ITInformation Systems Technician(IT Navy Rating)
Information Systems Technicians design, install, maintain, and support Navy computer networks and telecommunications systems. ITs manage servers, routers, switches, and satellite communications equipment aboard ships, submarines, and shore installations. Day-to-day work includes configuring network security, troubleshooting connectivity issues, managing user accounts, and maintaining classified and unclassified networks.
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-minded individuals who want transferable skills in networking, cybersecurity, and system administration with one of the best quality-of-life ratings in the Navy. Industry certifications (CompTIA, Cisco) translate directly to civilian IT careers starting at $60K–$100K+. Ideal for someone who wants strong earning potential, desk-friendly work, and a manageable sea/shore rotation.
+Pros
- ✓Strong civilian career transition
–Cons
- ✗Long A-school pipeline
Real Opinions
+Positive
“Best rate in the Navy if you want a career after. I got out as an E-5 and landed a $95K job within two months.”
“Promotion is competitive but the skills transfer perfectly to civilian IT. Get your certs while you are in.”
–Negative & Mixed
“Shore duty is amazing but ship life is rough. You are the help desk, the server admin, and the radio tech all in one.”
“The IT rating is one of the most diverse ratings in the Navy and you can advance insanely quick, but many sailors feel the rate sucks in practice. You end up doing help desk work, pulling cables, and troubleshooting network issues with long hours. Some people get real cybersecurity work, others are glorified help desk operators resetting passwords all day.”
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0 charsRecruiter vs Reality
What the recruiter says vs. what it's actually like.
🫡 Recruiter says
“You'll be working with cutting-edge technology every day”
💀 Reality
Source: r/navy veteransA lot of IT work is resetting passwords, running cables, and maintaining legacy systems. The cutting-edge stuff exists but you may not touch it for years.
🫡 Recruiter says
“IT is the best rate for civilian career transition”
💀 Reality
Source: r/newtothenavyThe skills do transfer well, but you need to get certs on your own time. The Navy won't hand you a CCNA — you have to pursue it yourself via Navy COOL.
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Horror Stories
Real stories people have shared about this rate. Swipe to browse.
“Poor retention strategies were driving ITs out of the Navy and straight into the arms of private organizations willing to pay far more for the same skills. The civilian tech sector was desperate for people with network administration, cybersecurity, and systems management experience — exactly what Navy ITs had. Meanwhile, the Navy offered the same base pay, the same sea duty rotations, and the same promises about bonuses that never quite materialized for everyone. Sailors who had spent years maintaining critical communications infrastructure could walk out the door and double their income overnight. The Navy knew it was hemorrhaging talent but kept relying on the same tired retention tools.”
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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 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.
