This guide provides helpful information for those looking to join the Navy as a Gas Turbine Systems Technician – Mechanical (GSM) during the Fiscal Year 2025.
Not all Navy jobs are about working with massive engines. But if you want to operate turbines and propulsion systems, this is the job.
As a Gas Turbine Systems Technician – Mechanical, you’ll run and maintain gas turbines, propulsion equipment, fuel systems, and steam systems. You’ll work with the power that drives the ship forward.
If you’re interested, let’s go.
Job Description
Gas Turbine Systems Technicians – Mechanical (GSMs) operate, repair, and maintain gas turbine engines, propulsion machinery, and auxiliary systems. If it powers the ship, moves the shafts, or controls propulsion, GSMs are responsible for it.
Most work happens in engine rooms or workshops aboard modern Navy ships, where it can be hot, loud, and physically demanding. Some GSMs also work at shore repair or training facilities.
With around 2,800 Sailors in this rating, GSMs are a critical part of the ship’s engineering team.
GSMs spend about 65% of their career at sea and 35% on shore duty. Most of their service is spent operating and maintaining propulsion systems on Navy ships.
Fun fact: Did you know they’re nicknamed ‘Snipes‘? Here’s Why…
Specific Responsibilities
GSMs operate and maintain gas turbine engines and propulsion systems. Their work includes:
- Maintaining, repairing, and running gas turbine engines, generators, and auxiliary equipment.
- Reading and working with blueprints, schematics, and diagrams.
- Testing lubricants and fuels for contamination and quality.
- Maintaining air and fuel systems that keep the ship running.
- Inspecting and troubleshooting engines and equipment for issues.
- Operating main propulsion systems and engineering controls.
- Maintaining seawater, waste drain, oil purification, and valve systems.
- Working on steam systems and pitch propeller systems.
- Inspecting and maintaining work areas to meet safety standards.
This job requires technical knowledge, physical endurance, and problem-solving skills.
Different Roles
Gas Turbine Mechanical Systems personnel operate, maintain, and repair gas turbine generators, propulsion systems, and critical shipboard machinery.
Two roles: Maintainers start with hands-on learning, while Technicians take on more responsibility and leadership.
Gas Turbine Mechanical Systems Maintainer (Entry-Level, Hands-On Work)
- Operate and maintain Ship’s Service Gas Turbine Generators (SSGTG) and support systems.
- Maintain controllable pitch propellers, pumps, turning gears, air compressors, and engineering controls.
- Read and use blueprints, schematics, and charts to repair gas turbine engines and auxiliary equipment.
- Perform preventive maintenance on fuel systems, air systems, seawater service systems (SWSS), and waste drain systems.
- Test lubricating oil and fuels for contamination.
- Conduct engine checks and adjust or replace switches (pressure, temperature, micro-switches, relay switches).
- Handle administrative tasks related to propulsion systems.
- Work under a mentor while learning the trade.
Gas Turbine Mechanical Systems Technician (More Responsibility, More Independence)
- Does everything a Maintainer does, plus:
- Works more independently and supervises Maintainers.
- Oversees repairs and maintenance of gas turbine engines, auxiliary equipment, and fuel systems.
- Inspects, tests, and monitors lubricating oil and fuel quality.
- Conducts in-depth troubleshooting on propulsion systems.
- Handles all administrative processes for turbine maintenance.
Hands-On Work That Keeps the Ship Moving
Maintainers learn the systems and do the work. Technicians take charge and oversee repairs. Both keep the ship’s turbines running.
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 (Mechanical) Third Class | GSM3 | Petty Officer Third Class |
| E-5 | Gas Turbine Systems Technician (Mechanical) Second Class | GSM2 | Petty Officer Second Class |
| E-6 | Gas Turbine Systems Technician (Mechanical) First Class | GSM1 | Petty Officer First Class |
| E-7 | Chief Gas Turbine Systems Technician (Mechanical) | GSMC | Chief Petty Officer |
| E-8 | Senior Chief Gas Turbine Systems Technician (Mechanical) | GSMCS | Senior Chief Petty Officer |
| E-9 | Master Chief Gas Turbine Systems Technician (Mechanical) | GSMCM | 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, GSMs receive specialized training to operate, maintain, and repair gas turbine engines and propulsion systems.
Initial Training
Basic Engineering Common Core & GSM “A” School – Great Lakes, IL (15 weeks)
- Mechanical theory, safety procedures, and technical documentation.
- Piping systems, tools, instruments, and Maintenance Material Management System (3M).
- Watch standing procedures and alignment of propulsion machinery.
- Gas turbine engine theory and digital logic control systems.
- Electromechanical and electrohydraulic devices.
- Power distribution and electrical systems.
- Hands-on training with group instruction and self-paced learning.
After training, GSMs are assigned to fleet units at sea or shore stations. Some may receive temporary general duty at sea while awaiting advanced training.
Advanced Training & Career Growth
- Additional technical training 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
GSM skills translate directly to civilian jobs in:
- Industrial machinery maintenance.
- Power plant operations.
- Mechanical and electrical systems repair.
Qualifications to Join
Basic Requirements
To qualify as a GSM, you need:
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- U.S. citizenship and eligible for security clearance.
- Mechanical ability and experience working with machines.
- 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 + AS = 195 OR
- VE + AR + MK + AO = 200
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 – Mechanical (GSM), contact your local Navy Enlisted Recruiter. They will provide you with more detailed information you’re unlikely to find online.
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