This guide provides helpful information for those looking to join the Navy as an Electronics Technician – Navigation (ETV) during the Fiscal Year 2025.
No windows. No street signs. Just miles of open ocean and a job that has to be done right. A submarine doesn’t guess where it’s going—it relies on you.
As an ETV, you’ll track movement, operate radar, monitor navigation systems. If something fails, you fix it before anyone notices. Because down there, one wrong move can mean game over.
Are you ready for this challenging adventure?
ENLISTMENT BONUS: Future Navy ETVs are currently eligible to receive up to $35K in cash bonus just for signing up.
Job Description
Electronics Technicians, Submarine, Navigation (ETVs) are Navy enlisted Sailors who operate and maintain electronic equipment used for detection, tracking, recognition, and identification of maritime vessels and navigational aids aboard naval submarine vessels.
A sub doesn’t navigate itself. Every move, every adjustment—it’s all on you.
Where They Work
- On submarines in tight, controlled spaces.
- In clean lab or shop environments when on shore.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain and repair navigation systems—radar, gyrocompass, inertial navigation, GPS.
- Track, detect, and identify maritime vessels to avoid obstacles and threats.
- Manage and execute navigation plans—accuracy is everything.
- Assist Officers of the Deck (OOD) and navigators while on watch.
- Calibrate and tune equipment to keep everything running smooth.
- Maintain atmosphere control, interior communications, and ship control subsystems.
- Use hand and power tools for on-the-spot fixes.
- Stand watch and lookout duties—because eyes and ears are just as important as tech.
The Numbers
- About 1,100 Sailors serve as ETVs.
- High placement opportunities for qualified applicants.
No autopilot. No second chances. If the sub is off course, it’s your job to fix it—before anyone even notices.
Different Roles as ETV
Submarine Navigation Manager
The one who plans, supervises, and audits navigation operations.
- Develops and assesses training programs for navigation teams.
- Audits division records and maintains navigation logs.
- Supervises maintenance quality control and equipment modifications.
- Reviews navigation plans and voyage tasking.
- Provides technical guidance to the OOD, Navigator, and Commanding Officer.
Submarine Navigation Operator
The hands-on specialist operating navigation and tracking systems.
- Runs radar, inertial navigation, and tracking systems to detect and identify vessels.
- Maintains and performs basic repairs on key systems—IC circuits, alarms, depth control, and more.
- Updates electronic charts and publications.
- Stands watch and advises the OOD on navigation rules and plans.
Submarine Navigation Technician
The troubleshooter and repair expert for navigation electronics.
- Locates malfunctions and replaces faulty parts using schematics and block diagrams.
- Performs maintenance and repairs on radar, alarms, control stations, and other key systems.
- Supervises maintenance and keeps records.
- Trains Navigation Operators and ensures system reliability.
Rank Structure
Pay Grade | Rate | Abbreviation | Title |
---|---|---|---|
E-1 | Seaman Recruit | SR | Seaman Recruit |
E-2 | Seaman Apprentice | SA | Seaman Apprentice |
E-3 | Seaman | SN | Seaman |
E-4 | Electronics Technician Submarines Navigation Third Class | ETV3 | Petty Officer Third Class |
E-5 | Electronics Technician Submarines Navigation Second Class | ETV2 | Petty Officer Second Class |
E-6 | Electronics Technician Submarines Navigation First Class | ETV1 | Petty Officer First Class |
E-7 | Chief Electronics Technician Submarines Navigation | ETVC | Chief Petty Officer |
E-8 | Senior Chief Electronics Technician Submarines Navigation | ETVCS | Senior Chief Petty Officer |
E-9 | Master Chief Electronics Technician Submarines Navigation | ETVCM | Master Chief Petty Officer |
Salary and Benefits
Salary for the First 6 Years
Monthly pay for Navy enlisted Sailors (E-1 to E-6) in the first six years is laid out in the January 2025 Active Duty Pay chart:
Pay Grade | Less than 2 Years | Over 2 Years | Over 3 Years | Over 4 Years | Over 6 Years |
E-1 | $2,108.10 | $2,108.10 | $2,108.10 | $2,108.10 | $2,108.10 |
E-2 | $2,362.80 | $2,362.80 | $2,362.80 | $2,362.80 | $2,362.80 |
E-3 | $2,484.60 | $2,640.60 | $2,800.80 | $2,800.80 | $2,800.80 |
E-4 | $2,752.20 | $2,892.90 | $3,049.80 | $3,204.30 | $3,341.40 |
E-5 | $3,001.50 | $3,203.70 | $3,358.80 | $3,517.20 | $3,763.80 |
E-6 | $3,276.60 | $3,606.00 | $3,765.00 | $3,919.80 | $4,080.60 |
Extra Pays and Allowances
- Housing Allowance (BAH): For members living off-base. Covers rent, based on rank, location, and if they have dependents.
- Subsistence Allowance (BAS): Enlisted get $465.77 monthly for food.
- Hazard Duty Pay: For dangerous jobs. Pays $150-$250 per month, depending on the job.
- Sea Pay: For those assigned to ships or deployed units. Depends on rank and time at sea, from $50 to $750 a month.
- Submarine Duty Incentive Pay (SUBPAY): Up to $1,000/month based on qualifications and assignment.
- Special and Incentive Pays: Bonuses for certain roles, like air traffic control or unique skills. These can be a few hundred to thousands per year.
Source: Figures are from the Defense Finance and Accounting Service.
Benefits
- Healthcare: Active-duty personnel are eligible for free complete medical and dental treatment. Tricare programs are inexpensive for families to use.
- Housing Accomodation: Depending on location, rank, and family size, free on-base accommodation or a tax-free housing allowance (BAH) for off-base living are available.
- Food: Monthly Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) for food costs is known as the “food allowance.”
- Blended Retirement System (BRS): Conventional pensions are no longer available to active-duty personnel. Rather:
- Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): Up to 5% in government matching and automatic contributions.
- Retirement Pay: After 20 years of service, you’re eligible for monthly payments according on the BRS formula, which combines TSP savings with a calculated pension.
- Education:
- Availability of tuition assistance programs that pay for all or part of college tuition.
- Support for higher education under the post-9/11 GI Bill.
- Navy College Program to support education while on service.
- Life Insurance: Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) provides coverage up to $500,000.
- Vacation: ten or more federal holidays plus thirty days of paid vacation each year.
- Extra Benefits:
- Exchanges and commissaries provide tax-free purchasing.
- Discounted travel via military resorts, access to fitness centers, and leisure amenities.
Training and Career Opportunities
Boot Camp & Initial Training
- Recruit Training Command Great Lakes (Boot Camp).
- Basic Enlisted Submarine School – Groton, CT (9 weeks).
- Indoctrination in basic submarine systems, operations, and safety procedures.
Technical Training
- Class “A” Technical School & Specialty Pipeline School – Groton, CT (14–28 weeks).
- Training in basic electricity, electronics, and computer systems.
- Prepares Sailors for navigation and communication duties on fast-attack or ballistic missile submarines.
- Hands-on group instruction, practical application, and equipment lab training.
First Assignments
- ETVs serve on all types of submarines and at shore facilities in the U.S. and overseas.
- Typical career split: 60% at sea, 40% at shore stations.
Advancement & Pay
- Enlist as an E-1 (Seaman Recruit).
- Automatic advancement to E-2 after Boot Camp.
- E-3 and E-4 promotions require completing all advancement-in-rate requirements, including minimum time and coursework.
- E-4 (Petty Officer Third Class) advancement is contingent upon maintaining eligibility in the Advanced Electronics Computer Field.
- Submarine Pay: Begins after Basic Enlisted Submarine School ($75–$600 per month).
Advanced Training & Career Progression
- “C” School available later in your career for advanced equipment maintenance.
- Opportunities for Officer roles with leadership training and a college degree.
Post-Service Opportunities
- Careers in electrical engineering, telecommunications, and navigation systems maintenance.
- Skills transfer directly into civilian jobs in aerospace, defense, and maritime industries.
Placement & Community
- About 1,100 Sailors serve in the ETV rating.
- Good placement opportunities for qualified applicants.
- All applicants must read and understand the Submarine Volunteer Statement of Understanding.
Qualifications to Join
Basic Requirements
- Must be a U.S. citizen and eligible for a security clearance.
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Must volunteer for submarine duty.
ASVAB Score Requirements
- AR + MK + EI + GS = 218 or
- VE + AR + MK + MC = 218
Skills & Personal Traits
- Strong arithmetic, writing, and speaking skills.
- Ability to use and understand computers.
- Attention to detail – Must perform precise work and keep accurate records.
- Team-oriented mindset – Works closely with navigation and operations crews.
- Manual dexterity & physical strength – Some tasks require steady hands and endurance.
The enlistment qualification requirements above are current as of Fiscal Year 2025, 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 an Electronics Technician – Navigation (ETV), 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 Enlisted submarine jobs: