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Home/Rates/IC
Interior Communications Electrician sailor
Interior Communications Electrician rating badgeIC

Interior Communications Electrician(IC Navy Rating)

Maintains shipboard communication and alarm systems.

ATFAdvanced Technical Field

Overall

4.7/10
Burnout4.9
Lifestyle4.0
Civilian ROI4.2
Happiness5.5
Manning %5.8
$$$ Pay6.0

Quick Stats

Enlistment Bonus$15,000
Civilian Sector Transferability$50k–$82k
Advancement OutlookStrong opportunity
Manning %91%
Initial Contract2 yr active /
Medical Requirements
  • ✓Normal color perception

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

  • GS+AR+MK+EI≥213

Who This Is Best For

Best for electronics-minded individuals who want a less-common but highly technical specialty with good civilian telecommunications prospects. If you enjoy wiring and troubleshooting electronic circuits and prefer a focused niche over a generalist role, this rate offers steady work with transferable skills.

+Pros

  • ✓Active enlistment bonus available
  • ✓Strong opportunity advancement outlook
  • ✓Strong civilian career transition

–Cons

  • ✗Significant sea duty

Real Opinions

+Positive

✓

“Engineering rates get a bad rap but the job security and trade skills are legit. I went straight into a union job.”

r/navy|
✓

“I loved the Navy. It taught me how far the human mind can stretch and be used in situations that may be dangerous. It was fun working with all of my shipmates.”

Indeed|

–Negative & Mixed

✗

“Underway life in engineering is hot, loud, and exhausting. You will stand watch in some miserable conditions.”

r/newtothenavy|
✗

“IC sounds like a glorified phone technician from the description. The IC rating is one of the most sea-intensive ratings in the Navy — about 65% of a 20-year career is spent at sea. The skills are very Navy-specific and don't transfer as cleanly to civilian work as other electrical rates.”

Reddit r/newtothenavy|

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Recruiter vs Reality

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

🫡 Recruiter says

“ICs work all over the ship — you're not stuck in the engine room.”

💀 Reality

Mostly true and a genuine advantage. But every division thinks their broken intercom is the top priority, so you get pulled in every direction.

🫡 Recruiter says

“Engineering rates are always in demand and you will learn a valuable trade!”

💀 Reality

Source: MyNavyRates research

The trade skills are real but underway life in engineering spaces is hot, loud, and physically demanding. Watch rotations can be exhausting, especially on older ships.

Page 1 of 6

😱

Horror Stories

Real stories people have shared about this rate. Swipe to browse.

💀

“Two weeks before the fatal USS Fitzgerald collision that killed 7 sailors, an engineer accidentally caused a switchboard fire. The ship went dark, dead in the water. The electrical vulnerabilities were never fully fixed before returning to sea.”

Source: features.propublica.org|

Story 1 of 5

Share a horror story about IC

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Related 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 24 July 2026, the biggest source-rate bonus is $40,000 — Nuclear Field on FY26 ship dates ($75,000 EB cap). Special Warfare Boat Operator (SB) follows at $35,000, then EOD and SEAL (SO) at $30,000, and Aviation Rescue Swimmer (AIRR) and Cryptologic Technician Maintenance (CTM) at $25,000. Special Operations Future Sailors who clear the elevated PST standards add a flat $20,000 EBPST. Most rates cap at $50,000 total EB. 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.

Real Opinions

+Positive

✓

“Engineering rates get a bad rap but the job security and trade skills are legit. I went straight into a union job.”

r/navy|
✓

“I loved the Navy. It taught me how far the human mind can stretch and be used in situations that may be dangerous. It was fun working with all of my shipmates.”

Indeed|

–Negative & Mixed

✗

“Underway life in engineering is hot, loud, and exhausting. You will stand watch in some miserable conditions.”

r/newtothenavy|
✗

“IC sounds like a glorified phone technician from the description. The IC rating is one of the most sea-intensive ratings in the Navy — about 65% of a 20-year career is spent at sea. The skills are very Navy-specific and don't transfer as cleanly to civilian work as other electrical rates.”

