STSSonar Technician – Submarines(STS Navy Rating)
Operates and maintains sonar systems aboard submarines to detect and classify underwater contacts.
Overall
Quick Stats
- ✓Vision: Corrects to 20/20
- ✓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
Who This Is Best For
Best for submarine sailors who want an intellectually challenging specialty in the cat-and-mouse world of undersea warfare. Submarine pay bonuses plus strong defense industry prospects make this ideal for analytically minded individuals who thrive in elite, close-quarters environments where every decision matters.
+Pros
- ✓Strong civilian career transition
–Cons
- ✗Long A-school pipeline
- ✗Significant sea duty
Real Opinions
+Positive
“I would recommend STS to anyone considering it. The training is solid and the community takes care of its own.”
“Traveled around the world and learned many things about people and cultures. Would not change it for the world.”
–Negative & Mixed
“Like any rate, STS has its downsides. Long hours, time away from family, and Navy bureaucracy are real.”
“I enjoyed my time as a sailor, but it is a lot of hard work and long hours. Not for everyone.”
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0 charsRecruiter vs Reality
What the recruiter says vs. what it's actually like.
🫡 Recruiter says
“The STS 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 STS.
🫡 Recruiter says
“STS is perfect for people who love acoustics.”
💀 Reality
Source: sailor forumsTrue, but submarine life means 6+ month deployments with no sunlight, limited communication with family, and tight living quarters. The sonar work is fascinating but the lifestyle is not for everyone.
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Horror Stories
Real stories people have shared about this rate. Swipe to browse.
“USS Greeneville surfaced through the hull of Japanese training ship Ehime Maru near Pearl Harbor, killing 9 people including 4 high school students. A sonar operator had arbitrarily moved the contact farther away on the map.”
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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.