This guide provides helpful information for those looking to join the Navy as a Gas Turbine Systems Technician – Electrical (GSE) during the Fiscal Year 2025.
Navy warships don’t move without power. Gas turbine engines push massive ships across the world, and GSEs keep their electrical systems running.
As a GSE, you’ll operate power plants, repair wiring, fix circuits, and keep everything online. No engine runs without electricity, and no ship moves without GSEs making sure the system works.
Job Description
Gas Turbine System Technicians – Electrical (GSE) operate, repair, and maintain the electrical side of a ship’s gas turbine propulsion system. They work with generators, control systems, power distribution, and electronic equipment that keep the ship moving.
Most GSEs work in engine rooms or workshops aboard Navy ships—hot, noisy, physically demanding environments. Others are stationed at shore-based repair or training facilities.
With only about 1,200 Sailors in this rating, GSEs play a critical role in ship operations.
GSEs spend about 65% of their career at sea and 35% on shore duty, working to keep the ship’s electrical systems running.
Fun fact: Did you know they’re nicknamed ‘Snipes‘? Here’s Why…
Specific Responsibilities
GSEs handle the electrical components of propulsion systems and gas turbines. Their duties include:
- Operating propulsion control equipment and the ship’s electrical plant.
- Diagnosing and fixing circuit malfunctions.
- Measuring current, voltage, and resistance to monitor system performance.
- Testing and maintaining electrical circuits, batteries, and switches.
- Repairing and maintaining digital monitoring/control circuits.
- Fixing cables, wiring, and electrical connectors.
- Maintaining alarm, indicator, and warning systems.
- Performing tests, maintenance, and repairs on gas turbines and auxiliary equipment.
- Reading and working with blueprints, schematics, and charts.
- Handling administrative duties related to system operations.
- Inspecting and maintaining work areas.
GSEs keep the power flowing so the ship stays mission-ready.
Different Roles
Gas Turbine Electrical Systems Maintainer (Entry-Level, Learning the Job)
- Operate electrical plants and propulsion control systems.
- Locate and repair circuit failures.
- Measure current, voltage, resistance; test for shorts, grounds, and continuity.
- Service and replace batteries; test protective circuitry.
- Maintain and repair Gas Turbine Engines and auxiliary equipment.
- Monitor and control circuits, inspect wiring, cables, and connectors.
- Maintain alarm and warning systems.
- Work from blueprints, schematics, and charts.
- Perform work area inspections and system checks.
- Adjust and replace switches (contacts, relay, micro, pressure, temperature).
- Work under a mentor while learning the trade.
Gas Turbine Electrical Systems Technician (More Responsibility, Some Leadership)
- Does everything a Maintainer does, plus:
- More independent work and troubleshooting.
- Perform detailed maintenance on control circuits, warning systems, and auxiliary equipment.
- Repair and calibrate sensors, switches, and electrical connectors.
- Conduct inspections, operate test equipment, and oversee system performance.
- Mentor and supervise Maintainers with limited oversight.
Gas Turbine Electrical Systems Manager (Leadership & Oversight)
- Oversee engine operations and personnel during maintenance.
- Guide alignment of piping systems and turbine operations.
- Manage repairs on engines, pumps, and valves.
- Analyze reports, troubleshoot issues, and provide technical guidance.
- Train and mentor Technicians and Maintainers.
Working With High-Powered Systems
Maintainers learn and perform repairs. Technicians take charge of troubleshooting. Managers lead and oversee operations. These Sailors keep the power flowing so the ship stays operational.
Rank Structure
Pay Grade | Rate | Abbreviation | Title |
---|---|---|---|
E-1 | Fireman Recruit | FR | Fireman Recruit |
E-2 | Fireman Apprentice | FA | Fireman Apprentice |
E-3 | Fireman | FN | Fireman |
E-4 | Gas Turbine Systems Technician (Electrical) Third Class | GSE3 | Petty Officer Third Class |
E-5 | Gas Turbine Systems Technician (Electrical) Second Class | GSE2 | Petty Officer Second Class |
E-6 | Gas Turbine Systems Technician (Electrical) First Class | GSE1 | Petty Officer First Class |
E-7 | Chief Gas Turbine Systems Technician (Electrical) | GSEC | Chief Petty Officer |
E-8 | Senior Chief Gas Turbine Systems Technician (Electrical) | GSECS | Senior Chief Petty Officer |
E-9 | Master Chief Gas Turbine Systems Technician (Electrical) | GSECM | 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
After Boot Camp at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, GSEs go through specialized training to operate, repair, and maintain shipboard electrical systems for gas turbine propulsion.
Initial Training
Basic Engineering Common Core – Great Lakes, IL (10 weeks)
- Mechanical theory, piping systems, tools, and safety procedures.
- Technical documentation and Maintenance Material Management System (3M).
- Hands-on training with instruments, lubricants, gears, pumps, and valves.
GSE Strand Technical School – Great Lakes, IL (16 weeks)
- Gas turbine engine and propulsion theory.
- Digital logic control systems, electromechanical and electrohydraulic devices.
- Power distribution, electrical math, schematics, and circuit analysis.
- CPR training and troubleshooting AC/DC circuits.
- Group instruction and hands-on practical training.
After training, GSEs are assigned to a fleet unit at sea or a shore station. The majority of time is spent on ships at sea.
Advanced Training & Career Growth
- Additional technical training is available later in the career.
- Promotion is competitive and based on performance.
- Officer roles are available for those with leadership potential and a college degree.
Post-Service Opportunities
GSE training translates to civilian jobs in:
- Power plant operations.
- Industrial machinery mechanics.
- Electrical maintenance and troubleshooting.
Qualifications to Join
Basic Requirements
To qualify as a GSE, you need:
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- U.S. citizenship and eligible for security clearance.
- Mechanical ability and experience working with machines or electrical systems.
- Some education in physics.
- Good use of hands (manual dexterity).
- Normal color perception (no exceptions).
ASVAB Requirements (Waivers considered case-by-case)
- VE + AR + MK + MC = 210
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 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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