Reddit r/newtothenavy|

Page 1 of 3

Share your opinion about IC

0 chars
Select one:

Recruiter vs Reality

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

🫡 Recruiter says

“ICs work all over the ship — you're not stuck in the engine room.”

💀 Reality

Mostly true and a genuine advantage. But every division thinks their broken intercom is the top priority, so you get pulled in every direction.

🫡 Recruiter says

“Engineering rates are always in demand and you will learn a valuable trade!”

💀 Reality

Source: MyNavyRates research

The trade skills are real but underway life in engineering spaces is hot, loud, and physically demanding. Watch rotations can be exhausting, especially on older ships.

Page 1 of 6

😱

Horror Stories

Real stories people have shared about this rate. Swipe to browse.

💀

“Two weeks before the fatal USS Fitzgerald collision that killed 7 sailors, an engineer accidentally caused a switchboard fire. The ship went dark, dead in the water. The electrical vulnerabilities were never fully fixed before returning to sea.”

Source: features.propublica.org|

Story 1 of 5

Share a horror story about IC

0 chars
AR+MK+VE+AO≥218
  • GS+AR+MK≥163
  • Calculate your score →

    Remarks

    Accession applicants will attend BECC and will be assigned to their first permanent duty station with no additional training.

    Source: CNRC / ECM Rating List, 19 Jan 2026. Verify current guidance with your recruiter before signing.

    Training Pipeline — Total ~18 weeks (4 months)

    8w
    10w
    Boot Camp— 8 weeks
    RTC Great Lakes, IL
    Basic military training for all recruits
    A-School— 10 weeks
    NNPTC Goose Creek, SC
    10% washoutDifficulty: 2.6/10
    Technical training for rating qualification
    Fleet Assignment— 0 weeks
    First duty station
    Report to operational command

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

    Ship dates are approximate and based on the weekly RTC Great Lakes schedule. Confirm your exact date with your recruiter. Source: bootcamp.navy.mil

    Career Progression Milestones

    Estimated timeline based on current advancement rates. Actual timing varies by individual performance and Navy needs.

    4 mo
    1 mo
    1yr 5mo
    6 mo
    1yr 6mo
    Training Complete— 4 mo
    Pipeline finished (~4 mo) — NNPTC Goose Creek, SC
    First Duty Station— 5 mo
    Likely sea duty assignment
    NEC Specialization Options— 1yr 10mo
    40 specializations available
    731BU56AV71B

    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

    • HardAdvanced Technical Field (ATF) ProgramAuto E-4 — IC is on the ATF roster. Per MILPERSMAN 1510-030 §3a the full ATF list is the Naval Aircrewman service ratings (AWF / AWR / AWS / AWO / AWV), the cryptologic / cyber ratings CTI, CWT, the special-operations ratings EOD, ND, SB, SO, plus IC, IS, IT, the submarine-IT ratings ITE / ITN / ITR, and specific HM advanced NECs (L00A, L02A, L08A, L17A, L24A, L27A, L31A). ATF Sailors advance to E-2 on RTC graduation (§2b), E-3 after 9 months TIG (§9c), and E-4 after A-school + required advanced training + 6 months TIG at E-3 (§9d). Governed by MILPERSMAN 1510-030 (CH-94, 16 Mar 2026) and MILPERSMAN 1430-010. Requirements (§9d):
      • All requirements for advancement in rate completed
      • CO recommendation via NAVPERS 1336/3
      • PFA / body-composition standards (OPNAVINST 6110.1K)
      • Required advanced training complete
      • Sufficient obligated service — ATF carries a 6-year OBLISERV (§7)
      ATF is an enlistment-level election at MEPS / RTC (§2a). Fleet Sailors may request enrollment while at a training activity; conversion into an ATF-only rating auto-enrolls.
    • 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

    Strong opportunity★★★★

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

    • ▼

      Manning

      E5 81%E6 101%(E-4/E-5)
      E5 is balanced while E6 is overmanned. Your advancement outlook depends on which paygrade you're promoting into next.

      Source: N12 Community Health Indicator brief (FY26)

    • ▲

      Initial Enlistment Bonus

      Yes — active bonus

      The Navy currently pays an enlistment bonus to new recruits who select this rate. An active bonus usually signals the community is short on accessions, which is the same pressure that keeps senior billets open.
    • ▲

      Overall Selective Reenlistment Bonus (SRB) Outlook

    Bonuses — Click here to see your military pay

    All Active CNRC Enlistment Incentives

    Active Duty

    Source: CNRC GENADMIN 24 JUL 26 — effective Jul 27, 2026, contracts authorized through Dec 31, 2026 (NDAA 2026)

    Active Component only. Reservist (SELRES) shipping bonuses are set by a separate CNRF incentive message — ask your recruiter.

    Bonuses can stack up to the rating's EB cap; LRP is independent. Footnote numbers match the source GENADMIN.

    Source-Rate Bonus (EBSR)

    Earned at school graduation; only EB type that can be partially recouped.

    AECF-AEF

    Any

    $15,000[2]

    Loan Repayment Program (LRP)

    Stacks on top of EB cap. AFQT ≥ 50, ~25% tax withheld, DD 2475 required per payment.

    AECF-AEF

    October–September Any

    Up to $65,000[1]

    EBSR Notes

    • 2EBSR is earned and payable upon graduation from "A" or "C" school.

    LRP Notes

    • 1Future Sailor must access into Active Component and have LRP listed as a guarantee on their current Annex to DD Form 4 (NAVCRUIT 1133/52). The NRC LRP Manager approves prior to a new Annex being generated. LRP can stack with all other EB types up to its own $65,000 maximum. Applicants need AFQT 50+, must submit a DD 2475 for each payment, and roughly 25% of each payment is withheld for taxes (a W-2 is issued).

    Cross-cutting Policy Notes

    • 1Future Sailors with Tier 3 education credentials (e.g., HiSET / GED / alternative credential) are NOT authorized any EB.
    • 2Prior-service members re-enlisting onto Active Duty must enter at pay grade E-4 or below, must not have received a bonus on their first enlistment, and (Navy prior-service) must have been separated from active duty for at least 12 months before shipping.
    • 3EBHS (EB for High School) is currently NOT AUTHORIZED in this message — distinct from prior cycles when EBHS was offered.
    • 4During lapsed appropriations, classifiers may still include EB on a contract if the DD 1966 carries the funding-availability disclaimer; payment is then subject to a future appropriation.
    • 5Bonuses are paid in installments. Only the unearned portion of EBSR is eligible for recoupment; EBSHP/EBPST cannot be recouped due to post-RTC reclassification or separation.

    Always verify with a recruiter before signing — eligibility depends on AFQT, education tier, security-clearance adjudication, ship date, and program availability. Funding subject to congressional reauthorization of 37 USC § 331.

    How to qualify & get paid

    1. Sign a contract for this rate at MEPS with the bonus(es) listed on your NAVCRUIT 1133/52 Enlistment Guarantee — eligibility is locked at signing.
    2. Ship to Recruit Training Command (RTC) Great Lakes inside the authorized window — EBSHP and EBPST are earned and paid at RTC graduation and cannot be recouped after.
    3. Complete A-school (and any required follow-on C-school or qualifying course) for your rating — EBSR is earned and paid at school graduation, except for the Special-Operations pipelines, which pay later (AIRR after FRS + first duty station; SO after SQT; SB after SWCC Charlie phase; EOD/ND after their respective A-schools).
    4. LRP is paid annually upon submission of a DD 2475; ~25% is withheld for federal taxes, and a W-2 is issued. LRP must be on your contract at accession — it cannot be added later via reclassification.

    Important details & disqualifiers

    • •All bonuses on this page are Active Component (Active Duty) only. Reservists (SELRES) follow a separate CNRF incentive message — ask your recruiter.
    • •Future Sailors with Tier 3 education credentials (HiSET / GED / alternative) are NOT authorized any EB.
    • •AFQT score must be ≥ 31 for EBSHP and ≥ 50 for LRP.
    • •EBSR is the only EB type that can be partially recouped if you separate before completing the obligated service. EBSHP / EBPST cannot be recouped after RTC.
    • •Bonus payments are subject to federal income tax withholding.
    • •EB-for-High-School (EBHS) is currently NOT authorized in the July 2026 GENADMIN — distinct from earlier cycles when it was offered.
    • •Funding: NDAA 2026 authorizes contracts through 31 December 2026; appropriations cover obligations through 30 September 2026; max-EB authority extends through 10 January 2027 — all subject to congressional reauthorization of 37 USC § 331.
    • •This rate requires a security clearance — failure to obtain clearance may affect bonus eligibility (and several special-operations footnotes explicitly require an earned NEC + clearance before payment).

    Historical Bonus Trend by Contract Length

    Past NAVADMIN cycles, broken out by contract years. The current CNRC GENADMIN's source-rate bonus (EBSR) is a single amount per rate and appears above; the four-line chart below shows the older multi-contract structure for trend context only.

    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)

    $45,000

    Max

    Being Eliminated · effective 2025-12-18

    🟢

    Second Reenlistment (6 to 10 yrs Active Duty)

    $30,000

    Max

    Newly Added

    🔴

    Third Reenlistment (10 to 14 yrs Active Duty)

    $30,000

    Max

    Being Eliminated · effective 2025-12-18

    731BLCAC Electrical Systems Maintenance Technician

    Potential Civilian Post-Navy Outcomes

    Electrician

    Transferability: 7/10

    $50k–$82k

    Ship Electrician

    Transferability: 8/10

    $52k–$85k

    Post-Navy Salary Trajectory

    Estimated civilian salary growth after separating from the Navy, based on industry data for this rating's skill set.

    Year 1

    $50K

    Year 5

    $65K

    Year 10

    $78K

    10-year growth: +56%

    Retention & Burnout

    First-Term Retention

    48%

    choose to reenlist

    Burnout Index

    4.9/10

    Moderate

    Watch Intensity

    5

    Hours/Day

    9

    Deploy Tempo

    6.5

    Manning Strain

    2

    Low Morale Risk

    5

    Attrition Signal

    5

    What this means: The Burnout Index combines watch intensity (25%), daily hours (20%), deployment tempo (15%), manning strain (15%), morale (15%), and attrition (10%) into a single risk score.

    Lifestyle4/10

    Ship vs. Shore Split

    62% / 38%

    Sea Duty Tempo

    Moderate — 6.5/10

    Physical Demand

    medium — indoor

    Sea Duty Tempo measures how much of a career is spent in deployable billets — ships, submarines, deploying squadrons, and expeditionary units — and how often those units leave homeport. It is separate from physical demand: an administrative job aboard a deployed unit still deploys, and a hands-on maintenance job at a shore command does not.

    Watch Standing

    3-section underway, 4-section in port

    In a 4-section rotation, the crew is divided into four teams. Each team stands a 6-hour watch shift, then has 18 hours off before their next watch. In port, you stand 24-hour duty roughly every 4 days — meaning you stay aboard the ship overnight on your duty day.

    Watch qualifications vary by command and platform. Expect to qualify within 90 days of reporting.

    OPNAVINST 3120.32DUSNI ProceedingsNavy Watch Standing Manual

    Life on Watch — Sea Stories

    “I was on IC watch when the entire 1MC ship-wide announcing system went dead right before the Captain's morning address to the crew. 5,000 people on a carrier and nobody can hear anything. I traced the fault through three decks of wiring to a single junction box where a rat had chewed through the main feed cable. I spliced it back together in 20 minutes with the XO literally standing over my shoulder. When the 1MC crackled back to life, the whole bridge cheered. The CO's first words over the restored system were 'Thank you, Petty Officer.'”

