Missile Technician

Overview

Navy Missile Technicians (Submarines) (MT) maintain and operate the electronic computers and electromechanical support systems that control submarine strategic weapons systems. MTs operate the computer systems, controllers, and other digital systems that control fleet ballistic missile systems. This includes maintaining electrical panels, rectifiers, switches, voltage regulators, and transformers that operate the system. Missile Technicians test and repair the guidance systems for these weapons, calibrating, aligning, and repairing optical measuring components and support handling equipment.

MTs are also charged with providing security in missile launch areas on submarines.

• Maintain ballistic missiles and their components.
• Test and maintain missile launch systems, including hydraulic and high‑pressure air systems.
• Maintain and operate ballistic missile fire control systems and equipment for Trident submarines.
• Test and ensure the operating efficiency of electrical components, such as distribution panels, controllers, rectifiers, voltage regulators, and transformers.
• Test, calibrate, and repair ballistic guidance systems.
• Operate and adjust optical measuring equipment.
• Maintain logs and prepare reports on testing, calibration, and equipment maintenance.
• Provide security in the missile launch area when aboard submarines and maintain control of any classified material.

• US citizenship is required.
• Must be between the ages of 18 and 41.
• Must have good vision and normal color perception.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must volunteer for duty onboard submarines.
• Must have no adverse adjudicated drug abuse offenses.
• Can have no history of drug or alcohol abuse.
• Must pass the Navy’s Personal Reliability Program (PRP) screening.
• Must be eligible for a security clearance based on a Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI).
• Must meet minimum ASVAB aptitude scores:
  Arithmetic Reasoning (AR) + Mathematics Knowledge (MK) + Mechanical Comprehension (MC) + Verbal Expression (VE) ≥ 218.
• Missile Technicians incur a six‑year active‑duty obligation; sailors enlist for four years and must also agree to extend for an additional two years.

Like all other Navy enlisted personnel, MTs must successfully complete 10 weeks of Navy Boot Camp at the Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes (RTC Great Lakes). The training Missile Technicians complete is much more extensive than that required of most other ratings in the US Navy. After Boot Camp, MTs spend four weeks of indoctrination at Basic Enlisted Submarine School (BESS) in Groton, Connecticut, and then attend three weeks of classes at the Basic Mechanical Skills School.

A School for Navy Missile Technicians lasts five weeks and takes place at Kings Bay, Georgia, where MTs learn basic electronics, digital theory, and fundamentals of electricity. Class “C” School takes place at Kings Bay or Bangor, Washington, and includes 23 weeks of advanced training in electronics, electricity, and mechanical systems, focusing on repair of Trident II missiles and associated launching systems.

Training involves both group instruction and equipment labs.

MTs assigned to SSGNs must also attend the five‑week AWS Replacement course in Kings Bay to learn advanced electronics, electricity, and mechanics related to the Tomahawk missile system. Successful completion allows accelerated advancement to E‑4, provided the sailor maintains eligibility for the MT rating. An MT can undergo up to 40 weeks of training before first deployment.

Missile Technicians are responsible for the repair, maintenance, and assembly of nuclear‑capable ballistic missiles aboard submarines and maintain associated electro‑mechanical navigation and targeting systems. The job involves a steady workload with tasks ranging from maintaining missiles and testing launch systems to operating fire‑control equipment and calibrating guidance systems. Work is primarily indoor, with occasional outdoor duties such as missile loading. The role requires physical and mental aptitude and offers a 50/50 sea‑shore rotation…