What to Expect
More Information
Responsibilities
Electronics Technicians Navigation (ETV) are responsible for maintaining all electronic equipment used in navigating and piloting submarines. As an ETV, your responsibilities may include:
- Maintaining, repairing, calibrating, tuning and adjusting navigation equipment
- Operating, monitoring and maintaining radar, gyrocompass, inertial navigation and global positioning systems
- Maintaining equipment used to detect, identify and track other maritime vessels
- Maintain accurate navigation data, and develop and execute navigation plans
- Conducting preventive maintenance on interior communications circuitry
- Operating atmosphere monitoring equipment and ship control subsystems
- Using and maintaining hand tools and portable power tools
- Perform watch and lookout duties
Work Environment
As an ETV, you’ll work primarily aboard submarines in a clean, controlled environment. You may also work indoors in a clean lab or shop environment while on shore.
Training & Advancement
Upon completion of initial training at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes (known as Boot Camp), you’ll report for specialized training, including:
Basic Enlisted Submarine School (8 weeks) in Groton, CT, for training in basic submarine systems
Class "A" Technical School and Specialty Pipeline School (14-28 weeks) in Groton, CT, for instruction in basic electricity, electronics and computer technical knowledge and skills, and training in communications aboard fast attack or ballistic missile submarines
Advanced Training
Advanced training as an ETV, including “C” School instruction on advanced equipment maintenance, may also be available during later stages of your career. For those with further leadership aspirations and a college degree, Officer roles may be available, providing opportunities to lead and train others.
Post-Service Opportunities
Specialized training received and work experience gained in the course of service can lead to valuable credentialing and occupational opportunities in related fields in the civilian world, such as electrical engineering and telecommunications.
Education Opportunities
Beyond offering access to professional credentials and certifications, Navy technical and operational training as an Electronics Technician Navigation can translate to credit hours toward a bachelor’s or associate degree through the American Council on Education.
You may also continue your education through undergraduate degree opportunities like the Navy College Program and Tuition Assistance and the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
Qualifications & Requirements
A high-school diploma or equivalent is required to become an Enlisted Sailor and an Electronics Technician Navigation. You must also be a U.S. citizen eligible for security clearance.
ETVs should have strong arithmetic, writing and speaking skills, as well as the ability to use computers. You should also be able to perform detailed work, keep accurate records, and function well as part of a team. Important physical attributes include good manual dexterity and physical strength.
To serve as an ETV, you must be willing to serve aboard submarines.
General qualifications may vary depending upon whether you’re currently serving, whether you’ve served before or whether you’ve never served before.
Part-Time Opportunities
There are no part-time jobs as a Navy Reserve Sailor in this role. Go back to Careers to find other jobs that have a Reserve component. You can also find out more about what life is like as a Reserve Sailor in the Navy.