    Veteran account (composite)

    Story 1 of 5

    Common Duty Stations

    Naval Station NorfolkSea
    Family Friendly

    6.9/10

    Schools + spouse jobs

    Base Housing Wait

    10 months

    Avg waitlist for on-base

    Cost of Living

    95

    100 = national avg

    Naval Base San DiegoSea
    Family Friendly

    7.9/10

    Schools + spouse jobs

    Base Housing Wait

    14 months

    Avg waitlist for on-base

    Cost of Living

    135

    100 = national avg

    Naval Station MayportSea
    Family Friendly
    🎓

    Step-by-Step Strategy Guide to Getting an Associate's Degree After Boot Camp — For Free

    Most sailors don't know they already have 9 or more general education college credits just from graduating boot camp.

    Based on your rate, you may have more.

    You can earn an associate's degree for free in 12-30 months without spending a dime.

    Strategy Guide & Boot Camp College Credit Calculator →
    Not the rate for you? See other ratings side by side →

    Talk to a Sailor

    Community Poll

    If you could go back, would you pick IC again?

    Career & Pay

    How does promotion work in the Navy?

    Navy advancement depends on exam scores, evaluations, time in rate, and available quotas. Some ratings promote over 50% of eligible sailors while others promote less than 5%. Your rate choice directly affects how fast you can advance.

    Career & Pay

    Which Navy jobs set you up best for a civilian career?

    Information warfare ratings (IT, CTN, IS) and medical ratings (HM) offer the strongest civilian career pipelines. Security clearances, technical certifications, and hands-on experience make these sailors highly competitive in the private sector.

    Browse all articles →

    Life on Watch — Sea Stories

    “I was on IC watch when the entire 1MC ship-wide announcing system went dead right before the Captain's morning address to the crew. 5,000 people on a carrier and nobody can hear anything. I traced the fault through three decks of wiring to a single junction box where a rat had chewed through the main feed cable. I spliced it back together in 20 minutes with the XO literally standing over my shoulder. When the 1MC crackled back to life, the whole bridge cheered. The CO's first words over the restored system were 'Thank you, Petty Officer.'”

    Veteran account (composite)

    Story 1 of 5

    V000
    + more
    C-School / Advanced Training— 2yr 4mo
    2 follow-on schools available
    Shore Duty Rotation— 3yr 10mo
    First shore rotation opportunity
    • Leading Petty Officer (LPO) — runs day-to-day ops inside the division.
    • Assistant RCPO (ARCPO) — backs up the RCPO and steps in when needed.
    • Recruit Chief Petty Officer (RCPO) — senior recruit in the division, overall accountability to the RDCs. Highest visibility for meritorious advancement.
    Competitive+1 SRB added/increased · −2 SRB reduced/eliminated
    $30,000 max
    Navy is paying a substantial bonus to retain sailors. Strong signal that billets are staying empty at senior paygrades.
  • ▲

    Billet-Based Advancement eligibility

    On Billet-Based Advancement list (E-5 / E-6)

    Active-duty E-5 & E-6 now use Billet-Based Advancement (BBA)

    Advancement depends on authorized billets at the commands you're eligible to fill — not a fleet-wide cycle quota. You can use Command Advance to Position (CA2P) or Advance to Position (A2P) to sign for vacant billets and promote. MyNavy Assignment is your primary tool. Read the full Billet-Based Advancement guide.

    Project Compass— PERS-4's new billet-recommendation engine inside MyNavy Assignment — emails E-4 through E-9 Sailors up to 14 personalized billet matches before each cycle's application phase. It scores billets against your MNA preferences and qualifications, so keeping your MNA preferences current directly improves the quality of recommendations. How Project Compass works.

  • Sources: Manning NAVADMIN · SRB NAVADMIN · Billet-Based Advancement Handbook (NAVADMIN 255/24, updated via NAVADMIN 112/25). How to interpret these factors →

    Performs organizational and intermediate level maintenance on LCAC craft control systems.

    U56AElectromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS)/Advance Arresting Gear (AAG) Electrician

    Performs pre/post operational system checks, system operations and maintenance on electrical control systems of EMALS and AAG. Monitors and identifies conditions which may lead to an emergency and/or casualty, and initiates corrective and/or emergency procedures.

    Requirements

    • Member must complete Cadre (factory) training conducted by General Atomics in Lakehurst, New Jersey, pending implementation of formal training, to earn this NEC code.
    V71BWSN-2 Stabilized Gyrocompass Technician

    Operates and performs tests, fault isolation, calibration, and repair of the WSN-2 stabilized gyrocompass at the organizational level, using BITE and appropriate technical documentation.

    V000Interior Communications Electrician (IC) Apprentice Technical Training (ATT) (BL-1)

    Performs entry level job tasks equivalent to that of an IC rating within 12-24 months of a Sailor's training continuum. Personnel acquiring this skill set will have knowledge and skills associated with basic electricity and electronics to include Diodes, Microprocessors, Programmable Logic Controllers and other associated devices and subsystems.

    Requirements

    • This NEC code may be awarded via CIN A-100-0097 when student is attending IC Combined "A" School Block 0 and IC Apprentice Technical Training Block 1 consecutively.
    V001Interior Communications Electrician (IC) Combined "A" School (BL-0)

    Performs entry level job tasks equivalent to that required of an IC rating prior to initial operational tour. Standards at this level require the students to perform the task completely but may require further training or practice necessary prior to the Sailor's First Fleet assignment.

    V05CAnnouncing Communication System Maintenance Technician

    Performs organizational level maintenance and operation of the Announcing Communication Systems which supports the 1MC (General), 3MC (Aviators), 5MC (Flight Deck), 6MC (Ship-to-Ship) and 2MC (Propulsion Plant) announcing circuits.

    V41BAN/SRC-55(V) HYDRA, ENG WIFCOM, WPCS Technician

    Operates and performs organizational level maintenance with limited supervision on the AN/SRC-55(V) HYDRA Wireless Communications System, Engineering Wirefree Communications (WIFCOM), Wirefree Portable Communications System (WPCS).

    V68BIntegrated Voice Communications Technician

    Performs organizational level maintenance on and operates the Integrated Voice Communications System (STC-2(V)) and associated peripheral equipment installed in the system.

    Requirements

    • Integrated Voice Communication System Terminal Maintenance (A-623-0106) is a prerequisite prior to attending CIN A-623-0101.
    V69BMarCom Integrated Voice Communication System (IVCS) Technician

    Operates and performs organizational level maintenance on the MarCom IVCS and associated peripheral equipment installed in the system. Analyzes system faults, isolates, identifies, and performs corrective actions as required. Ensures 24-hours-a-day operation during ships readiness conditions I through V.

    V70BAN/STC-3(V) Integrated Voice Communications System (IVCS) Maintenance Technician

    Performs organizational level maintenance and operates the AN/STC-3(V)IVCS computerized interior voice communication system equipment consisting of breaker panels, power supplies, power distribution unit, common control and matrix racks, switchboard, batteries, automatic dial terminals, sound-powered phone interface, and the Private Branch Exchange (PBX) Telecommunication switch.

    V74BIntegrated Voice Communication Network (IVCN) Maintenance Technician

    Performs organizational level maintenance on multi-node Definity G3 series or MultiVantage-based IVCN systems.

    V72BAN/USQ-82(V) Data Multiplex System Technician

    Performs preventive and corrective maintenance on the AN/USQ-82(V) Data Multiplex System at the organizational level using self-diagnostics and built-in test equipment, supported by appropriate technical documentation. Performs fault isolations, tests, aligns, calibrates, and replaces or repairs faulty individual components.

    V73BGigabit Ethernet Data Multiplex System (GEDMS) Interior Communications (IC) Electrician

    Performs organizational level preventive and corrective maintenance, using self-diagnostics and built-in test equipment, supported by appropriate documentation; performs troubleshooting, fault isolation, tests, aligns, calibrates, and replaces or repairs faulty individual components; operates connected systems consoles during testing to ensure system connectivity onboard DDG 111AF and for DDG Mode

    Requirements

    • Successful completion of GEDMS Pre-Requisite training consisting of a self-paced Computer Based Training/Interactive Courseware (CBT/ICW) is required. This will be hosted on Navy E-Learning (NEL). The catalog number is CSCS-GEDMS-A-102-0256-00001. This CBT/ICW is to be completed within 60 days prior to reporting to GEDMS classroom training.
    V76BIntegrated Launch and Recovery Television Surveillance (ILARTS) System Maintenance Technician

    Operates and performs organizational level maintenance on the Integrated Launch and Recovery Television Surveillance (ILARTS) System.

    V77BClosed Circuit TV Technician

    Operates and performs organizational level maintenance on a variety of Ship's Information, Training and Entertainment (SITE) Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Systems.

    V78BBroadcast Engineering Technician

    Performs organizational, intermediate and depot-level maintenance on shipboard SITE systems and commercial broadcast standard radio, television, satellite, and transmissions equipment. Designs integration of and installs broadcast components for full system operations. Maintains and operates broadcast control, distribution, redistribution, and production subsystems.

    V79BMK6 MOD 4D Digital Dead Reckoning Trace (DDRT) Technician

    Maintains, repairs, and overhauls plotting systems. Makes signal source test. Aligns plotting table assemblies. Troubleshoots and replaces faulty components, subassemblies, and assemblies to restore equipment to optimum operating condition.

    V80BFiber Optic Data Multiplex System (FODMS)

    Performs organizational level preventive and corrective maintenance, troubleshooting and fault isolation procedures on the Fiber Optic Data Multiplex System (FODMS) and associated support equipment.

    V81BImproved Fresnel Lens Optical Landing System (IFLOLS) Maintenance Technician

    Performs organization and/or intermediate maintenance on the Improved Fresnel Lens Optical Landing System (IFLOLS). Use general and special purpose test equipment, built-in test equipment, stabilization trouble analysis and PMS of IFLOLS.

    V82BNAMTS Interior Communications Repair Technician

    Performs Navy Afloat Maintenance Training Strategy (NAMTS) intermediate-level maintenance procedures by troubleshooting, repairing and testing atmospheric control and monitoring equipment; indicating, order, and metering systems; and navigation and communications systems in support of Fleet directed requirements.

    V92BAN/SIA-127/134 Announcing System Maintenance Technician

    Performs organizational level maintenance and operation of the AN/SIA-127/134 Announcing Systems which supports the 1MC (General), 2MC (Machinery), 3MC (Aviators), 5MC (Flight Deck), 6MC (Ship-to-Ship), 10MC (Well Deck), 29MC Threat Announcing, or Emergency 3MC announcing circuits, depending on the software package loaded into the control system.

    700KLanding Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) -100 Electrical Systems Maintenance Technician

    Performs Organizational and Intermediate Level Maintenance on LCAC-100 Electrical Systems.

    Requirements

    • Member must complete the LCAC-100 Maintainer Differences Trainer.
    • Member must submit NAVPERS 1221/6 with Commanding Officer's endorsement to BUPERS 312 for awarding of this NEC code.
    727AElectromagnetic Compatibility Technician

    Performs specialized duties to recognize and report Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) during scheduled/unscheduled maintenance. Responsible for the ship's Topside Electromagnetic (EM) Control Drawing, verifies placement and condition of EM control measures and corrects or reports discrepancies. Performs standardized Industrial and Divisional Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) work practices.

    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
    732BLPD-17 Class Engineering Control System (ECS) Journeyman Maintainer

    Perform organizational level preventive and corrective maintenance, system alignment, and troubleshooting and fault isolation on the Engineering Control System (ECS). Utilize technical manuals and Engineering Operational Sequencing System (EOSS) procedures to maintain the system with little or no Intermediate Level or Depot Level assistance.

    733BLPD-17 Class Engineering Control System (ECS) Operator

    Utilizing Engineering Control System (ECS) consoles, aligns, operates, monitors, and conducts casualty control procedures in accordance with Engineering Operational Sequencing System (EOSS) on LPD-17 Class Main Propulsion Diesel Engines locally from the Propulsion Local Control Console (PLCC) and remotely from the Propulsion Auxiliary Control Console (PACC).

    747ACentral Office Exchange Technician

    Installs, tests, and maintains digital and fiber optic cable circuits and lines for single and multi-line telephone systems and their associated equipment and for C4 computer systems. Monitors and analyzes digital switching performance using logs and operational reports.

    Requirements

    • NEC code awarded upon completion of Air Force courses: A-622-0005 (CDP 626G) Fiber Optic Cable Installation, Splicing and Maintenance, A- 622-0006 (CDP 233X) Digital Voice Switching, A-622-0018 (CDP 07T3) Avaya Communication Manager/System Manager Administration, A-622- 0017 (CDP 07T5) Configuration Accounting Information Retrieval Systems (CAIRS).
    753BStabilized Glide Slope Indicator (SGSI) System Maintenance

    Performs organizational level preventive and corrective maintenance, troubleshooting and fault isolation on the (SGSI) System, the Wave-Off Light System (WOLS), and the Flight Deck Signaling Status System (FDSSS).

    754BVertical Short Take-off and Landing Optical Lens System (VSTOL OLS)

    Provide maintenance personnel with the skills required to operate the VSTOL OLS system in all modes of operation; normal, degraded, and emergency. Performs preventive maintenance and organizational level corrective maintenance.

    755BMCM Main Control Console Maintainer

    Performs organizational level preventive and corrective maintenance, troubleshooting, and fault isolation procedures on the Mine Countermeasures Standard Monitoring and Control System (SMCS) and Integrated Condition Assessment System (ICAS) components.

    764AShipboard Elevator Electrical Maintenance

    Tests, inspects and performs organizational level maintenance on shipboard weapons and cargo handling elevators on a system and component level. Troubleshoots and repairs electronic/electrical systems and equipment, such as controllers, sensors, switches, and the electrical components of hydraulic/mechanical interfaces.

    765APhysical/Dimensional Calibration Specialist

    Performs third echelon (MIRCS, FMCL, NCL) level duties involving physical, mechanical, plane and angular measurements and calibration, including flow and temperature measurement and calibration. Aligns, inspects, repairs, troubleshoots, modifies, and calibrates electro/mechanical test and monitoring systems (TAMS) using calibration and working standards.

    767AGyrocompass Maintenance

    Performs organizational level preventive and corrective maintenance, troubleshooting and fault isolation on the MK 27 MOD 0 Gyrocompass.

    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.
    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.
    784BSteering Gear Systems Electrical Technician

    Performs Organizational or Intermediate Level Preventative Maintenance (PM) and Corrective Maintenance (CM) on shipboard steering systems to include operation and troubleshooting.

    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
    785ASDV MK8/MK11 Team Technician

    Performs maintenance and support of classified combatant submersible systems and related equipment assigned to Naval Special Warfare (NSW) SEAL Delivery Vehicle (SDV) Teams. Major equipment includes MK8 and MK11 SDVs, Dry Deck Shelters (DDS), Transport Systems, and accessory equipment.

    Requirements

    • Course K-431-0306 is for ETV and ITE, ITN, ITR ratings.
    • NEC code will be awarded upon completion of formal training program conducted at the Naval Special Warfare Center and recommendation of the Commanding Officer that certifies member as a qualified SDV MK8 and MK11 Team Technician.
    • The Naval Reserve indicator is "R" for ETV, ITE, ITN, ITR personnel.
    793AIntermediate Maintenance Activity (IMA) Nuclear Worker

    Qualified as a worker at an IMA Nuclear Repair work center (Shop 38N) or Nuclear Power Training Unit (NPTU) Maintenance Training Group (MTG).

    6.4/10

    Schools + spouse jobs

    Base Housing Wait

    6 months

    Avg waitlist for on-base

    Cost of Living

    90

    100 = national avg

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