This guide provides helpful information for those considering to enlist in the Navy Reserve as a Fire Control Technician (FT) during Fiscal Year 2025.
In the confined depths of submarines, precision is survival. Fire Control Technicians (FTs) in the Navy Reserve shoulder this responsibility.
They operate and maintain the combat control systems that guide our underwater arsenal.
Their expertise ensures that when the moment demands, every weapon functions flawlessly.
Ready to uncover the full story behind this critical Navy Reserve role? Let’s dive in.
Job Role and Responsibilities
Job Description
Fire Control Technicians (FTs) in the Navy Reserve operate, troubleshoot, and maintain submarine combat control systems. They ensure advanced weapon systems, including torpedoes and missiles, are mission-ready at all times.
Daily Tasks
- Operate and maintain submarine combat control systems.
- Calibrate, test, and repair electronic and electromechanical weapon systems.
- Support the handling, stowage, and security of submarine ordnance.
- Maintain and repair associated non-tactical computer systems and sensors.
Specific Roles
The Navy assigns Navy Enlisted Classification (NEC) codes to define technical roles within the FT rating.
NECs specify the exact skills and duties each technician performs. They determine who operates, repairs, or leads the maintenance of submarine combat control systems.
| Role | NEC | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Master Fire Control Technician | 1328 | Senior technician; manages all maintenance and operational readiness of fire control systems. |
| Combat Control Subsystem Equipment Operator | 1329 | Operates and monitors combat control equipment and tactical subsystems. |
| Combat Control, Sonar, and Architecture Technician | 1330 | Performs maintenance on integrated combat control, sonar, and network architecture equipment. |
Mission Contribution
FTs are the backbone of submarine combat effectiveness. Their technical precision ensures that every weapon system is accurate, reliable, and ready for use.
Their work directly supports the submarine’s ability to engage enemy targets decisively.
Technology and Equipment
FTs operate sophisticated digital and analog systems, including tactical computers, sonar arrays, fire control consoles, and underwater weapons control equipment.
They work daily with some of the Navy’s most advanced and classified combat systems.
Work Environment
Setting and Schedule
Fire Control Technicians work aboard submarines, submerged for extended periods or docked at naval installations.
Their workspace is tight, engineered, and built for efficiency. Most of their duties occur indoors, inside highly controlled, pressurized compartments.
While not at sea, FTs operate in secure facilities and workshops on base.
Schedules follow watch rotations, with shifts often lasting six to twelve hours, covering twenty-four-hour operations.
Leadership and Communication
FTs follow a strict chain of command. They report to senior enlisted leaders and commissioned officers within the submarine’s Combat Systems department.
Orders flow directly, with little room for ambiguity. Communication is professional and mission-focused. During drills and real-world operations, clarity is non-negotiable.
Feedback is formal and routine, delivered through evaluations, inspections, and after-action reviews.
Team Dynamics and Autonomy
This is a rating where teamwork is essential, but individual accountability is absolute. Technicians must rely on each other when manning systems or troubleshooting faults.
However, they are expected to work independently when assigned specific tasks. Decision-making is common at the operator level, especially during watch.
In critical moments, FTs act decisively with minimal supervision.
Job Satisfaction and Retention
Job satisfaction is high among those who value precision, responsibility, and technical mastery.
The retention rate is steady, supported by strong camaraderie and the pride of working within the submarine force.
Success is measured by operational readiness, system uptime, and the technician’s ability to perform under pressure.
Many FTs report a deep sense of accomplishment in maintaining systems that are mission-critical.
Training and Skill Development
Initial Training
Every Fire Control Technician begins with basic military instruction. Boot camp (Recruit Training) shapes civilians into sailors.
Discipline, endurance, and teamwork are forged through weeks of drills and instruction.
After boot camp, FTs transition to technical schooling. Here, they learn to operate and repair the complex systems they will soon trust with their lives.
| Training Stage | Location | Duration | Content Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recruit Training | Great Lakes, IL | 9 weeks | Military customs, discipline, basic seamanship, physical readiness |
| FT “A” School | Naval Station Great Lakes, IL | Approx. 27 weeks | Electronics theory, computer fundamentals, fire control systems |
Advanced Training
Training does not stop after “A” School. As submariners, FTs must master systems critical to the vessel’s combat capability.
Advanced courses deepen their expertise on specific equipment. Onboard, under the guidance of experienced technicians, FTs complete on-the-job training.
They troubleshoot, calibrate, and repair systems in real-world conditions.
- “C” School: Specialized training on particular submarine combat systems. Course length varies by subject.
- On-the-Job Training: Direct, supervised experience aboard submarines where technicians apply classroom knowledge.
Continuous Professional Development
The Navy sharpens its technicians over time. Fire Control Technicians may earn civilian-equivalent certifications in electronics, IT, or systems maintenance.
As they rise in rank, leadership courses prepare them to manage teams and maintain operational efficiency during missions.
- Certifications: Civilian-recognized credentials in technical fields.
- Leadership Training: Courses focused on managing personnel and leading operations aboard submarines.
Physical Demands and Medical Evaluations
Physical Demands
The work is physical, but not extreme. It demands endurance, precision, and steadiness.
Fire Control Technicians work inside the submarine’s steel skin, where space is tight and motion is constant.
There is climbing. There is crawling. There is standing for hours in silence while the ship moves under the sea.
Every FT must meet the Navy’s physical standards. These are not suggestions. They are requirements for the mission.
Physical Readiness Standards – Ages 17-19 Minimum
| Event | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5-Mile Run | 16:10 | 18:37 |
| Forearm Plank | 1:22 | 1:22 |
| Push-Ups (2 min) | 42 | 19 |
Medical Evaluations
The submarine is no place for medical risk. Each FT must pass vision, hearing, and cardiovascular screenings.
Mental health is checked. The Navy ensures you can endure the isolation and pressure. These checks happen before duty and throughout your career.
Deployment and Duty Stations
Deployment Details
Submarines are built to leave port. FTs follow them wherever they go. Deployments run from a few weeks to several months.
Most time is spent undersea, unseen by the surface world. Submarine deployments are typically six-month rotations, but shorter classified operations can occur.
As Reservists, FTs may be mobilized to support active-duty crews, filling critical roles during fleet demands or global contingencies.
Deployments can be:
- Long-term (4-6 months) strategic deterrent patrols.
- Shorter (weeks to months) classified operations.
- Emergency activations tied to national security events.
Submariners operate globally, anywhere the Navy’s interests extend.
Location Flexibility
FTs are stationed at major submarine bases. These are few, but critical. The sailor’s preference is heard, but the mission dictates placement.
Transfers are possible but depend on billet availability.
| Major Submarine Bases | Location |
|---|---|
| Naval Submarine Base New London | Groton, Connecticut |
| Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay | Kings Bay, Georgia |
| Naval Base Kitsap | Bangor, Washington |
| Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam | Pearl Harbor, Hawaii |
Flexibility is part of the job. When orders come, you go.
Career Progression and Advancement
Career Path
Every Fire Control Technician starts as an apprentice. Over time, they become masters of systems and leaders of sailors.
Promotion is earned through performance, time in service, and professional development.
Advancement also demands qualifying for higher NEC codes and leadership roles within the submarine force.
Enlisted Career Progression
| Paygrade | Rate | Typical Role |
|---|---|---|
| E-1 | SR | Seaman Recruit – Basic trainee |
| E-2 | SA | Seaman Apprentice – Initial qualification |
| E-3 | SN | Seaman – Assigned to submarine duties |
| E-4 | FT3 | Petty Officer Third Class – Junior technician |
| E-5 | FT2 | Petty Officer Second Class – Technician |
| E-6 | FT1 | Petty Officer First Class – Lead technician |
| E-7 | FTC | Chief Petty Officer – Department leader |
| E-8 | FTCS | Senior Chief Petty Officer – Senior manager |
| E-9 | FTCM | Master Chief Petty Officer – Command advisor |
Specialization Opportunities
Technicians may specialize by earning additional NECs. These allow for advanced system operation or maintenance roles:
- 1328: Master Fire Control Technician
- 1329: Combat Control Subsystem Equipment Operator
- 1330: Combat Control, Sonar, and Architecture Technician
Role Flexibility and Transfers
Transfers within the Navy exist but are limited. Submarine FTs may transition to surface fleet roles, instructor positions, or related shore duties.
Lateral transfers require command approval and available billets.
Performance Evaluation
The Navy evaluates every FT through formal evaluations known as EVALs. These reports measure job proficiency, leadership, and reliability.
Success depends on technical skill, personal initiative, and mission readiness.
