This guide provides helpful information for those looking to join the Navy as a Fire Controlman (FC) during the Fiscal Year 2025.
Fire Controlmen keep the ship’s weapons locked and ready. They operate 5-inch guns, fire Tomahawk cruise missiles, and defend against enemy aircraft. They also run offensive strikes when needed.
But knowing how to fire isn’t enough—you have to know the systems.
As part of the Advanced Electronics/Computer Field (AECF), FCs:
- Operate, maintain, and control radars, fire control systems, and advanced computers.
- Work with the Aegis missile system—one of the Navy’s most powerful defenses.
- Detect, track, and eliminate targets with precision.
This job requires focus, training, and attention to detail—because when it’s time to engage the enemy, there’s no room for error.
Job Description
Fire Controlmen (FC) are Navy enlisted Sailors who provide recommendations for the employment of weapon direction systems. These Sailors operate and maintain combat and weapons direction systems, radar systems, missile systems, and gunfire control systems.
Fire Controlmen maintain and repair digital combat systems that keep the Navy’s firepower locked on target.
What they do:
- Perform maintenance on digital computer systems at organizational and intermediate levels.
- Handle ordnance operations and inspect, test, align, and repair electronic equipment.
- Analyze systems, computer programs, and electronics to ensure everything runs smoothly.
- Operate test equipment, load software, and run diagnostics on combat systems.
- Deploy anywhere—on Navy surface ships or at shore repair facilities.
Where there’s a need to defend, Fire Controlmen are there. The job is technical, demanding, and high-stakes.
Right now, over 5,500 men and women serve as FCs, keeping the fleet ready to fight.
Specific Responsibilities
Fire Controlmen operate, maintain, and repair some of the most advanced combat and weapons systems in the Navy. Their job is to keep these systems ready for any fight.
What they do:
- Inspect, test, align, and repair micro/minicomputers, data displays, and terminal equipment.
- Analyze digital systems, computer programs, and casualty control procedures.
- Use built-in and external test equipment to run diagnostics.
- Operate the Aegis Weapon System—including the SPY-1 radar, one of the most powerful air-search radars at sea.
- Control the MK99 Fire Control System, which provides terminal guidance for Standard Missiles.
- Run performance tests on digital computers, digital systems, and full combat systems.
Their work ensures precision, speed, and firepower when it matters most.
Different Roles
Fire Control Administrator
Keeps weapons systems running, both in combat and training.
- Collects and checks data from ship systems to keep everything combat-ready.
- Plans and evaluates weapons exercises and engagements.
- Oversees training, runs briefs and debriefs for combat system operations.
Fire Controlman (FC)
Fixes, maintains, and operates weapons and electronic systems on ships.
- Troubleshoots and repairs radars, networks, fiber optics, and computers.
- Handles ordnance and runs Ordnance Handling Equipment (OHE).
- Keeps logs and records up to date for system performance.
Fire Controlman – AEGIS (FCA)
Works on the Aegis Weapon System, handling missile defense and advanced combat technology.
- Maintains, operates, and repairs Aegis RADAR, networks, and weapon systems.
- Manages air, sea, and theater missile defense.
- Uses BMD/SPY RADAR, FCS/ORTS, Q21 Display, UYK-43 Computer, and Aegis Networks.
- Assigned to Ticonderoga Class Cruisers and Arleigh Burke Class Destroyers.
- Not the same as FC. FCA is a separate rating with extra training in fire control, digital systems, and radar principles.
FCs keep the weapons firing, track the threats, and make sure the fleet is ready for anything.
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 | Fire Controlman Third Class | FC3 | Petty Officer Third Class |
| E-5 | Fire Controlman Second Class | FC2 | Petty Officer Second Class |
| E-6 | Fire Controlman First Class | FC1 | Petty Officer First Class |
| E-7 | Chief Fire Controlman | FCC | Chief Petty Officer |
| E-8 | Senior Chief Fire Controlman | FCCS | Senior Chief Petty Officer |
| E-9 | Master Chief Fire Controlman | FCCM | 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:
| Paygrade | 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.
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 Promotion Opportunities
Initial Training
After Boot Camp at Great Lakes, IL, Fire Controlmen begin 31 weeks of formal technical training, including:
- Apprentice Technical Training & FC Strand – Covers:
- Basic electronics & circuitry
- Safety procedures & troubleshooting
- Digital theory & microcomputers
- Fiber optics & test equipment
- 2D & 3D radar, missile/gun ballistics, fire control basics
After “A” School, FCs move to “C” School for advanced training. Length and coursework depend on specialization. Many colleges offer credits for these Navy courses.
Career & Advancement
FCs rotate between shore commands and ships in the U.S. and overseas throughout their careers.
Advancement Path:
- E-1 (Seaman Recruit) – Entry-level rank.
- E-2 (Seaman Apprentice) – Promoted after completing Boot Camp.
- E-3 (Seaman) – Earned after meeting time-in-rate and coursework requirements.
- E-4 (Petty Officer Third Class) – Granted after completing “A” School and all advancement requirements.
To stay eligible for E-3 and E-4 promotions, sailors must maintain Advanced Electronics Computer Field (AECF) qualifications.
Advancement is competitive and performance-based, but the experience gained opens doors in both the military and civilian world.
Post-Service Opportunities
The highly technical skills and training FCs receive lead to valuable civilian careers in:
- Electronics & weapons systems maintenance
- Radar & communications technology
- Aerospace & defense industries
Qualifications to Join
To become an Enlisted Sailor and Fire Controlman in the Navy, you need a high-school diploma or equivalent. U.S. citizenship is required, along with eligibility to meet security clearance requirements.
Eligibility Requirements
To be a Fire Controlman (FC), you need:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- U.S. citizenship
- Security clearance eligibility
- 72-month enlistment
- Normal color vision (no waivers)
Skills & Abilities Needed:
- Good at math – Weapons systems need precise calculations.
- Understands computers – Works with modern digital and radar systems.
- Reads, writes, and communicates well – Must explain technical issues clearly.
- Works as a team – No one runs a combat system alone.
- Detail-oriented – Mistakes in fire control aren’t an option.
- Physically capable – Needs manual dexterity and some strength for equipment handling.
General qualifications depend on if you’re new to the Navy, prior service, or currently serving.
ASVAB Requirement
Applicants must score the minimum ASVAB score below to qualify to join the Navy as a Fire Controlman (FC).
ASVAB for FC:
- AR + MK + EI + GS = 222
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 a Fire Controlman (FC), 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 jobs:
