This guide provides helpful information for those considering to enlist in the Navy Reserve as a Sonar Technician – Submarine (STS) during Fiscal Year 2025.
In the ocean’s cold silence, the submarine listens. Its sonar technician listens harder.
The Sonar Technician – Submarine (STS) in the Navy Reserve is the one who finds what hides below.
Every mission depends on what you hear, track, and report. You stand between your crew and the unseen threat.
You will master the underwater battlefield while balancing civilian life with Navy duty. You will shape the Navy’s eyes beneath the waves.
Keep reading—because in this guide, you will learn exactly what it takes to be the hunter in the deep.
Job Role and Responsibilities
Job Description
Enlisted Navy Reserve Sailors specializing as Sonar Technicians – Submarine (STS) operate advanced sonar and oceanographic systems aboard submarines. They detect, track, and classify underwater threats, supporting submarine navigation and undersea warfare operations.
STS Sailors interpret acoustic data, conduct equipment diagnostics, and perform maintenance on classified sonar suites to safeguard the crew and mission.
Daily Tasks
- Operate passive and active sonar systems to detect underwater objects and threats.
- Analyze acoustic signatures and classify contacts based on sonar readings.
- Maintain and repair sonar equipment to ensure operational capability.
- Assist in navigation and targeting using sonar data.
- Brief command on underwater threats and provide real-time assessments.
Specific Roles
Each Sonar Technician (Submarine) holds the Navy rating STS. Additional skills are designated by Navy Enlisted Classification (NEC) codes.
| NEC | Title | Role Description |
|---|---|---|
| 0461 | AN/BSY-2(V) Maintainer | Maintains advanced sonar systems. |
| 0501 | Sonar LCPO (Submarine) | Leads sonar operations and manages personnel. |
| 0505 | IUSS Analyst | Analyzes data from surveillance networks. |
| 0507 | IUSS Master Analyst | Provides expert interpretation of acoustic surveillance. |
| 0518 | AN/BQQ-10(V) Operator/Maintainer | Operates and maintains modern submarine sonar systems. |
| 0520 | Combat Systems Equipment Technician | Maintains sonar and combat control systems. |
| 0530 | AN/BQQ-10(V) TI-10/12 Operator/Maintainer | Operates and services upgraded sonar systems. |
| 0540 | CV-TSC Operator | Operates tactical support centers aboard aircraft carriers. |
Note: Full NEC listings available through official Navy personnel systems.
Mission Contribution
Sonar Technicians are the submarine’s first line of defense. They track enemy submarines, surface ships, and torpedoes.
Their assessments determine tactical movements. They ensure safe passage through hostile waters. Without them, the submarine is blind.
Technology and Equipment
STS sailors use active and passive sonar systems, acoustic processing computers, and underwater communications gear.
Systems include the AN/BQQ-10 series and Integrated Undersea Surveillance Systems (IUSS).
Many STSs train on cutting-edge acoustic analysis tools and classified undersea warfare systems.
Work Environment
Setting and Schedule
Submarines are sealed worlds of steel. The Sonar Technician – Submarine operates within that world, often without natural light for weeks at a time.
The sonar room is a confined space lined with flickering screens and humming equipment.
Days follow the watch rotation—six hours on duty, twelve hours off—as dictated by the rhythms of undersea patrols.
Deployments, however, stretch long. Sixty to one hundred eighty days submerged is common.
On Reserve duty, STS Sailors often serve at IUSS facilities or augment active-duty crews at sea.
Whether beneath the waves or on shore, operational cycles are demanding and deliberate.
Leadership and Communication
The chain of command is tight. STS Sailors report to the Sonar Supervisor, who answers to the Officer of the Deck.
Orders come quickly, and they come sharp. During operations, communication flows between sonar, fire control, and navigation.
Every report, every analysis, feeds into tactical decisions. Briefings are short. Debriefings are blunt. Mistakes in this world are costly.
Team Dynamics and Autonomy
There is no substitute for teamwork inside a submarine. While STS Sailors often sit alone at consoles, interpreting acoustic data in real time, their insights flow to a larger crew.
However, when the ocean demands a quick decision, autonomy matters. You will act fast. You will trust your training.
Yet, your report must fold back into the crew’s coordinated response.
Job Satisfaction and Retention
The mission is demanding. The stakes are real. Yet, for those who endure, the rewards are clear. Retention is steady, bolstered by a sense of mastery and purpose.
Sailors measure success by the contacts they classify, the systems they keep running, and the confidence they earn from their shipmates.
For many, that is worth the solitude and sacrifice.
Training and Skill Development
Initial Training
It starts in Great Lakes. Every enlisted Sailor earns the title in boot camp. Nine weeks of basic military training. Discipline forged in cold mornings and long drills.
Then comes Groton, Connecticut. Nine weeks at Basic Enlisted Submarine School (BESS).
There, you learn submarine systems, escape procedures, and the rules of life below the waves.
The next step is technical. Eighteen weeks of Class ‘A’ School. Electricity, electronics, and the black art of underwater acoustics.
You will know sonar equipment inside out before ever stepping inside a submarine.
| Training Phase | Location | Duration | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recruit Training Command (Boot Camp) | Great Lakes, IL | 9 weeks | Basic military skills and discipline |
| Basic Enlisted Submarine School (BESS) | Groton, CT | 9 weeks | Submarine operations, systems, and safety |
| Class ‘A’ Technical School | Groton, CT | 18 weeks | Electronics, sonar systems, acoustic fundamentals |
Advanced Training
The sea does not care if you are new. Advanced training ensures you are not.
STS Sailors sharpen their skills in the Submarine Electronics/Computer Field (SECF). They learn to work with classified electronics, sonar suites, and shipboard computer systems.
Training continues aboard submarines. Real sonar consoles. Real ocean. Real threats.
There are also specialized NEC pipelines. These prepare you to maintain complex sonar systems, lead sonar divisions, or master Integrated Undersea Surveillance Systems.
Certifications follow. Some qualify you as an electronics technician. Others pave the way for careers beyond the Navy.
Physical Demands and Medical Evaluations
Physical Fitness Standards
Submariners face a hard life. The body must match the mission. Sonar Technicians – Submarine operate in cramped quarters under constant pressure.
Every movement matters. Every hour demands readiness. The Navy’s fitness standards are not just regulations—they are survival tools.
Twice a year, Sailors pass the Physical Readiness Test. The test measures endurance, strength, and core stability.
Long hours seated at sonar consoles require stamina. Emergency situations demand speed and strength.
| Physical Readiness Test (2025) | Male (17-19 yrs) | Female (17-19 yrs) |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5-Mile Run | 12:15 minimum | 14:15 minimum |
| Push-Ups | 46 minimum | 20 minimum |
| Plank | 1:30 minimum | 1:30 minimum |
However, standards are the floor—not the ceiling. Sailors often train beyond the minimum, preparing for the submarine’s harsh reality.
The environment is cold, the air thin, and personal space nearly absent.
Medical Evaluations
The ocean offers no mercy. Medical evaluations ensure only the fit serve beneath it. All candidates pass a detailed screening before entering submarine school.
The focus is sharp—hearing, respiratory function, and psychological resilience.
The submarine demands quiet, so your ears must be sharp. It demands calm under stress, so your mind must be sound.
Ongoing medical checks follow you throughout your service. These checks protect the crew as much as the individual.
Deployment and Duty Stations
Deployment Details
Navy Reserve Sonar Technicians – Submarine serve part-time. Their typical commitment includes monthly drills and a two-week annual training period.
Mobilization to active duty is possible based on operational needs. Deployments vary and may occur in both domestic and overseas settings.
While reserve duties are primarily stateside, deployment on submarines or shore installations worldwide is a real possibility when activated.
Location Flexibility
Duty station assignments are determined by Navy operational requirements. Preferences may be submitted but are not guaranteed.
Sonar Technicians Submarine in the Navy Reserve can expect to serve at naval bases, shipyards, or aboard submarines.
Annual training could take place anywhere the Navy operates—whether in U.S. waters or foreign seas.
Permanent Change of Station moves are less frequent in the Reserve but may occur if mobilized.
Career Progression and Advancement
Career Path
Sonar Technicians (Submarines) – Navy Reserve advance through structured enlisted ranks (or rates). Each rate brings greater technical responsibility and leadership.
| Rate | Abbreviation | Average Time-in-Rate | Primary Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seaman Recruit | SR | Entry | Basic submarine and sonar orientation |
| Seaman Apprentice | SA | 9 months | Basic sonar operations and maintenance |
| Seaman | SN | 9 months | Equipment handling and watchstanding |
| Petty Officer Third Class | STS3 | 12 months | Operate sonar systems under supervision |
| Petty Officer Second Class | STS2 | 36 months | Maintain sonar gear and lead tasks |
| Petty Officer First Class | STS1 | 36 months | Supervise sonar teams and ops |
| Chief Petty Officer | STSC | 42 months | Manage sonar division and training |
| Senior Chief Petty Officer | STSCS | 48 months | Senior enlisted advisor to officers |
| Master Chief Petty Officer | STSCM | Selection-based | Command-level technical authority |
Promotion and Growth Opportunities
Promotion in the Navy Reserve follows time-in-rate, exam scores, and evaluations. Advancement demands technical proficiency, leadership, and readiness.
STS sailors also qualify for advanced NECs:
- STS-0415: AN/BQQ-10(V) Sonar Operator
- STS-0416: Sonar Technician Supervisor
Additional paths include:
- Acoustic Intelligence Specialist
- Submarine Tactical Systems Specialist
- Submarine Operations Instructor
Role Flexibility and Transfers
STS sailors can transition into related roles. Lateral transfers to other ratings or NECs are possible based on performance, billet availability, and qualifications. Eligible senior enlisted can apply for:
- Chief Warrant Officer (CWO)
- Limited Duty Officer (LDO)
These paths offer technical leadership positions without requiring a college degree.
Performance Evaluation
STS advancement hinges on Navy-wide advancement exams, periodic evaluations, and qualifications. Evaluations emphasize:
- Technical mastery of sonar systems.
- Tactical decision-making.
- Leadership and mentorship.
- Adherence to Navy Core Values.
How to Succeed
To excel as an STS:
- Master acoustic analysis.
- Lead with discipline and composure under pressure.
- Commit to lifelong learning in undersea warfare.
- Seek out mentorship and pursue advanced NECs.
Compensation, Benefits, and Lifestyle
Financial Compensation
Reservists are paid to stand ready. Each drill weekend counts as four days’ pay. The Navy pays by rank and time in service.
A Petty Officer Third Class, with over two years, earns just under $2,900 a month when on active duty.
2025 Drill Pay (E-1 to E-4) – Navy Reserve
| Pay Grade | Years of Service | One Drill (4 hours) | Typical Drill Weekend (4 Drills) |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-1 | Over 4 months | $77.30 | $309.20 |
| E-2 | All | $86.64 | $346.56 |
| E-3 | Less than 2 years | $91.10 | $364.40 |
| E-3 | Over 2 years | $96.82 | $387.28 |
| E-4 | Less than 2 years | $100.91 | $403.64 |
| E-4 | Over 2 years | $106.07 | $424.28 |
There is more. Those called for extended duty may collect tax-free allowances and extra pay:
- Housing Allowance (BAH): Based on duty station, rank, and family status.
- Subsistence Allowance (BAS): A fixed monthly sum for meals.
- Submarine Duty Pay: Up to $1,000 a month for qualifying submariners.
Together, these add to a sailor’s base pay. Undersea work commands a premium.
Additional Benefits
Reservists are cared for. TRICARE Reserve Select offers medical coverage at a reduced cost. It covers the sailor and the family.
Education follows. Tuition Assistance offsets costs while serving. The Post-9/11 GI Bill funds degrees after service, books, and housing included.
For retirement, sailors contribute to the Thrift Savings Plan. The government matches contributions up to 5%. Over time, this grows into security.
Life insurance is available. Up to $500,000 in protection at a minimal cost.
Work-Life Balance
The Reserve offers structure without confinement. Most serve one weekend each month and two weeks per year. The rest is yours.
On extended orders, leave accrues at 2.5 days for every month worked.
Military facilities remain open. Commissaries, gyms, and recreation centers are part of the package.
Risk, Safety, and Legal Considerations
Job Hazards
Submarine duty carries inherent risk. Sonar Technicians operate deep beneath the ocean, within confined spaces, and under immense pressure.
The hazards are constant—fire, flooding, mechanical failure, toxic atmospheres, and prolonged isolation.
The sonar systems themselves pose hearing risks if misused. In the submarine force, precision and vigilance are the difference between mission success and catastrophe.
Safety Protocols
Safety is methodical. The Navy enforces strict operational standards. Sonar Technicians train extensively in damage control and emergency procedures.
Fires must be extinguished swiftly. Flooded compartments must be sealed and dewatered. Every crew member qualifies in submarine survival and escape protocols.
Technical safety procedures for sonar arrays and high-voltage systems are enforced without exception. Redundancy is built into every process.
Security and Legal Requirements
All Sonar Technicians (Submarines) must obtain a Secret security clearance. The process examines financial responsibility, foreign affiliations, and conduct.
Access to sensitive systems demands trust and reliability.
Reservists are bound by contract. Standard commitment is eight years, divided between active drilling and time in the Individual Ready Reserve.
Navy Reserve personnel fall under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. They are subject to recall for national emergencies, mobilizations, or operational surges.
Impact on Family and Personal Life
Family Considerations
Reserve duty creates a dual existence. Sonar Technicians balance military obligations with civilian careers and family life.
The Navy Reserve’s part-time structure limits disruptions, but mobilizations can occur with little notice.
Families must prepare for extended periods of separation during annual training or activation.
Support systems are in place. Navy Family Support Centers offer counseling, financial planning, and deployment readiness programs.
Spouses and children gain access to healthcare, base facilities, and military community services.
Relocation and Flexibility
Unlike active-duty sailors, Navy Reservists typically remain close to home. Most serve near their assigned Navy Operational Support Center.
However, voluntary mobilizations or special assignments may require temporary relocations.
Flexibility exists but is mission-dependent. Personal schedules must adjust to drill weekends, annual training, and potential mobilizations.
For families, the balance between civilian life and Reserve obligations demands adaptability and resilience.
Post-Service Opportunities
Transition to Civilian Life
Sonar Technicians leave service prepared. They know sonar, electronics, and acoustics. These skills move easily into civilian jobs.
Many work for defense contractors. Some take roles in commercial shipping or oceanography. Others join NOAA or maritime security firms.
Still, the transition takes planning. Fortunately, the Navy helps with this.
Sailors use SkillBridge to work with civilian companies before discharge. Career programs offer resume building, job placement, and interview preparation.
In addition, education benefits remain. The Post-9/11 GI Bill funds degrees, certifications, and trade schools.
Most Sailors separate honorably. However, early separations require command approval and depend on Navy needs.
Civilian Career Prospects
| Civilian Role | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Sonar Technician – Civilian Maritime | $61,850 |
| Acoustic Technician – Defense Contractor | $75,000 |
| Electronics Technician – Maritime Sector | $69,210 |
| Systems Operator – Oceanography | $66,350 |
| Underwater Acoustic Analyst | $72,000 |
Qualifications, Requirements, and Application Process
Basic Qualifications
The Navy holds firm standards. Sonar Technicians (Submarines) must meet each requirement. No exceptions.
| Requirement | Standard |
|---|---|
| Age | 17 to 41 years old |
| Citizenship | U.S. citizen or legal resident |
| Education | High school diploma or GED |
| ASVAB Score | AR + MK + EI + GS = 218; or VE + AR + MK + MC = 218 |
| Vision | Correctable to 20/20; color vision required |
| Medical | Must pass full Navy physical and screening |
Application Process
Step 1: Meet with a Navy Reserve recruiter.
Discuss the role, service commitment, and qualifications. The recruiter will confirm eligibility and explain Reserve obligations.
Step 2: Take the ASVAB.
Complete the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery. Ensure you meet the required composite score listed above.
Step 3: Complete the physical and medical screening.
Pass the Navy’s medical evaluation, including vision, hearing, and general health assessments.
Step 4: Undergo a background investigation.
This job requires eligibility for a Secret security clearance. The investigation covers criminal, financial, and personal history.
Step 5: Enlist and sign your contract.
Select the Sonar Technician (Submarines) rating. Agree to your service obligation.
Step 6: Attend Navy Recruit Training.
Complete boot camp to prepare for military service.
Step 7: Begin specialized sonar training.
Attend technical schooling focused on sonar systems, undersea warfare, and submarine operations.
Selection Criteria and Competitiveness
The role is selective. Strong ASVAB scores make you stand out. Experience with electronics or mechanics helps. A clean background is mandatory.
Those who thrive are calm under pressure. They follow instructions but also solve problems. The best are precise, disciplined, and reliable.
Is This a Good Job for You? The Right (and Wrong) Fit
Ideal Candidate Profile
This role is for the disciplined and precise. The best Sonar Technicians:
- Stay calm in high-pressure environments.
- Possess strong technical and mechanical aptitude.
- Show attention to fine details.
- Work well in teams but also operate independently.
- Adapt quickly to changing conditions at sea.
- Have interest in electronics, acoustics, or navigation.
They carry quiet confidence. They act decisively when others hesitate.
Potential Challenges
This job is not without strain. Expect:
- Extended periods away from home.
- Life in close quarters with little privacy.
- Technically demanding work under time pressure.
- Occasional last-minute mobilizations.
Those seeking comfort, routine, or lower-risk work may struggle. Submarine duty tests patience and endurance.
Career and Lifestyle Alignment
This role fits candidates who:
- Value part-time service but want meaningful mission-driven work.
- Thrive in demanding technical environments.
- Seek leadership and advancement in the Navy Reserve.
It does not suit those who:
- Prefer full control of their civilian schedule.
- Avoid risk or discomfort.
- Dislike close-quarters teamwork.
This is a job for the patient, the precise, and the resilient.
More Information
If you wish to learn more about becoming an Sonar Technician – Submarine (STS) in the Navy Reserve, 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 Reserve Enlisted submarine jobs:
