STSonar Technician(ST Navy Rating)
Sonar Technicians operate and maintain sonar systems for detecting, tracking, and classifying underwater contacts. Both surface (STG) and submarine (STS) variants exist.
Parent rating. ST (Sonar Technician) is an umbrella that was split into two platform-specific service ratings. Sailors enter the Navy directly into one of:
- STG — Sonar Technician Surface — operates sonar aboard destroyers, cruisers, and other surface combatants
- STS — Sonar Technician Submarines — operates sonar aboard submarines
Each sub-rating has a distinct training pipeline, duty-station mix, and sea-shore rotation — see the linked profile.
Overall
Quick Stats
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
Line-score options — meet any one
- AR≥52
- EI≥52
- GS≥52
- MK≥52
Who This Is Best For
Best for technically minded individuals fascinated by undersea warfare and acoustic science. If you have a good ear, enjoy technical analysis, and want specialized skills with civilian applications in oceanography, defense acoustics, and underwater survey companies, this rate offers a focused and intellectually engaging career.
+Pros
- ✓Strong civilian career transition
–Cons
- ✗Long A-school pipeline
- ✗Significant sea duty
Real Opinions
+Positive
“I would recommend ST to anyone considering it. The training is solid and the community takes care of its own.”
“Sonar Technician is one of the most unique rates in the Navy. You operate and maintain sophisticated acoustic detection equipment — literally listening to the ocean. The focus and attention to detail required builds skills that employers in defense contracting, signal processing, and acoustics value highly.”
–Negative & Mixed
“Like any rate, ST has its downsides. Long hours, time away from family, and Navy bureaucracy are real.”
“ST work is repetitive and monotonous — hours staring at a waterfall display waiting for something to appear. The excitement happens rarely. Most of your watch time is spent in a dark, quiet sonar room fighting to stay awake. On surface ships the sonar shack is isolated from the rest of the crew.”
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0 charsRecruiter vs Reality
What the recruiter says vs. what it's actually like.
🫡 Recruiter says
“The ST rate offers great training and career advancement opportunities!”
💀 Reality
Source: MyNavyRates researchTraining and advancement are available but vary by command and manning. Ask specific questions about sea/shore rotation, typical duty stations, and advancement rates for ST.
🫡 Recruiter says
“ST has great technical skills for civilian careers.”
💀 Reality
Source: sailor forumsST sonar experience is niche. Civilian sonar applications exist in oil/gas and marine science but jobs are limited. Many STs pivot to general electronics or acoustics careers.
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Horror Stories
Real stories people have shared about this rate. Swipe to browse.
“STS3 Timothy Sanders, 22, was found dead from electrocution aboard USS Helena while moored at Norfolk. He was engaged to be married. NCIS investigated but the Navy withheld all details. He was 22. He was at the pier. Not even at 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 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.