
Information Systems Technician Submarines – Communications(ITR Navy Rating)
Information Systems Technician Submarines – Communications (ITR) is the submarine radio, satellite-communications, and cryptographic specialty. ITRs operate and maintain the boat''s HF / VLF / EHF radio systems, Submarine High Data Rate (Sub-HDR) satellite terminals, VLF / ELF receivers, and keyed crypto equipment. They manage shore-to-sub message traffic, GCCS-M, IP data links, and the COMSEC material system.
ITR was created in 2021 as one of two service ratings split off from the legacy ITS (Information Systems Technician Submarines) rating. The other half became ITE (Electronic Warfare). Converting ITSs were redesignated ITR or ITE based on their NEC history and detailing needs. The split was intended to give each community a cleaner career path and dedicated C-school pipelines.
ITRs serve on all classes of submarines (SSN/SSGN/SSBN) and at shore communications stations. The rating requires a TS/SCI clearance because ITRs 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 communications, IT, and crypto work with strong civilian pivots into network engineering, SATCOM, and cleared IT roles.
+Pros
- ✓Strong civilian career transition
–Cons
Real Opinions
+Positive
“Nuke life is brutal but the bonuses and civilian options are insane. I walked into a $90k+ job right out.”
“The brotherhood shared between submariners is unmatched by other organizations. The pay is excellent, the health care is great, and there are plenty of options for education advancement.”
–Negative & Mixed
“The hours are absolutely brutal. 12-16 hour days in the plant are normal. Your social life will suffer.”
“Be prepared for shore duty boredom and watch rotations. The clearance process is also stressful and takes forever.”
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0 charsRecruiter vs Reality
What the recruiter says vs. what it's actually like.
🫡 Recruiter says
“ITS gets submarine pay on top of regular pay.”
💀 Reality
Source: sailor forumsTrue, submarine duty pay adds $75-$450/month depending on rank. But you earn it. Submarine life means no sunlight, tight quarters, limited communication, and 6-month patrols.
🫡 Recruiter says
“ITS does the same work as IT but on submarines.”
💀 Reality
Source: veteran feedbackTrue, but submarine life adds a completely different dimension. You maintain networks in a sealed tube underwater for 6+ months. The technical work is similar to IT but the lifestyle is radically different.
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Horror Stories
Real stories people have shared about this rate. Swipe to browse.
“Say goodbye to the sun. You will see it again in 83 days. Sleeping in a bunk with 10 inches of clearance — I'm sleeping in a coffin now. Zulu time replaces local time, severing the last connection to a day/night cycle.”
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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