This guide provides helpful information for those considering to enlist in the Navy Reserve as a Information Systems Technicians – Submarine, Networks (ITN) during Fiscal Year 2025.
Submarines operate in silence and shadows. The Navy Reserve Information Systems Technician – Submarine, Networks (ITN) secures those shadows.
This role places you at the heart of undersea cyber defense and tactical data flow. ITNs are critical to mission success, ensuring secure communications beneath the ocean’s surface.
Ready to master network warfare undersea? Keep reading.
Job Role and Responsibilities
Job Description
Information Systems Technicians – Submarine, Networks (ITN) in the Navy Reserve design, install, operate, and maintain advanced information systems technology, including local and wide area networks, mainframe, mini and microcomputer systems, and associated peripheral devices.
Daily Tasks
- Provide tiered-level customer support by coordinating software, hardware, and networks; install, configure, troubleshoot, and provide maintenance and training.
- Manage and secure commercial network operating systems within the functional areas of configuration, systems, and performance management.
- Identify vulnerabilities and perform corrective actions to ensure system confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Specific Roles
Below are the key Navy Enlisted Classifications (NECs) for the ITN role, each defining a specialized technical focus within submarine network operations.
| NEC Code | Role Description |
|---|---|
| 741A | Information System Security Manager (ISSM) |
| 742A | Network Security Vulnerability Technician (NSVT) |
| T47A | Submarine Local Area Network (SUBLAN) Technician |
| 746A | Information Systems Administrator |
| 731A | Information System Maintenance Technician |
| 735A | Consolidated Afloat Networks and Enterprise Services (CANES) Administrator-Software 3 and 4 (SW3/SW4) |
Mission Contribution
ITNs ensure the operational readiness of submarine communication and network systems, directly supporting secure and effective undersea missions.
Technology and Equipment
ITNs work with state-of-the-art information systems technology, including local and wide area networks, mainframe, mini and microcomputer systems, and associated peripheral devices.
They also operate and coordinate telecommunications systems, including automated networks and the full spectrum of data links and circuits.
Work Environment
Setting and Schedule
ITNs in the Navy Reserve operate primarily in secure, enclosed environments aboard submarines or onshore commands.
They work in small, highly secure compartments equipped with advanced computer and network systems.
Typical schedules include irregular shifts, rotating watches, and extended duty cycles during submarine deployments.
When ashore, schedules align more with traditional workweeks, but mobilizations may alter this.
Leadership and Communication
The chain of command is hierarchical and mission-focused, headed by senior enlisted leaders and submarine officers.
ITNs report to a Chief Petty Officer or directly to a division officer aboard submarines.
Communication flows through formal reporting structures, including operational briefings and secured digital communication.
Performance feedback is given routinely through counseling sessions and formal evaluations, typically conducted semiannually.
Team Dynamics and Autonomy
Submarine operations demand tight-knit teamwork under high-stress conditions.
ITNs frequently collaborate with other submarine ratings, such as Sonar Technicians and Fire Control Technicians.
Despite team integration, ITNs hold significant autonomy managing networks and cybersecurity tasks during operations.
They make rapid decisions to counter network vulnerabilities or communication failures.
Job Satisfaction and Retention
Retention rates for Navy Reserve ITNs are moderate to high, driven by technical career paths and advancement potential.
Success is measured by system uptime, mission-readiness reports, and successful cybersecurity defense.
Current service members report high satisfaction linked to specialized skills acquisition and mission-critical responsibilities.
Training and Skill Development
Initial Training
All Navy Reserve ITNs complete initial training through Navy Recruit Training Command and specialized “A” School.
Training Pipeline
| Training Stage | Description | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Recruit Training (Boot Camp) | Basic military training in physical fitness, seamanship, and Navy customs | 9 weeks |
| Information Systems Technician “A” School | Technical instruction on network administration, computer systems, and cybersecurity | 24 weeks |
| Submarine Basic Enlisted School (SBES) | Submarine fundamentals, survival systems, and submarine-specific protocols | 4 weeks |
Recruits learn Navy IT fundamentals, submarine protocols, and basic systems security operations.