Compensation, Benefits, and Lifestyle
Financial Benefits
Reserve Fire Control Technicians are paid according to their rank and time in service.
In addition to base pay, FTs may earn bonuses and specialty pay depending on qualifications and assignments.
2025 Reserve Base Pay (E-1 to E-6, Monthly Drill Pay)
| Paygrade | Years | Monthly Drill Pay |
|---|---|---|
| E-1 | < 4 yrs | $280 |
| E-2 | < 4 yrs | $313 |
| E-3 | < 4 yrs | $330 |
| E-4 | < 4 yrs | $370 |
| E-5 | < 6 yrs | $426 |
| E-6 | < 6 yrs | $466 |
Additional Pay Opportunities:
- Submarine Duty Incentive Pay (SUBPAY): Extra compensation for submarine-qualified sailors who serve aboard submarines.
- Selective Reenlistment Bonuses (SRB): Offered to FTs in critical ratings who reenlist, based on service needs.
- Special Duty Assignment Pay (SDAP): Earned by those filling high-responsibility billets or holding advanced NECs.
Additional Benefits
- Healthcare: FTs have access to TRICARE Reserve Select, providing affordable medical and dental coverage for themselves and their families.
- Housing: When mobilized, FTs are eligible for Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) to offset the cost of living, calculated by location and rank.
- Education: The Navy covers tuition through Tuition Assistance and offers full GI Bill benefits for those who meet service requirements. The Navy COOL program also funds civilian certifications.
- Retirement: FTs qualify for reserve retirement benefits after completing 20 qualifying years. Pension payments begin at age 60.
Work-Life Balance
Reserve FTs drill one weekend a month and complete two weeks of annual training each year. When mobilized, they shift to full-time active duty status.
While reserve duty is designed to balance military service with civilian careers, mobilizations can require extended periods away from home.
Leave policies follow Department of Defense guidelines when activated.
Risk, Safety, and Legal Considerations
Job Hazards
Submarines are isolated and self-contained. FTs work near high-voltage power, hydraulics, and pressurized systems. Tight quarters increase risk.
There is little room to maneuver when equipment fails. Electrical shock, system malfunctions, and machinery injuries are constant threats.
Extended deployments strain both body and mind, as stress builds in silence.
Safety Protocols
The submarine force survives by procedure. FTs follow strict maintenance protocols. Systems are locked out, tagged, and tested before repair. No step is skipped.
Personal protective equipment is always worn—insulating gloves, goggles, and hearing protection are standard.
Crews drill for fires, flooding, toxic gas leaks, and battle damage. In emergencies, crews act without hesitation. Lives depend on it.
Security and Legal Requirements
FTs control combat systems and weapons data. A Secret clearance is mandatory. Sailors undergo background checks, financial reviews, and in-depth interviews.
Clearance is renewed and reviewed periodically. Mishandling classified material results in legal action.
Legal Obligations
FTs commit to Navy service by contract. Attendance at drills, training, and mobilization is mandatory. The UCMJ governs their conduct, both on duty and off.
Infractions—failure to report, misconduct, or dereliction—lead to disciplinary action, including non-judicial punishment or court-martial.
Deployments in Conflict Zones
Submarines are forward-deployed worldwide. FTs may find themselves under contested waters, near hostile coastlines, or monitoring adversary fleets.
Combat readiness is constant. Deployments may place them in strategic hotspots where risk is high, but mission success is critical.
Impact on Family and Personal Life
Family Considerations
Submarine duty pulls sailors away for months. Families wait while the boat disappears beneath the sea. FTs miss birthdays, holidays, and life’s small moments.
Communication is scarce and unreliable. When the submarine surfaces, messages trickle home. Sometimes they hear nothing for weeks.
The distance creates stress, and the silence deepens it.
Support Systems for Families
Yet the Navy does not leave families unprepared. Fleet and Family Support Centers offer counseling and financial readiness programs.
Family Readiness Groups provide connection, creating bonds between those left behind.
These networks help carry the weight when sailors are gone. Deployment workshops guide families through long separations and uncertain returns.
- Fleet and Family Support Centers: Counseling, emergency assistance, and financial guidance.
- Family Readiness Groups: Peer support and family community-building.
- Deployment Workshops: Teach families to manage the strain of deployment.
Relocation and Flexibility
FTs follow orders, and orders change. They move where the submarines are based, often without much notice.
PCS moves are standard for active-duty sailors. Reservists stay put longer but may relocate when mobilized. Flexibility is expected. Duty stations rotate, and home shifts with them.
Post-Service Opportunities
Transition to Civilian Life
FTs leave the Navy with valuable technical skills. They understand complex electronic systems, computer networks, and weapons control technology.
Civilian employers recognize this expertise. Many FTs move directly into defense contracting, electronics repair, or systems integration roles.
Others join industries that value troubleshooting and precision—aviation, manufacturing, and information technology.
The Navy also assists with transition. Programs such as the SkillBridge initiative and the Navy COOL credentialing program help sailors convert military training into civilian certifications.
Transition Assistance Programs
- SkillBridge: Allows FTs to intern with civilian employers during their last six months of service.
- Navy COOL: Funds certification exams for electronics, IT, and project management fields.
- Transition Assistance Program (TAP): Prepares sailors for civilian job searches, resumes, and interviews.
Civilian Career Prospects
| Civilian Role | Median Salary (BLS) | Typical Industry |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics Technician | $69,410 | Manufacturing, Aerospace, Defense |
| Computer Network Support Specialist | $68,050 | IT, Telecommunications |
| Industrial Engineering Technician | $61,790 | Manufacturing, Systems Integration |
| Defense Contractor – Combat Systems | Varies (higher) | Defense Industry, Government |
Career Outlook
Technicians with submarine experience stand out. Employers value those who can work under pressure, troubleshoot complex systems, and lead during critical operations.
The submarine force builds those traits. Former FTs often earn preference for federal and defense jobs due to their clearance eligibility and operational background.
Qualifications, Requirements, and Application Process
Basic Qualifications
Becoming a Fire Control Technician demands more than interest. It requires aptitude, clearance, and the right constitution. Every candidate must meet these standards:
| Requirement | Standard |
|---|---|
| Age | Between 17 and 41 years old |
| Education | High school diploma or GED |
| Citizenship | Must be a U.S. citizen |
| ASVAB Score (minimum) | AR + MK + El + GS = 218; or VE + AR + MK + MC = 218 |
| Security Clearance | Must qualify for a Secret clearance |
| Submarine Physical Screening | Must pass submarine medical screening |
Submariners must meet physical demands beyond surface Navy roles. Vision, hearing, and cardiovascular health are evaluated closely.
Application Process
- Speak to a recruiter. Discuss your goals and verify you meet initial standards.
- Take the ASVAB. Earn the minimum score or higher. Higher is better.
- Pass a physical exam. The Navy screens for fitness and medical readiness.
- Start your clearance. A Secret clearance is mandatory. Background checks begin now.
- Volunteer for submarines. Complete submarine interviews and additional medical screenings.
- Sign the contract. Commit to the Navy, then prepare for training.
- Ship to boot camp. Start basic training and begin your path as an FT.
Selection Criteria and Competitiveness
The job is selective. The submarine fleet is small, and billets are limited. Strong math and mechanical skills matter.
High ASVAB scores increase your odds. Technical certifications or prior electronics experience help.
The Navy looks for those who can handle isolation, precision, and pressure.
Is This a Good Job for You? The Right (and Wrong) Fit
Ideal Candidate Profile
The right FT is precise, steady, and calm under pressure. They think in systems and troubleshoot without flinching.
They enjoy solving mechanical and electronic problems. FTs value discipline and are willing to sacrifice comfort to complete the mission.
Strong candidates excel in math, science, and technical subjects. They are team players but can operate alone when needed.
Traits of Strong Candidates
- Comfortable with isolation and small spaces
- Technically minded, with attention to detail
- Physically and mentally resilient
- Willing to follow strict procedures without shortcuts
- Adaptable to changing conditions and environments
Potential Challenges
- Separation from family for extended periods
- Long deployments with limited communication
- Confined living and working spaces
- Repetitive routines with high attention to detail
- Risk of stress and fatigue in high-stakes environments
Career and Lifestyle Alignment
This role suits those with long-term technical career goals, especially in defense, engineering, or electronics.
It fits individuals who seek a structured life with clear expectations and responsibilities.
It may not align with someone who values freedom of location or a lifestyle free from disruption. Success here favors the disciplined and the dedicated.
More Information
If you wish to learn more about becoming an Fire Control Technician (FT) 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:
