Navy Enlisted Rating Job and Qualification Factors

The Information Systems Technician of the 21st century operates and maintains the Navy's global satellite telecommunications systems, mainframe computers, local and wide area networks, and micro-computer systems used in the fleet.

Administrative support is also provided with the operation of automated equipment that keeps records of personnel training, disbursement, health, assignments and promotions within the Navy. They ensure the all-important communications link between units at sea and stations ashore. The duties performed by ITs include:

• Designing, installing, operating and maintaining state-of-the-art information systems technology including local and wide area networks, mainframe, mini and microcomputer systems and associated peripheral devices
• Writing programs to handle the collection, manipulation, and distribution of data for a wide variety of applications and requirements
• Performing the functions of a computer system analyst
• Operating and coordinating telecommunications systems including automated networks and the full spectrum of data links and circuits
• Transmitting, receiving, operating, monitoring, controlling and processing all forms of telecommunications through various transmission media including global networks
• Applying diagnostic, corrective and recovery techniques to all facets of the integrated information systems
• Maintaining all necessary logs, files, and publications at the communications center
• Providing telecommunications and computer-related training and assistance to a wide variety of personnel

Working Environment

Information Systems Technicians usually work in a clean, air-conditioned electronic equipment space or computer room, and frequently perform their work as part of a team, but may work on individual projects. Their work is mostly mental analysis and problem-solving. USN ITs are stationed primarily aboard USN deploying ships, Full-Time Support (FTS) ITs are stationed aboard Naval Reserve Force (NRF) ships that deploy or conduct local operations.

A-School (Job School) Information

Great Lakes, IL: 96 calendar days

After "A" school, USN Information Systems Technicians are assigned to all types of ships and shore stations, and to communication stations in the United States and overseas. FTS Information Systems Technicians are assigned to NRF ships in CONUS. Upon completion of sea tours, FTS ITs will be assigned to reserve centers across the country including the heartland. While assigned to reserve centers FTS ITs will train and administer Selected Reserve Personnel.

• ASVAB Score Requirement: AR + 2MK + GS = 222 OR AR + MK + EI + GS = 222
• Security Clearance Requirement: Secret Clearance, with Background Investigation (BI) required.

Other Requirements

• Must have normal color perception
• Must have no speech impediment
• BI required
• Must be a U.S. Citizen

Normal hearing required. Frequencies: 3000hz 4000hz 5000hz 6000hz Average hearing threshold level in these four frequencies must be less than 30db, with no level greater than 45db in any one frequency. If hearing level exceeds these limits, the applicant is enlistment ineligible for the rating.

• Sub-Specialties Available for This Rating: Navy Enlisted Classification Codes for IT
• Current Manning Levels for This Rating: CREO Listing

Advancement (promotion) opportunity and career progression are directly linked to a rating's manning level (i.e., personnel in undermanned ratings have greater promotion opportunities than those in overmanned ratings).

Sea/Shore Rotation for This Rating

• First Sea Tour: 48 months
• First Shore Tour: 36 months
• Second Sea Tour: 48 months
• Second Shore Tour: 36 months
• Third Sea Tour: 36 months
• Third Shore Tour: 36 months
• Fourth Sea Tour: 36 months
• Forth Shore Tour: 36 months

Sea tours and shore tours for sailors that have completed four sea tours will be 36 months at sea followed by 36 months ashore until retirement. Some overseas assignments count as sea tours.