Last Updated on November 16, 2023
This guide provides helpful information for those looking to join the Navy as a Gas Turbine Systems Technician – Electrical (GSE) during the Fiscal Year 2024.
The gas-turbine system on a Navy warship is incredibly powerful. Engines of Naval vessels require skilled Sailors to support them.
As a Gas Turbine Systems Technician – Electrical, you’ll work with these engines that transport massive vessels worldwide.
The U.S. Navy will provide the training for operating electrical plants and repairing wiring and circuitry.
Job Description
Gas Turbine System Technicians – Electrical (GSE) are Navy enlisted Sailors who operate, repair, and maintain electrical components of the ship’s propulsion Gas Turbine Engines (GTE), electrical distribution equipment, Ship’s Service Gas Turbine Generators (SSGTG), machinery control systems, assigned auxiliary equipment, and various electrical and electronic equipment.
GSEs commonly operate in engine rooms or workshops aboard Naval ships. These workstations can be hot and noisy. The job involves various physical demands.
GSEs can be stationed at repair or training facilities on land.
Approximately 1,200 men and women work in this rating.
Specific Responsibilities
Gas Turbine Systems Technicians – Electrical operate and maintain electrical components in the propulsion apparatus and gas turbines.
The tasks include:
- Engaging in the operation of electric plant and propulsion control equipment.
- Identifying and rectifying circuit malfunctions.
- Taking measurements of current, voltage, and resistance.
- Conducting tests and providing maintenance for circuitry, batteries, and switches.
- Performing maintenance on digital equipment and monitoring/control circuits.
- Providing repairs for electrical and electronic cables, wiring, and connectors.
- Performing maintenance on alarm, indicator, and warning systems.
- Performing maintenance, testing, and repairs on gas turbine engines and auxiliary equipment.
- Collaborating with blueprints, schematics, and charts.
- Carrying out administrative duties associated with systems operation and maintenance.
- Conducting inspections of work areas.
Different Roles
Gas Turbine Electrical Systems Maintainer
Gas Turbine Electrical Systems Maintainers operate the electric plant and main propulsion control equipment.
These professionals locate circuit failures and replace parts.
Maintainers measure current, voltage, and resistance.
These Sailors test for shorts, grounds, and continuity.
Maintainers also test protective circuitry, service and replace batteries and perform preventive maintenance on digital data equipment.
Additional duties include controlling and monitoring circuits, measuring insulation resistance, and inspecting electrical/electronic cables, wiring, and connectors.
These specialists also maintain the alarm and warning systems, as well as Gas Turbine Engines and auxiliary equipment.
Gas Turbine Electrical Systems Maintainers work with blueprints, schematics, and charts.
Maintainers perform administrative tasks associated with the operation and upkeep of gas turbine propulsion systems.
These professionals also perform work area inspections, operate standard test equipment, stop engines and check for proper performance.
Finally, contacts, micro switches, relay switches, pressure switches, and temperature switches are replaced and adjusted to meet operational tolerance.
Maintainers are supervised by a mentor while learning the trade or skill.
Gas Turbine Electrical Systems Manager
Gas Turbine Electrical Managers oversee engine operations and programs on Navy ships.
These professionals manage personnel during the maintenance and operation of gas turbine engines and reduction gears.
Managers also provide guidance on auxiliary machinery maintenance.
Managers oversee the alignment process of piping systems and the operation of gas turbine engines for propulsion and service systems.
These Sailors clean, test, and maintain engines, pumps, and valves.
They provide technical knowledge in the repair and replacement of various equipment.
Managers also analyze machinery operating records and reports.
These professionals are qualified to mentor technicians and maintainers in gas turbine electrical systems.
Gas Turbine Electrical Systems Technician
Gas Turbine Electrical Systems Technicians operate the electric plant and the main propulsion control equipment.
These professionals locate circuit failures and replace parts.
Technicians measure current, voltage, and resistance.
These Sailors test for shorts, grounds, and continuity.
They also test protective circuitry, service and replace batteries and perform preventive maintenance on digital data equipment, and control and monitor circuits.
They measure insulation resistance and repair electrical/electronic cables, wiring, and connectors.
These professionals maintain the alarm and warning systems.
Technicians also maintain and repair Gas Turbine Engines and auxiliary equipment.
These Sailors work with blueprints, schematics, and charts.
These specialists conduct work area inspections and operate standard test equipment.
They stop engines and check for proper performance.
Technicians replace and calibrate contacts, micro, relay, and pressure switches.
These professionals also perform upkeep on temperature switches to ensure proper operating tolerance.
Technicians are expected to work independently and mentor Gas Turbine Electrical Systems Maintainers with limited supervision.
Training and Promotion Opportunities
After completing Boot Camp at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, you will undergo specialized training.
This includes Basic Engineering Common Core and “A” School (10 weeks) in Great Lakes, IL.
The training covers mechanical theory, piping systems and equipment, safety precautions and programs, tools and instruments, technical documentation, and the Maintenance Material Management System (3M).
You will also attend the GSE Strand Technical School (16 weeks) in Great Lakes, IL.
This training focuses on basic watch standing, piping systems and equipment, tools and instruments, technical documentation, the 3M system, gas turbine engine theory, propulsion theory, digital logic control systems, electromechanical and electrohydraulic devices, electrical power and distribution, electrical math, basic schematics, circuitry, and more.
When a candidate has completed training, said candidate may be stationed on shore or in a fleet unit.
Most of your service will probably be spent on ships at sea.
Advancement opportunities exist, but they are competitive and contingent on individual performance.
Advanced Training
In the future, the possibility of receiving Advanced Training as a Gas Turbine Systems Technician may arise. Advanced Training in this rating includes Gas Turbine Systems Technician Intermediate Maintenance (GSE-IM) School in Great Lakes, IL.
This is a 20-week course that covers intermediate maintenance of propulsion machinery, gas turbine systems components and accessories, instrumentation troubleshooting, alarm warning circuitry repair, engines and component removal/installation procedures, and more.
Formal education such as college or technical school courses is also an option.
Individuals with aspirations for leadership and possessing a college degree can pursue Naval Officer positions, which offer chances to lead and train others.
Post-Service Opportunities
The specialized training and work experience gained during service as a Gas Turbine Systems Technician – Electrical in the Navy can lead to valuable credentials and occupational opportunities in related fields in the civilian world, such as employment as power plant operators and industrial machinery mechanics.
Therefore, post-service, GSE technicians may work in industries such as power plants, ships and boats, aircrafts, oil refineries, natural gas processing plants or factories.
They may maintain and repair the electrical components of turbines and other types of propulsion systems.
They can find employment opportunities in automotive maintenance, electronic equipment installation, and repair services.
Qualifications to Join
To become an Enlisted Sailor and a Gas Turbine Systems Technician – Electrical, applicants need a high-school diploma or equivalent and must be a U.S. citizen eligible for security clearance.
Applicants interested in obtaining the GSE rating must possess mechanical skills, experience with machines or electric/electronic systems, and a foundational understanding of physics in order to meet the eligibility criteria.
To perform the task, it is necessary to have proficient hand use and normal color perception.
General qualifications may vary based on your current or past service.
ASVAB Requirement
Applicants must score the minimum ASVAB score below to qualify to join the Navy as a Gas Turbine Systems Technician – Electrical (GSE).
ASVAB for GSE:
VE+AR+MK+MC=210
The enlistment qualification requirements above are current as of Fiscal Year 2024, per the Navy Personnel Command. This information is not readily available to the public.
So, contact your local Navy Enlisted Recruiter for the most current requirements to join the Navy as an enlisted Sailor.
More Information
If you wish to learn more about becoming a Gas Turbine Systems Technician – Electrical (GSE), contact your local Navy Enlisted Recruiter. They will provide you with more detailed information you’re unlikely to find online.
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