Are you looking for a Navy shipboard position that is multifaceted in nature and also comes with a lot of responsibility?Maybe you have a desire to work on one of the Navy’s more technologically advanced submarines.Whatever your individual case may be, then entering into the Navy Sonar Technician career field may just be the right choice for you.This has been a highly important and respected navy job since its inception in 1943.The job name may have changed a few times over the years but the critical nature of this shipboard or submarine position has not.Navy Sonar Technicians help with all different types of sonar related systems aboard frigates, cruisers, destroyers, and submarines.It’s a great Navy job for those that know how to pay attention to detail and have a strong desire to sail all over the world.Here is what it takes to qualify to start training to become an enlisted US Navy Sonar Technician:Here are the types of technical training that Navy Sonar Technicians have to go through.This is the standard navy electronics foundation courseThis course will not only expand upon what the recruit learned in basic electronics school but also go into detail about how to operate and maintain sonar systems, electronic systems, data collection equipment, and underwater surveillance equipment.The course introduces the new Navy recruit to basic submarine systems and what it’s like to be a member of ‘The Silent Service’.Teaches the aspiring submariner basic electricity, electronics, and computer technical knowledge and skills.It also teaches STS technicians’ underwater surveillance techniques and how to collect scientific data.Navy pay, like all branches of the military, is based on rank and time in service.Most new US Navy Sonar Technicians will start out at the pay grade of Seaman Recruit (E-1).In cases where a recruit has special job-related knowledge or training, they may start out as a Seaman Apprentice (E-2) or Seaman (E-3). The ability to do repetitive tasks and get along well with people is helpful.STs must be U.S. citizens eligible for security clearances. STs must have no speech impediments. The training is rigorous and the career opportunities are equally impressive. The length of A School training to become a Navy Sonar Technician depends on whether your specialty is in surface vessels or submarines. Navy A School is the first stage of technical training for your specific rating. Individuals will attend Navy A School after they have completed boot camp. Advertiser Disclosure: This site may be compensated through the advertiser affiliate program (at no cost to you). Originally established as the Sonarman rating in 1943, the title was changed to Sonar Technician in 1964.The Navy's computerized personnel system associates the rating name with an alphanumeric Navy Occupational Specialty (NOS) code. Sonar Technicians, Surface (STG) operate surface sonar and other oceanographic systems; manipulate, control, evaluate, and interpret sonar and oceanographic data. For the STS rating, you'll need a combined score of 222 in the arithmetic reasoning (AR), math knowledge (MK), electronics information (EI) and general science (GS) segments of the ASVAB. Normal hearing and normal color perception are required. The school is located in Groton, Connecticut.Sonar Technicians, Surface (STG) operate surface sonar and other oceanographic systems; manipulate, control, evaluate, and interpret sonar and oceanographic data. For STG, the NOS is B340; for STS, C230.Sonar Technicians are responsible for operating sonar systems, underwater fire control systems, and supporting equipment on surface ships such as frigates, destroyers and cruisers.STs are also responsible for undersea surveillance, and aid in safe navigation and search-and-rescue operations. Navy A School does not have as many restrictions as boot camp, but does not have as many freedoms as a sailor will once they complete training. Those a part of the Advanced Electronics Training will first complete a six week basic electronics course in Great Lakes, and after completion of the "A" school, they will attend class "C" school which could range between 27 to 58 weeks in San Diego, California. All Rights Reserved. For surface (STG), it’s 16 weeks. They coordinate submarine sonar and underwater fire control interface, and perform organizational and intermediate maintenance on submarine and allied equipment.Sea tours and shore tours for Sailors that have completed four sea tours will be 36 months at sea followed by 36 ashore until retirement.Sonar Technicians should have excellent hearing, an aptitude for electricity and electronics, skills in arithmetic, speaking and writing, the ability to do detailed work, keep records, and perform as a team member. Here is the current paytable for Navy enlisted personnel:Other forms of pay, benefits, and incentives that Navy Sonar Technicians can get are:Whether you do this job on or under the water it is a highly technical position that requires attention to detail and teamwork to perform it successfully.The equipment is sophisticated but the most important aspect of this job will be your eyes and ears.It will help keep your entire ship or submarine crew out of harm’s way and you will also be an integral part of your vessels offensive wartime capabilities.Here are some of the duties that Navy Sonar Technicians are expected to perform:Navy Sonar Technicians can reasonably expect to spend over 60% of their time aboard a ship or submarine.That does not bode well for those who are married and raising children.Those stationed together on ships and especially submarines generally form tight bonds that often turn into lifelong friendships.Here is a video that talks more about what Navy Sonar Technicians do:Here is what two former Navy enlisted members who were Sonar Technicians had to say about their job experiences on the website Although you may not get to pick and choose your location, there are surprisingly many jobs that are available in the civilian world for former Navy Sonar Technicians.Some of these jobs are military associated and others are not.Unrelated sonar technician jobs include such things as ocean floor mapping and water salvage operations.Here is a random list of companies that are known to employ Ex-Navy Sonar Technicians:Navy Sonar Technicians are paid according to rank and time in service.