Advanced Training
ITNs may pursue specialized “C” schools and NEC-producing courses throughout their career.
These programs focus on advanced systems administration, network defense, and emerging submarine technologies.
Certifications such as CompTIA Security+ or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) are encouraged.
ITNs also gain ongoing professional development through drills, fleet exercises, and mobilization assignments.
Submarine IT systems evolve rapidly, requiring continuous learning supported by Navy training programs and civilian-accredited courses.
Physical Demands and Medical Evaluations
Physical Requirements
ITNs must meet Navy-wide Physical Readiness Test (PRT) standards and maintain them throughout service.
Daily duties aboard submarines are not physically strenuous but require endurance and alertness in confined spaces.
Tasks often involve standing for extended periods, moving through tight compartments, and managing equipment under stress.
Current Navy PRT Minimums (2025)
| Event | Male (17-19) | Female (17-19) |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5-mile run | 12:15 min | 14:15 min |
| Forearm planks | 1:20 min | 1:20 min |
| Push-ups | 42 | 19 |
Daily Physical Demands
Submarine ITNs endure prolonged seated or standing positions while monitoring systems and responding to network issues.
Equipment maintenance may require crawling into compact electronic spaces or lifting components weighing up to 45 pounds.
Stress management is critical due to the isolated submarine environment.
Medical Evaluations
Candidates must pass a Submarine Duty physical, ensuring fitness for undersea environments.
This includes pressure-related screenings and audiometric testing. Periodic reevaluations are conducted to ensure continued submarine fitness.
Annual medical checks assess overall health, hearing, and cardiovascular endurance.
Deployment and Duty Stations
Deployment Details
Navy Reserve ITNs face moderate deployment likelihood. Mobilizations can range from several months to a year, depending on operational needs.
Deployments primarily occur aboard submarines operating in both domestic and international waters.
ITNs may also deploy to shore commands supporting submarine operations or cybersecurity missions.
Location Flexibility
Duty stations are assigned based on fleet needs and ITN qualifications. Submarine ITNs serve at primary homeports supporting Atlantic and Pacific operations.
Assignments include coastal and forward-deployed locations.
- Groton, Connecticut – Hosts Submarine Base New London and Naval Submarine School.
- Kings Bay, Georgia – Home to ballistic missile submarines at Submarine Base Kings Bay.
- Pearl Harbor, Hawaii – Supports Pacific Fleet submarines at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.
Reserve ITNs may request duty stations, depending on billet availability. However, mission needs determine final placement.
Career Progression and Advancement
Career Path
ITNs advance through structured Navy Reserve ranks, guided by time in service, performance, and leadership development.
Typical ITN Career Progression
| Paygrade | Title | Typical Time-in-Rate |
|---|---|---|
| E-1 to E-3 | Seaman Recruit to Seaman | 1-2 years |
| E-4 | Petty Officer Third Class | 12-24 months |
| E-5 | Petty Officer Second Class | 36-48 months |
| E-6 | Petty Officer First Class | 48+ months |
| E-7+ | Chief Petty Officer and above | Selection based on exams, leadership, and performance |
Promotion and Professional Growth
Promotion is based on evaluation scores, advancement exams, and leadership board reviews.
ITNs improve promotion chances through advanced training, leadership qualifications, and stellar performance evaluations.
Achieving technical certifications also enhances competitiveness.
Specialization Opportunities
Submarine ITNs pursue NEC-producing training to specialize in advanced network systems, cybersecurity, and submarine-specific technologies.
NECs expand career options and lead to higher-responsibility billets. Sailors apply for NEC training after meeting rank, time-in-service, and command recommendation requirements.
Role Flexibility and Transfers
ITNs may transition to other Navy Reserve information warfare roles, such as Cyber Warfare Technician (CWT) or cyber defense billets.
Transfers require command endorsement and completion of a formal conversion process.
Eligibility depends on technical performance, leadership potential, and current billet openings.
Performance Evaluation
Evaluations occur regularly and assess technical expertise, leadership, mission contribution, and teamwork. Strong marks are essential for advancement.
Review boards prioritize readiness, professional development, and documented achievements.
Success Factors
ITNs succeed through technical proficiency, adaptability, and leadership growth.
Advanced qualifications, continuous training, and operational readiness are critical to long-term advancement.
Compensation, Benefits, and Lifestyle
Financial Benefits
Navy Reserve ITNs receive base pay aligned with rank and time-in-service. Additional compensation may include drill pay, special duty pay, and allowances.
2025 Navy Reserve Pay and Allowances (E-4 Example)
| Pay Type | Monthly Amount (approximate) |
|---|---|
| Base Pay (E-4 over 2 years) | $2,634 |
| Drill Pay (E-4, 4 drills) | $395 |
| Submarine Pay | $75 |
| Clothing Allowance (annual) | $357 |
| Potential Bonuses | Variable, based on billet and NEC |
Figures based on DFAS 2025 pay tables.
Additional Benefits
ITNs qualify for Tricare Reserve Select healthcare, Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) when mobilized, and access to the GI Bill.
Education benefits include tuition assistance and credentialing programs.
Reservists also contribute to the Blended Retirement System, combining a government pension with a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) match.
Work-Life Balance
Navy Reserve ITNs serve part-time but may be mobilized to full-time active duty. Regular drill weekends and annual training are required.
Time away from home increases during mobilizations or extended exercises.
The Navy encourages a balanced lifestyle through leave policies, mental health support, and family readiness programs.
Risk, Safety, and Legal Considerations
Job Hazards
ITNs aboard submarines operate under high-risk conditions. Submerged environments create hazards such as restricted movement, limited escape routes, and prolonged confinement.
Electrical hazards exist while servicing network systems and power-driven equipment.
Cyber operations introduce mental strain during sustained high-threat network defense scenarios.
Extended isolation and continuous system monitoring increase physical and psychological demands.
Safety Protocols
Navy submarine protocols mitigate these risks through enforced procedures.
ITNs complete mandatory safety training, including confined space entry and electrical safety.
Daily checks and system inspections ensure equipment integrity. The crew conducts regular emergency drills, including fire response, flooding control, and casualty procedures.
Cybersecurity teams follow strict incident response protocols to secure systems during attacks or failures.
Security and Legal Requirements
All ITNs must obtain and maintain at least a Secret clearance. Some billets, including cyber defense and submarine communication roles, require Top Secret eligibility.
The clearance process involves security interviews, background investigations, and periodic reinvestigations.
ITNs are subject to the UCMJ and reserve contract terms, including mandatory drill attendance and mobilization readiness.
Deployment in Conflict Zones
ITNs may deploy to areas supporting conflict zone operations. Submarine missions often involve high-stakes intelligence and surveillance near contested regions.
Mobilizations follow operational orders and lawful directives. During emergencies or rising tensions, ITNs may face extended deployments under heightened security and force protection postures.
Impact on Family and Personal Life
Family Considerations
Navy Reserve ITNs must balance service demands with personal responsibilities. Drill weekends, annual training, and mobilizations require time away from home.
Submarine deployments add extended separations, often with limited communication.
Families must adapt to unpredictable schedules and possible short-notice mobilizations.
Support is available through Navy Reserve Family Readiness programs, counseling services, and command ombudsmen.
Relocation and Flexibility
Reserve ITNs typically serve near their home region. However, mobilization orders may require relocation to active duty stations or deployment staging areas.
Relocation is temporary but may last months. Flexibility is essential for rapid assignment changes, mission requirements, or specialized training.
Family support services assist with transitions during relocations and extended duty periods.
Post-Service Opportunities
Transition to Civilian Life
ITNs transition into civilian careers using submarine-acquired technical skills. Common post-service opportunities include:
- Network administration – Focused on maintaining and securing enterprise networks.
- Cybersecurity roles – Positions in threat detection, network defense, and incident response.
- Information systems management – Overseeing IT teams, projects, and systems architecture.
- Defense contracting – Supporting classified government or military systems with advanced IT skills.
- Federal employment – Roles in agencies requiring technical expertise and security clearance.
Support programs include:
- Navy COOL – Provides credentialing for certifications like Security+ and CISSP.
- DoD SkillBridge – Facilitates internships with civilian employers before separation.
- Transition Assistance Program (TAP) – Offers resume workshops, interview preparation, and job placement resources.
Civilian Career Prospects
| Civilian Career | Median Salary (BLS 2025) | Growth Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Network Administrator | $93,000 | 5% growth |
| Cybersecurity Analyst | $113,000 | 11% growth |
| Information Systems Manager | $166,000 | 15% growth |
| IT Project Manager | $105,000 | 6% growth |
Submarine ITNs apply technical and leadership skills directly to the civilian sector. Security clearances improve access to restricted roles and defense industry positions.
Qualifications, Requirements, and Application Process
Basic Qualifications
Applicants must meet Navy Reserve enlistment criteria and submarine-specific requirements.
Minimum Entry Standards (2025)
| Requirement | Standard |
|---|---|
| Age | 17–41 years |
| Citizenship | U.S. citizen |
| Education | High school diploma or equivalent |
| ASVAB | AR+2MK+GS=218 or AR+MK+EI+GS=218; or CT+MK+VE=162 with CT=55 |
| Vision | Correctable to 20/20, no color blindness |
| Security Clearance | Secret eligibility required |
Application Process
Applicants complete a multi-step process:
- Meet with a Navy Reserve recruiter to assess eligibility and explain Reserve obligations.
- Complete ASVAB testing at an authorized testing site.
- Pass a Submarine Duty medical screening, including hearing and pressure tolerance evaluations.
- Submit security clearance paperwork for background screening.
- Attend MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station) for physical and enlistment contract signing.
- Receive job classification and ship date based on qualifications and billet availability.
The selection timeline varies but typically completes within 2 to 6 months, depending on clearance processing and billet needs.
Selection Criteria and Competitiveness
Selection is competitive. Preferred candidates exceed ASVAB minimums and demonstrate strong technical aptitude.
Prior IT or network experience improves selection chances. Physical and medical fitness are mandatory for submarine service.
Is This a Good Job for You? The Right (and Wrong) Fit
Ideal Candidate Profile
Successful ITNs typically exhibit:
- Strong technical aptitude – Proficient in networks, systems, and cybersecurity.
- Attention to detail – Accurate in monitoring and securing submarine information systems.
- Resilience – Performs well under high-stress, confined, and isolated conditions.
- Discipline – Follows strict submarine protocols and Navy standards.
- Problem-solving skills – Diagnoses and resolves system issues independently or as part of a team.
Potential Challenges
Candidates may face challenges such as:
- Extended isolation – Long periods underwater with limited external communication.
- Confined workspaces – Operations in restricted submarine compartments.
- Irregular schedules – Mobilizations and watches disrupt personal routines.
- Operational stress – Continuous readiness for system failures or cybersecurity threats.
Career and Lifestyle Alignment
This role fits individuals who:
- Seek careers in IT, cybersecurity, or military leadership.
- Want technical mastery and structured advancement paths.
- Are prepared for irregular duty cycles and mission-focused environments.
This role does not suit individuals who:
- Prefer predictable, low-stress jobs.
- Avoid confined or isolated settings.
- Desire minimal commitment to physical or operational demands.
More Information
If you wish to learn more about becoming an Information Systems Technician – Submarine, Networks (ITN) 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 Submarine Enlisted jobs:
