This guide provides helpful information for those looking to join the Navy as an Interior Communications Electrician (IC) during the Fiscal Year 2025.
Communication isn’t just important—it’s critical in the Navy. Defense. Safety. Coordination. When systems fail, things go bad fast.
That’s where Interior Communications Electricians (ICs) come in.
On a massive ship, in rough seas, with live ammunition on board, you can’t afford a bad connection. You need skilled professionals who can fix alarms, secure communication networks, and keep systems running—fast.
But this job isn’t just about maintenance. ICs need to think on their feet, come up with solutions, and make quick decisions. Sometimes, there’s no manual, no step-by-step guide—just the problem in front of you.
As an IC, you’ll be the one ensuring communications stay strong across the fleet—no matter what.
Job Description
Interior Communications Electricians (IC) are Navy enlisted Sailors who operate, coordinate, and maintain various systems on a ship, including alarm, warning, and indicating systems, interior communication systems, the ship’s speed and steering control systems, power generation, and distribution systems, data conversion and distribution systems, aviation monitoring and landing aids, information and training systems, gyroscopic navigation systems, and environmental systems.
These professionals read blueprints, study system diagrams, and inspect circuits. They test equipment, troubleshoot failures, and oversee repairs.
Electrical, fiber optic, hydraulic, mechanical—whatever needs fixing, they handle it. Machines, signals, gears turning, systems talking to each other.
They work in all kinds of places—on ships, at bases, out at sea, or on solid ground. Most of the time, they’re indoors, in a controlled environment, something like a workshop. The conditions stay steady.
It’s a technical job. Requires focus. A steady hand. They work with electronics, communication systems. No room for guesswork. Everything has to function.
Only about 2,200 of them in this field. Not a big group, but a tight one. They rely on each other. Keep things running.
Most of the systems? Modern. Solid-state electronics. No outdated junk. Just circuits, wires, and high-tech equipment. They keep it all in working order.
Specific Responsibilities
Interior Communications Electricians keep the lines open. They install, fix, and maintain the gear that makes shipboard communication work. Also on shore. Wherever the job takes them.
They do a little of everything—making sure radios, intercoms, and ship-wide systems don’t fail. Even the TV entertainment systems.
Some of their work includes:
- Fixing and maintaining interior communication systems.
- Reading blueprints, wiring diagrams, sketches—figuring out what goes where.
- Installing and checking dry cell and storage batteries.
- Recharging wet cell batteries.
- Testing communication lines and gyrocompass systems.
- Installing and maintaining phones, buzzers, circuit boxes, switchboards—keeping everything connected.
- Taking care of plotters, navigation tools, dead reckoning systems, and TV setups.
They work behind the scenes, but when something breaks, they’re the ones who get it running again.
Different Roles
The Interior Communications crew keep things running. Some lead. Some fix. Some operate. All important. Here’s how it breaks down:
Interior Communication Administrator
They plan. They manage. They make sure everything stays on track. Big projects, small ones—doesn’t matter. They:
- Mentor junior Sailors. Train them up.
- Write reports. Keep track of progress.
- Make schedules for maintenance, especially when systems get overhauled.
Interior Communication Operator
Hands-on work. They install and maintain the communication systems people rely on. That means:
- Setting up video broadcasts and monitoring feeds.
- Keeping ship entertainment running.
- Taking shifts in the IC shop. Always watching, always fixing.
Interior Communication Technician
If it’s broken, they fix it. If it runs, they keep it that way. They handle:
- Electrical, fiber optic, electrohydraulic systems—you name it.
- Alarms, safety warnings, navigation, entertainment, and communication setups.
- Visual landing aids. Data feeds. The little things that keep everything working.
They also take on watchstanding—keeping systems up and running, no matter what.
Every role matters. Without ICs, communication stops. Systems fail. Nothing works the way it should. They make sure that never happens.
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 | Interior Communications Electrician Third Class | IC3 | Petty Officer Third Class |
| E-5 | Interior Communications Electrician Second Class | IC2 | Petty Officer Second Class |
| E-6 | Interior Communications Electrician First Class | IC1 | Petty Officer First Class |
| E-7 | Chief Interior Communications Electrician | ICC | Chief Petty Officer |
| E-8 | Senior Chief Interior Communications Electrician | ICCS | Senior Chief Petty Officer |
| E-9 | Master Chief Interior Communications Electrician | ICCM | 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 Career Opportunities
Training Begins at Great Lakes
After Boot Camp in Great Lakes, future Interior Communications Electricians (ICs) head straight into Advanced Technical Training at Class “A” Technical School—also in Great Lakes, IL.
