ITNInformation Systems Technician Submarines – Network(ITN Navy Rating)
Information Systems Technician Submarines – Network (ITN) is the submarine network and IT operations specialty. ITNs run the boat's IP networks, servers, storage, mission systems integration, and tactical IT infrastructure. They manage SubLAN, tactical data networks, and the cryptographic devices that make those networks trusted.
ITN is one of three service ratings that replaced the legacy ITS (Information Systems Technician Submarines) rating under NAVADMIN 257/23. The other two are ITR (Communications) and ITE (Electronic Warfare). Converting ITSs were redesignated ITN / ITR / ITE based on NEC history and detailing needs. The split was intended to give each community a cleaner career path and dedicated C-school pipelines.
ITNs serve on all classes of submarines (SSN/SSGN/SSBN) and at shore communications / network stations. The rating requires a TS/SCI clearance because ITNs routinely handle SCI-level traffic and COMSEC keymat.
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 sailors who want submarine IT, network, and cyber work with strong civilian pivots into network engineering, systems administration, and cleared IT roles.
+Pros
- ✓Strong civilian career transition
–Cons
- ✗Significant sea duty
Real Opinions
+Positive
“The LAN Admin job will no longer be a repository for sailors deemed not ready to run a real division — a long-overdue change.”
“Toughest job I ever loved. You get unbeatable training and see the world, but the time away is real.”
–Negative & Mixed
“Information systems… include electronic mail, local area networks, and other automation resources.”
“Our LAN tech is swamped all the time, so he's never able to do anything else.”
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0 charsRecruiter vs Reality
What the recruiter says vs. what it's actually like.
🫡 Recruiter says
“You'll run the server rooms and networks of a nuclear submarine — like a defense-industry network admin in uniform.”
ITNs stand watch, do PMS, and manage LANs while also qualifying for submarines. The split from ITS in Nov 2023 was meant to raise accession production by 33% and let sailors specialize rather than split time across comms, EW, and networks.
🫡 Recruiter says
“TS/SCI clearance makes you a six-figure civilian hire the day you get out.”
Clearance is real and valuable, but IT SRB approval is contingent on a current SSBI/Tier 5 — and the clearance is tied to behavior, drug screens, and financials. A failed reinvestigation kills both the bonus and civilian marketability.
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Horror Stories
Real stories people have shared about this rate. Swipe to browse.
“You are frequently the only person aboard who does what you do. That means no mentorship, no second opinion, and no relief. Sailors in this position describe learning enormous amounts very fast, out of necessity, and also describe the specific stress of being twenty-two years old and solely responsible for a system a hundred people depend on.”
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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.