This guide provides helpful information for those considering to enlist in the Navy Reserve as a Construction Electrician (CE) during Fiscal Year 2025.
Power grids don’t build themselves. Navy Reserve Construction Electricians (CEs) wire the backbone of critical naval operations, keeping bases, airfields, and mission sites fully powered.
Whether it’s running underground cable, troubleshooting high-voltage systems, or installing emergency generators, CEs get the job done. Part-time service, full-time impact.
If you’re interested, let’s get to it.
Job Role and Responsibilities
Job Description
Construction Electricians (CEs) assigned to the Navy Reserve work on electrical systems installation and maintenance to support power needs at Navy bases and missions worldwide. Their responsibilities include managing both high-voltage distribution systems and emergency generators which ensures continuous operation and power supply.
Daily Tasks
- String overhead lines, bury underground cables, and hook up transformers.
- Troubleshoot power failures, repair electrical panels, and keep the grid running.
- Install streetlights, security systems, and backup generators for mission-critical sites.
- Read blueprints, follow electrical codes, and plan wiring layouts.
- Work with fiber optics, telecommunications, and control systems.
- Operate heavy equipment, climb poles, and make quick, on-the-fly repairs.
Specific Roles
- Construction Electrician (CE) – The rating itself, covering all core electrical work.
- NEC Specialties – High-voltage distribution, power generation, advanced wiring, and more. Discussed in detail at a later section.
Mission Contribution
Everything stops when the power goes out. CEs make sure that never happens. Bases stay online. Shipyards keep running. Communications remain clear. The Navy operates because they do.
Technology and Equipment
- Circuit breakers, transformers, and electrical panels.
- High-voltage power distribution and generator systems.
- Testing meters, diagnostic tools, and voltage regulators.
- Fiber-optic, telecommunication, and security wiring.
- Heavy-duty trenching and line installation gear.
This isn’t just plugging in wires. It’s keeping an entire force powered, connected, and ready for anything.
Work Environment
Setting and Schedule
CEs work wherever power is needed. Sometimes it’s a climate-controlled base. Other times, it’s a remote outpost, a busy airfield, or a disaster zone.
One drill weekend might be routine maintenance. The next could be rewiring a damaged power grid after a storm.
In the Navy Reserve, most work happens one weekend a month and two weeks a year, but mobilizations can take them anywhere.
Leadership and Communication
CEs work under experienced supervisors but are expected to handle problems on their own. A downed power line? A blown transformer? No one waits for instructions.
Communication moves fast. Senior enlisted oversee big projects, while junior CEs tackle hands-on work.
Everyone follows the chain of command, but when the power is out, solutions come first.
Team Dynamics and Autonomy
Some jobs require a crew. Others, just one skilled electrician. Climbing poles, laying conduit, and troubleshooting failures are often solo tasks.
But when entire grids need repairs, teamwork is everything. CEs work alongside engineers, builders, and equipment operators to bring power where it’s needed.
Job Satisfaction and Retention
Some CEs serve for a few years, learn the trade, and take their skills into the civilian world. Others stay for decades, mastering high-voltage systems and leading teams.
The work is hands-on, technical, and always changing. Those who like solving problems, working with their hands, and seeing the impact of their work tend to stay.
Training and Skill Development
Initial Training
Every CE starts at Recruit Training Command (Boot Camp) in Great Lakes, Illinois. Nine weeks of military basics—discipline, physical training, and teamwork.
Then it’s straight to Construction Electrician “A” School at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. Training runs about 17 to 20 weeks, covering:
- Electrical circuits, wiring, and distribution systems
- Transformer installations and power grid maintenance
- Reading blueprints and following electrical codes
- Safety procedures and troubleshooting electrical failures
It’s a mix of classroom instruction and hands-on electrical work. By the end, every CE knows how to keep the Navy’s power flowing.
Advanced Training
Once out in the fleet, the learning never stops. CEs can train in specialized fields like:
- High-voltage distribution – Managing large-scale electrical networks.
- Generator operations – Keeping backup power running in critical locations.
- Telecommunications wiring – Installing secure communication systems.
- Leadership training – Preparing for supervisory roles and project management.
Some advanced courses take place at the Naval Construction Training Center in Port Hueneme, California.
Others happen on the job, with experienced electricians passing down real-world knowledge.
Skill Development
Every drill weekend, every deployment, every emergency repair sharpens a CE’s expertise. One day, they might be wiring up a new barracks.
The next, fixing storm damage at a forward operating base. Experience builds skill, and the Navy ensures CEs earn certifications that transfer to civilian careers.
They leave the service not just as electricians, but as problem-solvers, leaders, and mission-critical experts.
Physical Demands and Medical Evaluations
Physical Requirements
Fitness Standards (PRT)
Every CE has to meet the Navy’s Physical Readiness Test (PRT) standards. It’s not just about passing—it’s about staying mission-ready. That means:
- Forearm Plank – Core strength and endurance. Minimum times vary, but stronger is always better.
- Push-ups – Upper-body strength to handle tools, climb poles, and lift heavy gear.
- 1.5-Mile Run – Cardio fitness to keep up with the job, whether on a base or in the field.
Job-Specific Physical Demands
This isn’t a desk job. CEs work where the power is—on poles, in trenches, inside power stations, and out in the elements.
The work is heavy, nonstop, and sometimes done in the worst conditions. Expect to:
- Climb 35-foot poles with gaffs, strap in, rotate fully both ways, then descend—fast.
- Haul cable reels, transformers, and tool kits weighing 50+ lbs regularly.
- Crawl into tight spaces, dig trenches, and work overhead for long stretches.
- Balance on power lines and poles while handling live wires and equipment.
- Operate heavy-duty machines like bucket trucks, trenchers, and cable pullers.
- Work in extreme conditions—heat, cold, rain, or snow—because power failures don’t wait for good weather.
No one’s standing around waiting for help. If something breaks, CEs grab their tools and fix it.
Medical Evaluations
Before stepping into the job, every recruit goes through Military Entrance Processing (MEPS). That means:
- Perfect color vision – Wires look the same in the dark, and mistakes aren’t an option.
- Sharp hearing – Alarms, radios, and warning signals keep crews safe.
- Strong back and joints – Lifting, climbing, and nonstop movement wear down the body fast.
- Solid heart and lungs – High-voltage work means staying calm under pressure.
And once you’re in? Routine medical checks make sure you stay in top shape.
Injuries or chronic conditions can mean reassignment, because if you’re not 100%, you can’t risk lives working with high-voltage systems.
Deployment and Duty Stations
Deployment Details
Reservists don’t just sit on standby—they deploy when needed. Construction Electricians go where the mission takes them, from bases stateside to disaster relief zones overseas.
Some assignments are planned months in advance. Others come with little notice. Expect to:
- Deploy domestically or overseas depending on mission needs.
- Support combat zones, humanitarian missions, and base operations.
- Stay deployed for a few weeks to over a year when activated.
- Work in high-tempo environments where power infrastructure is critical.
Drill weekends might mean routine maintenance. But a major storm, conflict, or infrastructure failure? That’s when CEs get the call.
Location Flexibility
Navy Reserve CEs typically serve close to home during monthly drills. But when orders come down, flexibility is key.
- Drill Locations: Usually at a Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) or Seabee battalion site.
- Active-Duty Assignments: Can be anywhere—from a base on the East Coast to a forward operating location overseas.
- Mobilizations: When activated, CEs are assigned based on mission needs, not personal preference.
Some assignments come with travel perks—training in different locations, working alongside active-duty Seabees, or supporting major construction projects.
But when the Navy needs power restored somewhere fast, CEs don’t pick where they go. They just pack up and get it done.
Career Progression and Advancement
Career Path
The Navy Reserve isn’t just about putting in drill weekends—it’s about moving up.
Promotions aren’t automatic. They’re earned through experience, training, and performance.
Every rank brings more responsibility, bigger projects, and higher expectations.
| Paygrade | Title | What You’ll Be Doing |
|---|---|---|
| E-1 to E-3 | Constructionman (CECN) | Learning the basics. Running wire, assisting on job sites, and figuring out how Navy power grids work. |
| E-4 | Third Class Petty Officer (CE3) | Taking on real work. Handling repairs, leading small crews, and troubleshooting electrical failures. |
| E-5 | Second Class Petty Officer (CE2) | Stepping into leadership. Managing projects, making sure jobs get done right, and mentoring junior electricians. |
| E-6 | First Class Petty Officer (CE1) | Running the show. Overseeing large-scale power systems, ensuring everything meets Navy standards, and handling technical training for the next generation. |
| E-7 | Chief Petty Officer (CEC) | Big-picture leadership. Directing operations, advising officers, and keeping entire electrical grids mission-ready. |
| E-8 | Senior Chief Constructionman (CUCS) | Operating at the highest enlisted levels. Managing personnel, coordinating with command, and shaping how the Seabees run their electrical operations. |
| E-9 | Seabee Master Chief (CBCM) | This is it. The top of the game. Senior enlisted advisor for all Seabees, setting policy, driving decisions, and ensuring the Navy’s construction force stays sharp. |
At E-8, the CE rating merges with Builder (BU), Steelworker (SW), and Engineering Aide (EA) under Senior Chief Constructionman (CUCS).
At E-9, all construction ratings combine into Seabee Master Chief (CBCM)—the highest enlisted Seabee in the Navy.
NEC Specializations
Not every CE does the same job. Some stick with general electrical work, while others earn Navy Enlisted Classification (NEC) codes that make them specialists.
These NECs open up new opportunities, higher pay, and bigger responsibilities.
| NEC Code | Specialization | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| 5699 | Construction Electrician Basic | Entry-level NEC for all CEs—everyone starts here. |
| 5601 | Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) Technician | Keeping mission-critical power online no matter what. |
| 5602 | High Voltage Specialist | Working on big power—installing and repairing high-voltage systems, substations, and transformers. |
| 5603 | Interior Communications Electrician | Running intercoms, alarms, and public address systems for bases and ships. |
| 5604 | Automated Exterior Lighting Control Systems Technician | Setting up advanced lighting systems to boost security and efficiency. |
| 5605 | Electrical Power Generation Technician | Maintaining and troubleshooting backup generators that keep Navy operations running during outages and emergencies. |
Picking up an NEC can make a CE even more valuable, both in the Navy and in the civilian world. These skills translate directly to careers in electrical engineering, power generation, and specialized electrical work.
How to Move Up
Climbing the ranks takes more than just showing up. Promotions are based on:
- Technical Skill – Know the job. Inside and out.
- Leadership Ability – Train others, run projects, and take responsibility.
- Physical Readiness – Stay in shape. The Navy doesn’t promote people who can’t keep up.
- Evaluations and Testing – Performance reviews, advancement exams, and qualifications all count.
In the Navy Reserve, it’s not just about years in uniform—it’s about proving you’ve got what it takes. Stand out, and you move up. Fall behind, and you stay where you are. Simple as that.
Compensation, Benefits, and Lifestyle
Financial Benefits
Navy Reserve CEs get paid for every drill weekend and active-duty assignment. Pay is based on rank and years of service.
Here’s a quick breakdown of monthly drill pay for 2025 (four drill periods per weekend):
| Paygrade | Less than 2 Years | 4 Years | 8 Years | 12+ Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-3 | $287 | $316 | $355 | $355 |
| E-4 | $319 | $357 | $393 | $393 |
| E-5 | $382 | $430 | $475 | $493 |
| E-6 | $417 | $483 | $529 | $554 |
| E-7 | $503 | $574 | $623 | $659 |
Active-duty pay: If activated, CEs earn full-time salaries, plus Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS), and any applicable deployment or hardship pay.
Additional Benefits
Being in the Navy Reserve isn’t just about a paycheck. CEs get access to a range of benefits that make a real impact:
- Tuition Assistance & GI Bill – Pays for college, vocational training, and certifications.
- Healthcare & Dental – Low-cost TRICARE Reserve Select for part-time service, full coverage when activated.
- Retirement Plan – Earns points toward a pension after 20 years of qualifying service.
- Life Insurance – Up to $500,000 through Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI).
- VA Home Loans – Access to zero-down-payment home loans.
Work-Life Balance
For most Navy Reserve CEs, service is one weekend a month, two weeks a year—leaving plenty of time for civilian careers and family life.
But mobilizations happen. Some get activated for months at a time. Others deploy overseas for disaster relief or military operations.
The balance depends on rank, job needs, and Navy demands. Some years are quiet. Others, not so much. But when the call comes, CEs are expected to answer.
Risk, Safety, and Legal Considerations
Job Hazards
Electricity doesn’t warn you before it strikes. It doesn’t care if you’re having an off day or if the weather is bad.
One second you’re working, the next—if you’re not careful—you’re on the ground, or worse. Construction Electricians don’t just plug in wires.
They climb, lift, rig, and troubleshoot high-voltage systems, heavy machinery, and mission-critical infrastructure. And they do it in some of the harshest conditions out there.
- Electrical Shock & Burns – A single misstep near live power can kill. Every switch, every wire, every tool needs to be handled with precision.
- Falls & Heights – Thirty-five feet up a pole, wind howling, gloves stiff from the cold—if your footing slips, gravity doesn’t give second chances.
- Heavy Equipment Risks – Trenchers, bucket trucks, cable pullers. One wrong move, and the machine wins.
- Extreme Conditions – Heat waves, snowstorms, driving rain—it doesn’t matter. If the power needs fixing, CEs are there.
- Combat Zone Threats – If deployed, you’re not just dealing with bad weather. You’re a high-value target keeping critical infrastructure running.
This isn’t a job for people who hesitate. CEs don’t get second chances. They get it right the first time.
Safety Protocols
The Navy has rules for a reason—because they keep people alive. CEs train, drill, and double-check everything before they touch a single wire.
If a job isn’t safe, it doesn’t happen. Period.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – Insulated gloves, arc flash suits, climbing harnesses—worn every time, no exceptions.
- Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Procedures – If it’s live, it’s lethal. Power gets cut, tagged, and tested before work begins.
- Fall Protection – Harnesses, safety lines, pole-climbing gear. Because the ground is never forgiving.
- Electrical Safety Checks – Every circuit, every wire, every connection is tested and re-tested.
- Operational Risk Management (ORM) – No job starts without a risk assessment. If something looks wrong, work stops. No questions, no arguments.
CEs don’t work alone. Everyone looks out for each other. If a mistake happens, it’s on the whole team. And no one lets that happen.
Security and Legal Requirements
Not everyone gets access to Navy power grids. Some of the work CEs do is classified—which means:
- Security Clearances – Some CEs will need background checks for sensitive installations.
- Tight Operational Guidelines – Some jobs are need-to-know, and security is locked down tight.
- Strict Conduct Standards – Every CE is under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), on duty or off. Mess up, and the Navy takes it seriously.
Legal & Contractual Commitments
- Reserve Obligation – Standard Navy Reserve enlistment: six years of drilling, two years of Individual Ready Reserve (IRR).
- Deployment Readiness – If activated, you go where the Navy needs you. Civilian job? Doesn’t matter. You report.
- Training & Compliance – Regular certifications, safety refreshers, and advanced training courses.
This job doesn’t allow for distractions, excuses, or second-guessing. Electricity, machinery, gravity—they all play by their own rules. CEs either work smart, work safe, or they don’t work at all.
Impact on Family and Personal Life
Family Considerations
Being a Navy Reserve CE is a balancing act. One weekend a month, two weeks a year—that’s the usual drill schedule.
The rest of the time, you’re home, working a civilian job, spending time with family. But when the Navy calls, everything changes.
- Activations happen. Sometimes it’s planned, sometimes it’s short notice.
- Deployments take time. A few months, maybe a year—away from home, away from normal life.
- Training doesn’t stop. Schools, qualifications, and extra drills can pull you away.
Some families adjust easily. Others struggle. The Navy provides family support programs, financial assistance, and counseling services, but at the end of the day, it’s up to each service member to keep that balance in check.
Relocation and Flexibility
For most Reservists, service happens close to home at a Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC). But not always.
- Drill locations vary. Some CEs train with Seabee battalions, others report to bases or construction detachments.
- Activations override preferences. When assigned to a mission, you go where the job is—no picking and choosing.
- Civilian careers can be disrupted. Employers have to follow USERRA laws (protecting military jobs), but time away still takes a toll.
Some CEs stay local their entire careers. Others move from project to project, mission to mission. The only certainty is the Navy’s needs come first.
Post-Service Opportunities
Transition to Civilian Life
Construction Electricians don’t leave the Navy empty-handed. Every drill, every deployment, every high-voltage repair builds skills that transfer directly to civilian careers.
Employers know that a Navy-trained electrician isn’t just qualified—they’re battle-tested.
CEs walk away with:
- Hands-on electrical experience – From power grids to generators to telecom wiring.
- Leadership and project management skills – Running crews, meeting deadlines, working under pressure.
- Discipline and work ethic – The kind that’s hard to find outside the military.
Plenty of CEs step straight into high-paying electrical jobs after service. Others start their own businesses, using their Navy experience to land contracts and build companies from the ground up.
Job Placement and Certifications
The Navy doesn’t just train CEs—they help them get hired. Programs like:
- Navy Credentialing Opportunities Online (COOL) – Pays for civilian certifications while you serve.
- DOD SkillBridge – Lets you intern with civilian companies before leaving the military.
- Navy Apprenticeship Program (USMAP) – Earns Department of Labor-recognized journeyman status.
- Post-9/11 GI Bill – Covers trade schools, electrical certifications, and even college degrees.
Most Navy CEs leave with certifications like:
- OSHA Safety Training
- National Electrical Code (NEC) Certification
- Electrical Journeyman License (state-dependent)
- Commercial Generator Maintenance Certification
Career Fields After Service
Once out, CEs have options. Common civilian careers include:
- Industrial Electrician – Working in factories, power plants, and major facilities.
- Residential & Commercial Electrician – Wiring homes, businesses, and office buildings.
- Power Line Technician – High-voltage work with energy companies and municipalities.
- Telecommunications Technician – Installing fiber-optics, telecom networks, and security systems.
- Construction Manager – Running electrical projects and supervising crews.
- Self-Employed Electrician – Many CEs start their own businesses using their military training.
A Navy CE doesn’t just leave the service. They step into a career that pays.
Qualifications, Requirements, and Application Process
Basic Qualifications
Not just anyone can wear the CE patch. The Navy has standards, and they don’t budge. To qualify, you’ll need:
- U.S. Citizenship or Legal Residency – No exceptions.
- Age 17-39 – If you’re close to the cutoff, waivers might be possible.
- High School Diploma or GED – A must. The more math skills, the better.
- ASVAB Score of 145 (VE + AR + MK) – Strong math and mechanical scores will help.
- Medical Clearance – A full-body screening at MEPS to check vision, hearing, and overall health.
- Physical Readiness – If you can’t handle push-ups, planks, and a 1.5-mile run, this job isn’t for you.
Application Process
Becoming a CE in the Navy Reserve isn’t complicated, but it takes commitment. Here’s the process:
- Talk to a Recruiter – They’ll break it all down and confirm if you qualify.
- Take the ASVAB – Your scores determine if CE is an option.
- Pass the MEPS Medical Exam – Full health check before you’re cleared to serve.
- Enlist in the Navy Reserve – Sign the contract, take the oath, and get ready.
- Boot Camp (9 Weeks) – Learn military life at Great Lakes, Illinois. Discipline, teamwork, and physical training.
- “A” School (17-20 Weeks) – Head to Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas to train as a full-fledged Navy electrician.
Selection Criteria and Competitiveness
Not every applicant makes the cut. Some get turned away, some get different jobs, and some have to wait for an open CE spot. What gives you an edge?
- High ASVAB scores – The better you score, the more doors open.
- Electrical or construction experience – If you’ve wired up anything before, it helps.
- Certifications – Civilian electrician licenses or OSHA training can make you stand out.
Once you’re in—Promotions aren’t automatic. You work for them. The Navy moves up the best, and the best prove themselves every single day.
Is This a Good Job for You? The Right (and Wrong) Fit
Ideal Candidate Profile
Some people thrive as a Construction Electrician. Others realize fast that this isn’t for them. The best CEs have:
- A problem-solving mindset – Electrical issues don’t fix themselves. You need to think fast and find solutions.
- A strong work ethic – Power systems don’t care if you’re tired. The job gets done, no matter what.
- Physical endurance – Lifting, climbing, crawling, working in all conditions—it’s nonstop.
- A willingness to learn – The Navy trains you, but you have to want it. Electrical work is always evolving.
- Discipline and adaptability – Things change. Missions shift. You have to adjust and stay sharp.
If you like hands-on work, leadership opportunities, and job security, CE is a solid choice.
Potential Challenges
This job isn’t for everyone. Some people tap out when they realize:
- The work is physically demanding – Long hours, heavy equipment, and extreme weather.
- Deployments happen – Family life and civilian careers can be disrupted.
- It requires attention to detail – One mistake with high-voltage power, and things go bad—fast.
- Training never stops – New systems, new technologies, and constant certifications.
Career and Lifestyle Alignment
If you want a stable, high-demand trade, this job sets you up for success—inside and outside the Navy.
You’ll earn certifications, get leadership experience, and gain skills that transfer straight into civilian careers. But if you’re looking for a 9-to-5 desk job? This isn’t it.
The right fit: Hardworking, disciplined, and ready for a challenge.
The wrong fit: Someone who avoids hard work, hates problem-solving, or can’t handle unpredictability.
Some people talk about wanting a career that matters. CEs don’t talk—they do.
More Information
If you wish to learn more about becoming an Construction Electrician (CE) in the Navy Reserve, contact your local Navy Enlisted Recruiter. They will provide you with more detailed information you’re unlikely to find online.
You may also be interested in the following related Navy Reserve Enlisted jobs:
- Builder (BU)
- Construction Mechanic (CM)
