This guide provides helpful information for those looking to join the Navy as a Missile Technician (MT) during the Fiscal Year 2025.
The Navy doesn’t play around with weapons—especially not nuclear missiles. That’s why Missile Technicians (MTs) are the ones making sure they’re built right, stored right, and launched when needed.
You don’t just push a button. You have to know every piece of that missile. Hydraulics, electrical systems, valves, bolts—if something’s off, you fix it. No second chances.
If you want a job where precision matters, pressure is high, and failure isn’t an option, this is it.
ENLISTMENT BONUS: Future Navy MTs are currently eligible to receive up to $5K in cash bonus just for signing up.
Job Description
Missile Technicians (MT) are Navy enlisted Sailors who perform maintenance on the Strategic Weapons System (SWS) on Ballistic Missile Submarines (SSBN) or the Attack Weapons System (AWS) on Guided Missile Submarines (SSGN).
MTs handle the Navy’s mMTs operate, test, and repair the ballistic missile systems on submarines. Their job is to make sure everything works perfectly, every time.
Where They Work
- Ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs), working in tight, high-security spaces.
- Missile assembly facilities, preparing and maintaining weapons before deployment.
- Shore stations in the U.S., performing tests, repairs, and missile handling operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain and repair ballistic missiles and submarine launch systems.
- Operate and troubleshoot fire control, guidance, and hydraulic air systems.
- Manage electrical distribution panels, voltage regulators, and digital computer systems.
- Calibrate and align missile components, optical measuring equipment, and support handling gear.
- Test and repair ballistic missile guidance systems.
- Monitor and secure missile launch spaces aboard submarines.
The Numbers
- Around 450 Missile Technicians serve in the Navy.
- Work is often confined, requires precision, and happens under close supervision.
This isn’t just another job. One small mistake could compromise an entire launch system. MTs are the ones making sure America’s most powerful weapons stay mission-ready.
Different Roles as Missile Technician
Strategic Weapons Manager
The one in charge. Oversees maintenance, operations, and training for nuclear-capable ballistic missiles and launch systems.
- Manages assembly, repair, and maintenance of missiles and launchers.
- Handles advanced electronics and navigation systems linked to Strategic Weapons Systems (SWS).
- Trains personnel to ensure flawless execution of missile operations.
Strategic Weapons Operator
The hands-on expert. Maintains, assembles, and repairs ballistic missile systems.
- Works with electronic, electro-mechanical navigation, and targeting systems aboard submarines.
- Conducts testing, troubleshooting, and system calibrations.
- Supports training and deployment of SWS.
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 | Missile Technician Third Class | MT3 | Petty Officer Third Class |
E-5 | Missile Technician Second Class | MT2 | Petty Officer Second Class |
E-6 | Missile Technician First Class | MT1 | Petty Officer First Class |
E-7 | Chief Missile Technician | MTC | Chief Petty Officer |
E-8 | Senior Chief Missile Technician | MTCS | Senior Chief Petty Officer |
E-9 | Master Chief Missile Technician | MTCM | 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 Submarine School – Groton, CT (4 weeks).
- Introduction to submarine systems and operations.
- Basic Mechanical Skills – Groton, CT (3 weeks).
- Hands-on training in basic mechanics used in missile maintenance.
Advanced MT Training
- Class “A” (NIDA) – Kings Bay, GA (5 weeks).
- Training in basic electronics, electricity, and digital theory.
- Class “C” – Kings Bay, GA / Bangor, WA (23 weeks).
- Advanced electronics, missile systems, and Trident II launch system repairs.
- AWS Replacement – Kings Bay, GA (5 weeks).Required only for MTs assigned to SSGN platforms.
- Training on Tomahawk missile systems and launch equipment.
First Assignments
- MTs serve on ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) or at missile assembly plants.
- Primary duty stations: Bangor, WA, and Kings Bay, GA.
- Typical career split: 50% time at sea, 50% at shore stations.
Career Advancement
- Enlist as an E-1 (Seaman Recruit).
- Accelerated promotion to E-4 (Petty Officer Third Class) after completing the training pipeline, if eligibility is maintained.
- Submarine Pay: Begins at Basic Enlisted Submarine School ($75–$600 per month).
- Sea Pay: Begins at E-4, in addition to Submarine Pay.
- Opportunities for specialized training and leadership roles later in a career.
Post-Service Opportunities
- Highly transferable skills for civilian careers in electronics, missile systems maintenance, and defense technology.
Qualifications to Join
Basic Requirements
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Must be a U.S. citizen and eligible for a security clearance.
- Must pass a Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) and Personnel Reliability Program (PRP) screening.
- Must volunteer for submarine duty.
- Active duty obligation: 6 years (4-year enlistment + 24-month extension).
ASVAB Score Requirements
- AR + MK + MC + VE = 218 or
- VE + AR + MK + AO = 218
Skills & Personal Traits
- Good vision and normal color perception – Critical for working with electronics and system components.
- Strong memory and attention to detail – Precision is key when handling nuclear missile systems.
- Comfortable speaking in front of small groups – Briefing teams and coordinating work is part of the job.
- Leadership experience – Helps with advancement and managing maintenance teams.
- Competence with tools, equipment, and machines – Hands-on technical work is required daily.
- Manual dexterity – Many repairs require precise, steady hands.
- Team-oriented mindset – MTs work in high-security, high-pressure environments—cooperation is a must.
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 Missile Technician (MT), 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: