ITEInformation Systems Technician Submarines – Electronic Warfare(ITE Navy Rating)
Information Systems Technician Submarines – Electronic Warfare (ITE) is the submarine electronic-warfare and signals-intelligence specialty. ITEs operate and maintain the submarine''s ESM (Electronic Support Measures) suite, collect and analyze ELINT (Electronic Intelligence), exploit emitters of interest, and contribute to the boat''s Indications & Warning picture. They stand watch in the Control Room and Radio Room and play a central role on intelligence-focused deployments.
ITE was established in 2021 when the Navy split the legacy ITS rating (Information Systems Technician Submarines) into two service ratings to better align training and career paths: - ITE – Electronic Warfare / SIGINT - ITR – Radio / Communications
Sailors who had held ITS prior to the split converted into either ITE or ITR based on their NEC history. ITE billets are concentrated on SSNs and SSGNs where EW and intelligence-collection missions dominate, and the rating requires a TS/SCI clearance with a Counterintelligence Polygraph for most NECs.
Overall
Quick Stats
- ✓Vision: Corrects to 20/20
- ✓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
Who This Is Best For
Best for linguistically and analytically inclined sailors who want a high-clearance SIGINT/EW specialty with direct transferability to NSA, defense contractors, and the intelligence community.
+Pros
- ✓Strong civilian career transition
–Cons
- ✗Long A-school pipeline
- ✗Significant sea duty
Real Opinions
+Positive
“Sailors in the three separate ratings will have foundational LAN skills while pursuing mastery in Network (ITN), Electronic Warfare (ITE), or Communications (ITR).”
“The change stems from a Submarine Force survey where sailors said they'd prefer three separate ratings.”
–Negative & Mixed
“ITE will not be available as a SELRES rating.”
“The specialty work is genuinely interesting and it's maybe a third of your day. The rest is submarine life, same as everyone else's.”
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0 charsRecruiter vs Reality
What the recruiter says vs. what it's actually like.
🫡 Recruiter says
“You'll do submarine ESM / signals intelligence — the quiet kill chain.”
ITE stood up in Nov 2023; first E-5/E-6 exam cycle was Sept 2024. Named sailor testimonials are thin because the rating is <2 years old. Expect evolving NEC codes, training pipelines, and career-path docs.
🫡 Recruiter says
“ITE → six-figure cyber/SIGINT contractor jobs with your clearance.”
💀 Reality
Source: https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Portals/55/Career/ECM/Submarine/ITE%20career%20path%20FY25.pdfNavy COOL lists ITE-aligned credentials, but because the rating is brand new, civilian employers often still recognize the old ITS and cryptologic-technician paths better. Transition success usually depends on self-funded CompTIA stacking.
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Horror Stories
Real stories people have shared about this rate. Swipe to browse.
“Being in a rating that was split into existence recently means the community is still figuring itself out. Sailors describe unclear advancement expectations, C-school pipelines still being built, and chiefs who came up under the old structure giving guidance that no longer applies. That is normal for a new rating and it is a real career risk to go in unaware of.”
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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.