MN, MT, RW, STG and STS.
CIN S-100-7200 and CDPs 12W8, 12W9, 12WB, 12WC are for use by 2M MTR Fleet Coordinators only.
For the CTT source rating only, NEC codes C00A, C02A and C04A are prerequisites for this NEC code. 271

789AUnmanned Undersea Vehicle (UUV) Operator

Performs duties as a member, or in support of a UUV activity, to include sortie planning, launch and recovery, local or remote watch, post mission analysis, and organizational level maintenance.

Requirements

To be eligible for this NEC Code member must have: a. Qualified on a Navy UUV system. b. Completed at least two weeks of formal classroom instruction on the operation and maintenance of UUVs (e.g., factory schooling, university short-course, MK-18 operator course, etc.). c. Completed twelve months of OJT and primary duties involved UUV operations.
Reserve Force members may satisfy the OJT requirement by 100 days of Annual Training (AT) and Active Duty for Training (ADT) or 18 months of Individual Duty for Training (IDT) and AT in support of UUV operations.
Submit NAVPERS 1221/6 to BUPERS-312 with endorsement from UUV activity. 277

Fire Control Technician

Quick Stats

Security Clearance

ASVAB Requirements

Who This Is Best For

+Pros

–Cons

Real Opinions

+Positive

–Negative & Mixed

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Recruiter vs Reality

Horror Stories

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Medical Requirements — detail

Remarks

Training Pipeline — Total ~40 weeks (9 months)

Calculate Your End Training Date and Holidays and Events You Will Miss During Training

Career Progression Milestones

Advancement Outlook

Bonuses — Click here to see your military pay

You May Qualify for a Navy Enlisted Classification (NEC)

Potential Civilian Post-Navy Outcomes

Post-Navy Salary Trajectory

Free Certifications & Credentials

Retention & Burnout

Lifestyle4/10

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