
Interior Communications Electrician(IC Navy Rating)
Maintains shipboard communication and alarm systems.
Overall
Quick Stats
- ✓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.”
“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.”
–Negative & Mixed
“Underway life in engineering is hot, loud, and exhausting. You will stand watch in some miserable conditions.”
“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.”
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0 charsRecruiter 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 researchThe 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.
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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.”
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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