Ever wondered what happens when cutting-edge missile systems meet weekend warriors?
The Navy’s Fire Controlman Reserve program might just be the career sweet spot you never knew existed.
It combines high-tech weapons expertise with the flexibility to maintain your civilian life—but it’s definitely not for everyone.
Job Role and Responsibilities
Navy Reserve Fire Controlmen (FC) serve as the technical backbone for sophisticated weapon systems, splitting their military commitment between monthly drill weekends and annual training periods where they troubleshoot, calibrate, and operate everything from radar arrays to missile guidance networks that protect billion-dollar warships.
Daily Tasks:
- Conduct preventive and corrective maintenance on complex electronic systems like the Aegis Weapon System
- Perform operational tests and calibrations on radar, missile guidance, and fire control equipment
- Troubleshoot malfunctions using technical manuals and diagnostic equipment
- Document maintenance actions and system performance in electronic logs
- Participate in combat simulations and readiness exercises during drill weekends
Specific Roles:
| Navy Enlisted Classification (NEC) | Specialization |
|---|---|
| FC-1127 | Aegis Computer Network Technician |
| FC-1144 | Aegis Display Technician |
| FC-1146 | Aegis Weapons System Technician |
| FC-1505 | MK 160 Gun Computer System Technician |
| FC-1542 | Close-In Weapons System (CIWS) Technician |
| FC-1633 | Tomahawk Weapons System Technician |
Mission Contribution:
The FC Reserve component significantly enhances the operational strength of the Navy’s surface fleet.
Reservists practice monthly drills and yearly training sessions to keep their combat system skills sharp for defending ships against threats from the air, surface vessels and underwater targets.
The specialized knowledge of these teams preserves weapon systems functionality in peacetime and enables quick deployment when needed.
Technology and Equipment:
FCs don’t mess with yesterday’s gadgets. Their playground includes:
- SPY-1 phased array radar—capable of tracking a baseball-sized object 100 miles away
- MK 99 Fire Control System—the electronic brain behind ship-killing missiles
- MK 160 Gun Computer System—turning naval artillery from dumb tubes to precision instruments
- AN/SLQ-32 Electronic Warfare suite—eavesdropping on enemy radar emissions
- Fiber optic networks that transmit targeting data faster than you can blink
- Combat Information Center consoles where Hollywood got its inspiration for sci-fi command centers
Work Environment
Setting and Schedule:
Unlike their shipbound active-duty counterparts who endure months of saltwater showers, Reserve FCs bounce between worlds:
- Sterile shore facilities where combat systems sit frozen in time
- Dusty maintenance bays with simulator equipment that never quite matches the real thing
- Occasional ship assignments where they scramble to remember which passageway leads where
- Potential mobilization nightmares where civilian life gets stuffed in storage
The drill weekend operates between 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays but occasionally extends due to technical troubleshooting needs. Fleet concentration areas such as San Diego or Norfolk host annual training during the summer months.
Leadership and Communication:
The chain of command doesn’t bend for part-timers:
- Fresh-faced E-3s answer to perpetually caffeinated Leading Petty Officers
- LPOs duck and weave between Chief’s expectations and junior sailors’ limitations
- Chiefs growl about “back in my day” while translating commander’s intent
- Feedback arrives in annual evaluation paperwork and impromptu counseling sessions in passageways
Information cascades through official channels, supplemented by unofficial WhatsApp groups where the real troubleshooting happens between drills.
Team Dynamics and Autonomy:
In the world of technical know-how, you’ll find some unexpected partnerships forming.
Picture this: a savvy junior sailor with a computer science background jumping in to help a senior petty officer navigate those tricky software updates.
Maintenance teams come together like puzzle pieces, not so much by rank but by the needs of the moment. And when the pressure’s on, FCs team up in the Combat Information Center, where despite occasional personality clashes, professionalism is the glue that holds it all together.
As FCs gain experience, they earn more freedom—like an E-5 confidently realigning radar systems on their own, while an E-3 might need a watchful eye when changing fuses.
Job Satisfaction and Retention:
Two-thirds stick around after initial contracts expire—higher than many ratings where weekend warriors flee. Satisfaction stems from:
- Hands-on access to technology civilians only read about in defense journals
- Clear promotion paths for those who master technical minutiae
- Skills that translate to paychecks in the civilian sector
- Brotherhood forged through shared frustration over cantankerous equipment
Yet challenges lurk: maintaining proficiency with monthly glimpses of complex systems feels like learning brain surgery through weekend seminars.
Training and Skill Development
Initial Training:
| Training Phase | Duration | Location | Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recruit Training | 9 weeks | Great Lakes, IL | Military fundamentals, discipline, physical fitness |
| A School | 24-28 weeks | Great Lakes, IL | Electronics fundamentals, digital theory, radar principles |
| C School | 4-16 weeks | Various locations | System-specific training (Aegis, CIWS, etc.) |
Boot camp converts civilians into Navy team members and prepares them for the Advanced Electronics Computer Field program which develops their technical expertise.
Classroom studies of circuit theory, Boolean logic and microprocessor architecture prepare students for engaging hands-on lab work.
Exercise caution because any mistakes can lead to an unforeseen alteration of the equipment.
Reserve FCs typically arrive via two paths:
- Active-duty converts who traded shipboard life for weekend obligations
- Direct accession reservists who endure training in disjointed chunks rather than one continuous pipeline
Advanced Training:
Career progression demands continual brain-stuffing:
- Advanced Combat Systems Maintenance Course where instructors delight in impossible fault scenarios
- Network Administrator training that makes civilian IT certifications look elementary
- Fiber Optics Certification involving microscopic splices that determine missile accuracy
- Combat Systems Assessment Team qualification for those who enjoy critiquing others’ work
Professional development extends beyond Navy classrooms:
- Navy COOL funds civilian certifications that bolster résumés
- Tuition Assistance subsidizes relevant college courses
- Technical schools that unlock promotion eligibility
Physical Demands and Medical Evaluations
Physical Requirements:
The job taxes bodies in unexpected ways:
- Standing motionless for hours while troubleshooting phantom radar faults
- Hoisting 50-pound electronic modules into overhead racks
- Scrambling through ship ladderways during damage control drills
- Contorting into equipment cabinets designed for people three sizes smaller
- Maintaining steady hands while soldering components smaller than rice grains
Physical Readiness Test (PRT) Requirements (2025):
| Gender | Age Group | Push-ups | Sit-ups | 1.5-Mile Run |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 17-19 | 42 | 50 | 12:15 |
| Female | 17-19 | 19 | 50 | 14:15 |
Medical Evaluations:
The Navy tracks FC health with bureaucratic precision:
- Annual Periodic Health Assessments where doctors ask awkward questions
- Hearing tests that reveal gradual damage from equipment noise
- Vision screenings that disqualify those who suddenly can’t distinguish between red and green wires
- Radiation monitoring for technicians working near certain radar systems
- Pre-mobilization medical gauntlets that uncover problems at the worst possible moment
Deployment and Duty Stations
Deployment Details:
The Reserve commitment’s predictability has eroded as operational demands surge:
- Individual Augmentee assignments pluck specialists from civilian life to plug active-duty holes
- Unit mobilizations during regional flare-ups stretch “two weeks a year” into months
- Annual training aboard ships provides brief tastes of deployment reality
Geographic possibilities span from Virginia Beach to Persian Gulf oil platforms, with Mediterranean cruises and Western Pacific patrols increasingly common for mobilized reservists.
Location Flexibility:
Duty station assignments reflect a complex calculus:
- Proximity to Reserve Centers with FC billets (increasingly rare unicorns)
- Technical specialization requirements that ignore personal convenience
- Manning shortfalls that trump geographic preference
- Personal pleas that occasionally find sympathetic ears
Reservists negotiate billet options through Career Counselors, but reality often disappoints. Major fleet hubs like San Diego, Norfolk, Mayport, and Everett offer the densest FC opportunities, while inland sailors face lengthy commutes to maintain their rating.
Career Progression and Advancement
Career Path:
| Paygrade | Time Frame | Key Milestones |
|---|---|---|
| E-1 to E-3 | 0-2 years | Survive boot camp and technical training |
| E-4 (FC3) | 2-3 years | Master system fundamentals, earn primary NEC |
| E-5 (FC2) | 4-6 years | Lead maintenance teams, develop troubleshooting wizardry |
| E-6 (FC1) | 8-12 years | Orchestrate work center operations, mentor junior technicians |
| E-7 (FCC) | 12-16 years | Shape divisional policy, become technical oracle |
| E-8/E-9 | 16+ years | Influence rating-wide decisions, terrify junior officers |
Advancement resembles a game of musical chairs with disappearing seats:
- E-4: Nearly automatic for those who complete training (85% advancement rate)
- E-5: Increasingly competitive (36% make it) as technical knowledge and leadership blend
- E-6: Brutally selective (8% advancement) requiring exceptional performance and test scores
Role Flexibility and Transfers:
Career pivots exist for the persistent:
- Cross-rating to related technical fields through Career Waypoints (though rarely approved)
- Active duty transitions via AC/RC program (when active component needs align)
- Commissioning pathways through LDO/CWO programs (for technical savants with leadership skills)
Transfer requests demand command blessing and typically 24 months in current assignment—patience becomes a virtue.
Performance Evaluation:
The Navy’s judgment falls through PERS:
- Annual evaluations where months of work condense into bureaucratic bullet points
- Fitness reports ranking reservists against peers (often unfairly)
- Advancement recommendations that hinge on command politics
- Physical readiness scores that can torpedo otherwise stellar careers
Success hinges on technical mastery, unwavering attendance, and leadership development. Top performers typically:
- Collect NECs like trading cards
- Volunteer for additional active duty to maintain technical edge
- Pursue certifications that civilian employers recognize
- Develop junior sailors while documenting everything
Compensation, Benefits, and Lifestyle
Financial Benefits:
| Paygrade | Monthly Drill Pay (2025) | Annual Training Pay (14 days) | Potential Annual Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-3 | $385 | $1,347 | $5,967 |
| E-4 | $427 | $1,494 | $6,618 |
| E-5 | $465 | $1,629 | $7,209 |
| E-6 | $507 | $1,775 | $7,859 |
Financial incentives sweeten the deal:
- Prior Service Enlistment Bonuses reaching $25,000 for experienced FCs
- Critical Skills Retention Bonuses dangling $10,000 for specialized NECs
- Special Duty Assignment Pay for particularly miserable technical assignments
Additional Benefits:
- Healthcare through TRICARE Reserve Select ($47.20/month individual coverage)
- Education funding via Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve ($407/month full-time)
- Retirement through Blended Retirement System after 20 qualifying years
- VA Home Loan eligibility after 6 years of satisfactory service
- Commissary access that saves grocery dollars
Work-Life Balance:
Reservists juggle civilian careers alongside military obligations. Navy policies attempt support through:
- Drill schedules published yearly (though subject to last-minute changes)
- Summer annual training periods (conveniently conflicting with family vacations)
- Family Care Plan requirements (paperwork solutions for real-world challenges)
- USERRA employment protections (that some civilian employers creatively circumvent)
The technical rating demands unofficial time investment—self-study between drills separates advancing technicians from stagnating ones.
Risk, Safety, and Legal Considerations
Job Hazards:
FCs navigate occupational minefields:
- Electrical systems eager to deliver lethal shocks
- Radar emissions cooking internal organs if safety protocols fail
- Shipboard noise permanently damaging hearing
- Falls from maintenance platforms designed without OSHA input
- Combat threats during deployments where technical expertise meets enemy fire
Safety Protocols:
The Navy counters with protective measures:
- Personal protective equipment (often ill-fitting and uncomfortable)
- Tag-out procedures preventing energization during maintenance
- Radiation exposure monitoring through dosimeters and warning signs
- Safety stand-downs following mishaps elsewhere in the fleet
- Two-person integrity requirements preventing lone-wolf mistakes
Security and Legal Requirements:
- Security Clearance: Secret minimum (Top Secret for certain specialties)
- Clearance Process: Background investigations where investigators contact your high school enemies
- Contractual Obligations: 6-year initial commitment that seems eternal during difficult drills
- Deployment Protocols: Involuntary mobilization possibilities that civilian employers pretend to understand
Impact on Family and Personal Life
Family Considerations:
Reserve service extracts family costs:
- Monthly weekend absences when children have soccer tournaments
- Annual two-week disappearances during peak vacation seasons
- Potential extended separations when world events spiral
- Technical study requirements stealing evening family time
Support systems attempt to fill gaps:
- Family Readiness Groups connecting military spouses
- Military OneSource offering counseling when stress peaks
- Navy Reserve Ombudsman program translating Navy-speak for families
- Child care subsidies during drill periods (rarely covering actual costs)
Relocation and Flexibility:
Reserve service offers geographical advantages over active duty:
- Drilling typically occurs within driving distance
- Cross-assignment to distant units remains mostly voluntary
- PCS moves rarely disrupt civilian life except during mobilization
- TAD assignments for training create temporary inconveniences rather than household upheavals
Post-Service Opportunities
Transition to Civilian Life:
FC training translates to civilian careers, particularly in:
- Defense contracting where former FCs speak the language
- Electronics maintenance where troubleshooting skills command premium wages
- IT network administration where system integration experience matters
- Technical instruction where explaining complex concepts becomes profitable
- Radar and communications systems where specialized knowledge opens doors
Former FCs transition to systems engineers, field service representatives, and technical specialists. Their experience with complex troubleshooting under pressure distinguishes them from purely academic candidates.
Civilian Career Prospects:
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary | Growth Rate (2025-2035) |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics Engineering Technician | $67,550 | 2% |
| Computer Network Support Specialist | $63,460 | 6% |
| Electrical and Electronics Repairer | $62,020 | 3% |
| Aerospace Engineering Technician | $73,580 | 4% |
| Industrial Machinery Mechanic | $59,380 | 5% |
Transition Assistance:
The Navy eases civilian reentry through:
- TAP workshops demystifying résumé writing and interview techniques
- SkillBridge internships during final service months
- Navy COOL funding for industry certifications
- Veteran hiring preference for federal positions
- Networking opportunities with former sailors in target industries
Qualifications, Requirements, and Application Process
Basic Qualifications:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 17-39 (must complete 20 years before age 60) |
| Citizenship | U.S. citizenship mandatory (no exceptions) |
| Education | High school diploma required |
| ASVAB Score | AR + MK + EI + GS = 222 minimum |
| Vision | Normal color perception (zero waiver potential) |
| Security | Secret clearance qualification essential |
Application Process:
Joining the Navy Reserve isn’t a stroll down easy street. The process is deliberate, meticulous, and — at times — downright exhausting. Prospective sailors need grit, patience, and a sense of humor to endure the bureaucratic maze that awaits.
Here’s a blunt breakdown of what to expect:
1. Talk to a Navy Reserve Recruiter
Recruiters are in short supply, especially those specifically focused on the Reserve. Most often, active-duty recruiters pull double duty, meaning Reserve applicants may feel like a lower priority. Be prepared for delayed callbacks, vague timelines, and relentless self-advocacy. Persistence wins.
2. Preliminary Screening and ASVAB Testing
Next up: the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). It’s a comprehensive exam covering arithmetic, mechanical comprehension, word knowledge, and more. Scoring well not only expands your career options but also leaves a solid first impression.
Expect additional screenings to evaluate your physical fitness and basic qualifications. Failures here can lead to frustrating delays — or outright disqualification.
3. Security Clearance Paperwork
Welcome to the government’s interrogation of your entire life. The SF-86 form is long, unforgiving, and invasive. Every job, address, and associate gets scrutinized. Have unpaid debts, international contacts, or even a rebellious social media history? It will surface.
Delays are common. Background investigations can stretch weeks or months depending on complexity. Honesty is critical; investigators aren’t keen on surprises.
4. Survive the MEPS Medical Examination
Stepping into the Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS) is like entering a world where aspirations meet some very bright lights!
The medical team you’ll meet is incredibly experienced and unflappable, having seen just about everything. You’ll go through vision and hearing tests, and yes, you might find yourself doing the memorable “duck walk.”
Just remember to keep a sense of humor handy! If any medical conditions come up that might be a hurdle, some have the potential for waivers. Most importantly, honesty is key. Providing truthful information is essential to keeping your journey moving forward smoothly.
5. Select an Available FC Reserve Billet
Picking a Fire Controlman (FC) billet in the Reserve is a bit like choosing from a limited menu, especially if you haven’t served before. There aren’t as many coastal posts available, with more opportunities popping up in inland support roles.
Act quickly — those spots can disappear in the blink of an eye! Being flexible will help you succeed. While an FC role can mean handling high-tech weapons systems, in the Reserve, you might find yourself supporting active-duty teams, keeping up with your qualifications, or tackling some admin tasks.
6. Sign the Contract
Signing that contract represents a very important decision. The standard duration of Navy Reserve service requires a 6-year commitment followed by 2 additional years in the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR).
You will adapt to attending monthly drill weekends together with two-week annual training sessions. Take time to carefully examine the fine print.
Understanding the bonus incentives and educational benefits and career growth opportunities should be your top priority prior to signing.
7. Boot Camp and Technical Training
Reserve sailors endure the same boot camp as active-duty personnel at Great Lakes Naval Training Center. It’s cold, regimented, and relentless. Mentally and physically, it’s a crash course in discipline.
Afterward, technical training (A-School) sharpens specialized FC skills. While active-duty sailors may spend months in advanced systems training, Reservists often experience condensed curriculums. Some may even complete portions online or through hybrid programs.
8. Report to Your Reserve Unit
You finally reach your Reserve unit appearance-ready in your Navy Working Uniform. In your Reserve unit you will find yourself in a mixed group of experienced veterans and eager new recruits.
The Reserve unit creates a distinctive atmosphere where pride and camaraderie coexist with occasional self-questioning.
Juggling military responsibilities alongside your personal life brings challenges and it’s perfectly normal to ask yourself “What did I get myself into?” at first.
The stage of self-doubt is a short-lived experience for most people. The normal routine of drills, training and service will soon become second nature to you.
Selection Criteria and Competitiveness:
FC remains moderately competitive in the Reserve component, with selection hinging on:
- ASVAB scores that demonstrate technical aptitude
- Background clean enough for security clearance
- Technical potential glimpsed during recruiter interviews
- Prior electronics experience (helpful but not mandatory)
Prior service candidates with active FC experience become recruiting gold—qualifying for accelerated advancement and substantial bonuses that make recruiters salivate.
Is This a Good Job for You? The Right (and Wrong) Fit
Ideal Candidate Profile:
Successful FC Reservists share distinctive traits:
- Analytical minds that dissect problems methodically
- Obsessive attention to details others consider trivial
- Patience that outlasts stubborn technical faults
- Memory capacity for vast technical specifications
- Comfort operating both independently and within teams
- Fascination with electronics, computers, and weapons
- Self-discipline to maintain skills between sparse drill periods
Potential Challenges:
This path might torture those who:
- Crave creative expression or procedural flexibility
- Loathe technical documentation and rigid protocols
- Struggle with mathematical concepts or logical reasoning
- Prefer sunshine and physical activity to fluorescent-lit equipment bays
- Can’t reconcile civilian career demands with military obligations
- Feel uncomfortable with weapon system responsibilities
Career and Lifestyle Alignment:
The FC Reserve rating complements:
- Civilian electronics or IT careers where skills cross-pollinate
- College students pursuing technical degrees
- Individuals seeking part-time military structure with technical skill development
- Defense technology enthusiasts unable to commit to active service
- People who appreciate clearly defined advancement paths
The role clashes with weekend-dependent lifestyles or unpredictable work schedules—drill weekends brook no excuses short of hospitalization.
More Information
Curious about balancing your everyday life with the excitement of high-tech naval warfare systems?
Your friendly neighborhood Navy Reserve recruiter is ready to answer all your questions about FC specializations, training schedules, and the latest perks.
They’re here to align your technical interests with available positions and guide you step-by-step through the enlistment process.
Check out navyreserve.navy.mil or give us a call at 1-800-USA-USNR to set up a chat that could potentially redefine your career path!
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