Information Systems Technician Submarines
Manages information systems and networks aboard submarines.
Overall
Quick Stats
Security Clearance
Secret~$3K–$15K civilian sector value
Requires a National Agency Check with Local Agency Check and Credit Check (NACLC). Processing typically takes 1–3 months and is initiated early in your training pipeline.
ASVAB Requirements
Who This Is Best For
Best for IT professionals who want submarine duty pay bonuses on top of strong civilian career skills. If you want the camaraderie of an elite submarine crew combined with networking and cybersecurity expertise, this rate delivers both professional growth and a unique military experience.
+Pros
- ✓Strong civilian career transition
–Cons
- ✗Long A-school pipeline
Real Opinions
+Positive
“The brotherhood shared between submariners is unmatched by other organizations. The pay is excellent, the health care is great, and there are plenty of options for education advancement.”
“You will meet lifelong friends that become family and get to experience things you could not imagine.”
“Best decision I made was going ITS. The clearance alone is worth it, and the skills transfer directly to six-figure civilian jobs.”
–Critical & Mixed
“Once you volunteer for submarines, your entire career is as a submarine sailor. The schedule is arduous if you have a family, with a 60-hour work week being about the best you can hope for.”
“Be prepared for shore duty boredom and watch rotations. The clearance process is also stressful and takes forever.”
“ITS on a submarine means you're responsible for every network, communication system, and radio on the boat. When comms go down at depth, the entire mission stops until you fix it. The pressure is intense and there's no calling a help desk. The submarine schedule and isolation compound the stress of being the sole IT person aboard.”
Recruiter vs Reality
What the recruiter says vs. what it's actually like.
🫡 Recruiter says
“You will work with cutting-edge cyber technology and get a top secret clearance!”
💀 Reality
Source: MyNavyRates researchThe clearance is real and valuable, but daily work can involve a lot of routine network maintenance and help-desk tickets. Cutting-edge tech varies widely by command.
🫡 Recruiter says
“ITS gets submarine pay on top of regular pay.”
💀 Reality
Source: sailor forumsTrue, submarine duty pay adds $75-$450/month depending on rank. But you earn it. Submarine life means no sunlight, tight quarters, limited communication, and 6-month patrols.
🫡 Recruiter says
“ITS does the same work as IT but on submarines.”
💀 Reality
Source: veteran feedbackTrue, but submarine life adds a completely different dimension. You maintain networks in a sealed tube underwater for 6+ months. The technical work is similar to IT but the lifestyle is radically different.
🫡 Recruiter says
“"You don't need to research rates — I'll match you with the perfect one at MEPS."”
💀 Reality
The job classifier at MEPS has a list of available rates and a goal to fill them. They are not a career counselor — they are filling seats. Come to MEPS with a ranked list of rates you have already researched and refuse to sign for anything not on your list. You have the right to walk away and come back. Do not let anyone rush you into a decision you will live with for years.
🫡 Recruiter says
“"The Navy will give you a Top Secret clearance — that alone is worth $50K."”
💀 Reality
Source: general_red_flagThe Navy submits you for a clearance if your rate requires one. The clearance belongs to the government, not you, and it lapses after separation if not picked up by a cleared employer. Its value is real but conditional.
🫡 Recruiter says
“"You'll make E-4 automatically — promotion is fast."”
💀 Reality
Source: general_red_flagE-4 is semi-automatic. After that, you compete against every other person in your rate. Some rates have E-5 selection rates under 15%. Promotion above E-4 is earned, not given.
🫡 Recruiter says
“"Your recruiter can guarantee you won't go to a submarine."”
💀 Reality
Source: general_red_flagIf your contract does not say submarine, you probably will not go — but some rates have submarine variants you can be assigned to. The only guarantee is what is written in your contract.
🫡 Recruiter says
“"Hazing doesn't happen anymore — the Navy cracked down on it."”
💀 Reality
Source: general_red_flagFormal hazing has decreased, but informal pressure, traditions, and toxic leadership still exist in some commands. If you experience it, report it — the protections are real. But pretending it is completely eliminated is not honest.
🫡 Recruiter says
“"The commissary and NEX save you tons of money."”
💀 Reality
Source: general_red_flagThe commissary is tax-free and roughly 25% cheaper. The NEX has some deals. But neither is Amazon, and the selection is limited. The savings are real but modest — not the financial game-changer recruiters imply.
Training Pipeline — Total ~30 weeks (7 months)
Ship Date Calculator
Enter your MEPS ship date to see when you'll complete each stage.
Promotion SpeedEarn higher pay fasterAverageManning 87%
| Cycle (Year) | Eligible | Selected | Promotion % |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-4252-Spring(2024) | 223 | 86 | 39% |
| E-4252-Fall(2024) | 205 | 78 | 38% |
| E-5252-Spring(2024) | 63 | 61 | 97% |
| E-5252-Fall(2024) | 41 | 49 | 120% |
| E-6252-Spring(2024) | 122 | 10 | 8% |
| E-6252-Fall(2024) | 127 | 17 | 13% |
Bonuses — Click here to see your military pay
Enlistment Bonus
No active bonus for this rate
You May Qualify for a Navy Enlisted Classification (NEC)
Specialties within this rate you can select, some with additional compensation. Each NEC has its own training, bonus potential, and career path.
Primary specialty code for Information Systems Technician Submarines rating
Advanced specialty code for experienced Information Systems Technician Submarines personnel
Potential Civilian Post-Navy Outcomes
Systems Administrator
Transferability: 8/10
$60k–$95k
Lifestyle7/10
Ship vs. Shore Split
40% / 60%
Deployment Frequency
Moderate
Physical Demand
low — indoor
Watch Standing
4-section watch rotation (8 on / 16 off)
In a 4-section rotation, the crew is divided into four teams. Each team stands a 6-hour watch shift, then has 18 hours off before their next watch. In port, you stand 24-hour duty roughly every 4 days — meaning you stay aboard the ship overnight on your duty day.
Watch stations often in climate-controlled spaces. SCIF access may be required for some watches.