Training Breakdown:
- Length: 21 weeks
- Focus Areas:
- Electrical & electronic fundamentals
- Mechanical theory
- Electrical math & schematics
- AC/DC circuits
- Basic technical documentation
Some graduates move on to specialized training, like gyrocompass systems or advanced TV maintenance. Others go straight to duty stations, learning hands-on through on-the-job training (OJT).
Life After Training
Once schooling is complete, ICs rotate between shore duty and sea duty, serving aboard ships or at bases in the U.S. and overseas. Over a 20-year Navy career, expect to spend:
- 65% of the time with fleet units (ships, deployments, sea duty)
- 35% at shore stations (bases, training facilities, repair centers)
Advancement & Promotion
Promotion in this field is competitive and performance-based. ICs with strong skills and leadership ability have plenty of chances to move up.
Here’s the Navy Interior Communications Electrician (IC) Ratings Table with responsibilities from E-1 to E-6:
| Paygrade | Rate | Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| E-1 | Seaman Recruit (SR) | – Basic training and familiarization with shipboard life – Assists in routine maintenance and cleaning tasks – Observes and learns from senior personnel |
| E-2 | Seaman Apprentice (SA) | – Performs basic electrical and communication system maintenance – Assists with troubleshooting and repairs – Begins learning technical documentation and schematics |
| E-3 | Seaman (SN) | – Gains hands-on experience with IC systems (phones, alarms, navigation aids, video distribution) – Assists in installation and testing of circuits and equipment – Stands watch in the IC shop |
| E-4 | Interior Communications Electrician Third Class (IC3) | – Conducts inspections and preventive maintenance on IC systems – Troubleshoots and repairs electronic and mechanical components – Maintains gyrocompasses, sound-powered phone circuits, and video distribution systems – Stands duty as a watchstander in IC spaces |
| E-5 | Interior Communications Electrician Second Class (IC2) | – Leads junior personnel in system repairs and maintenance – Oversees the installation and calibration of IC equipment – Performs in-depth troubleshooting on complex electronic systems – Maintains shipboard alarm and safety systems |
| E-6 | Interior Communications Electrician First Class (IC1) | – Supervises and trains junior ICs – Develops maintenance schedules and oversees system upgrades – Manages IC shop operations and ensures system readiness – Coordinates with leadership on communication and navigation system performance |
This table breaks down rank progression, job duties, and leadership responsibilities for IC Sailors as they move up the chain.
Post-Navy Career Opportunities
The training and real-world experience gained as an IC can translate into civilian careers in electronics, communications, and technical fields. Many ICs earn professional certifications, making them highly valuable in the private sector.
From training to career growth, becoming an Interior Communications Electrician is a highly technical, hands-on job that keeps critical Navy systems running—at sea and on shore.
Qualifications to Join
To become an Enlisted Sailor and Interior Communications Electrician in the Navy, you need a high-school diploma or equivalent. U.S. citizenship and eligibility for security clearances are also required.
This job needs a mix of technical skills, problem-solving, and hands-on work. Before getting started, there are a few key requirements.
Basic Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Must be a U.S. citizen—no exceptions.
- Security clearance required—this job deals with sensitive systems.
- Normal color vision is a must—wires, circuits, and displays rely on it.
Skills That Make a Good IC
- Math skills above average. A lot of calculations, schematics, and troubleshooting involved.
- Good with hands. Wires, tools, machines—this is hands-on work.
- Clear communicator. ICs need to explain issues and solutions in a way that makes sense.
- Interested in tech. If electronics, navigation systems, and data networks sound boring, this probably isn’t the right fit.
Other Traits That Help
- Works well with a team. Ships and shore stations depend on teamwork.
- Pays attention to details. Reports, schematics, wiring diagrams—mistakes aren’t an option.
- Physically capable. Might be working in tight spaces, lifting equipment, or standing watch for long periods.
- Fine with repetitive tasks. A lot of maintenance and system checks—same work, different day.
If all of this sounds good, the next step is training. That’s where ICs learn the technical skills they’ll use every day, whether on a ship, base, or deployed overseas.
ASVAB Requirement
Applicants must score the minimum ASVAB score below to qualify to join the Navy as an Interior Communications Electrician (IC).
ASVAB for IC:
- 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 an Interior Communications Electrician (IC), 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:
