Information technology (IT) industry has grown manifold in recent years due to the advancement in technology. Since IT professionals are responsible for maintaining the digital infrastructure of a company.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for IT professionals are projected to grow by 15% in the next decade. IT jobs in Navy focus on video surveillance operations and telecommunication systems. In this article, we will explore some potential IT jobs in Navy and how to get enlisted.
The Available IT Jobs in Navy
The armed forces provide a plethora of opportunities for many job positions–ranging from engineering, medicine, and even technology. Most IT jobs in the Navy focus on providing assistance with computer systems and analyzing communication systems.
On average, full-time employees in the U.S navy have an annual salary of $51,565. So, if you’re looking for IT jobs in the Navy, you can expect a decent amount depending on your position. Most IT jobs in the Navy focus on different responsibilities.
While some IT professionals focus on carrying out duties including database management, network management, and maintaining Navy universal satellites, others are entrusted with advanced programming duties and computer programs. Depending on these independent functions, you can consider a career as a Navy Information Systems Technician.
What Is A Navy Information Systems Technician?
Since information technology (IT) encompasses numerous fields, an Information Systems Technician covers a wide range of services onshore or at sea. Some of the main responsibilities of an IT specialist range from maintaining the Navy’s global satellite telecommunications systems and ensuring an all-important communications link between the fleet at sea and the stations ashore. Let us look at some different job positions within this umbrella term.
Information Systems Technician (IT)
This is an entry-level position where most IT technicians carry out different duties like software and hardware operation and performing tasks related to database management and network management.
This means that you will be expected to be on your feet whilst carrying out these functions. Additional requirements can encompass maintaining necessary files, logs, and publications at the communications center. They also provide telecommunications and computer-related training to a wide variety of US Navy personnel.
Information Systems Technician (IT, ATF)
An Information Systems Technician working in the Advanced Technical field will troubleshoot necessary user issues while working on advanced programming capabilities and automated data processing.
Additionally, they are even responsible for designing information system technology and applying diagnostic and recovery techniques to all facets of the integrated systems. These technicians usually work in an air-conditioned electronic computer room and perform functions individually or occasionally as a group.
Information Systems Technician – Submarine (ITS)
An Information Systems Technician appointed in submarines is accountable for designing, maintaining, and installing information systems and applications.
How To Become A Navy Information Systems Technician?
If you are interested in serving your country and working in the IT department, make sure that you at least have a high school diploma. Some of the minimum requirements of Navy Information Systems Technicians are given below.
Pass The Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery Test
Before you join the Navy, you are required to take the ASVAB test which measures your aptitude level. ASWAB is a timed, standardized test that is used to rate and measure areas of strength in science, math, and language before individuals enlist in the army.
The Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery Test focuses on technical reasoning like numerical operations, coding speed, mechanical comprehension, and general science. These topics are generally divided into 10 individual tests which test your verbal, math, and academic ability. These scores are combined to yield composite scores. To pass the ASVAB exam, you’ll need to acquire at least a minimum score of 31. For IT specialists, the average score on ASVAB tests is 222.
Pass The Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) Medical Exam
The MEPS is an initial screening or physical exam that determines your mental, physical and moral qualifications before you can enlist in the Navy. This is extremely important if you want to qualify for your service in the Navy. Some medical tests in the exam include:
- Height and weight measurements
- Vision and hearing tests
- Drug and alcohol tests
- Urine and blood tests
- Pregnancy tests for women
- Other medical tests if you have an unusual medical history
These fitness standards are administered in accordance with the Army Regulation DOD 6130.03, DODD6130.3 and DODI6130.4. Any medical issues identified by the Military Entrance Processing Station can disqualify you before enlistment.
Attend Boot Camp
New recruits have to attend a Recruit Training Command (RTC) which is known as boot camp. This is an extensive training program that lasts for seven to nine weeks. During your time in the boot camp, you’ll engage in rigorous physical training and learn about the rules and regulations of the U.S. Navy.
Attend Systems Technician School
After completing your training in the boot camp, you’ll have to attend the Systems Technician “A” School to learn the basics of common software systems regardless of the position you want to pursue in the Navy.
The technical program lasts for 24 weeks and gives you an insight into the practical aspect such as learning how to build and monitor networks and facilitating necessary maintenance and repairs in areas related to information and communication systems.
Obtain IT Certifications
After you enlist in the army, you can compete for software certifications to help you advance in your IT field. Since you are serving in the Navy, you can take advantage of a program called Credentialing Opportunities Online (COOL) which allows you to obtain certifications without paying for them. Some certifications that the Navy may cover payment for are listed below:
- ISACA Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
- ISACA Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
- CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+)
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
These qualifications and many more can establish your career as an IT both inside and outside the Navy.
Conclusion
To get IT jobs in Navy, you’ll need to follow several protocols before enlistment. Once you are enlisted in the Navy, you can simultaneously work on advancing your skills and certifications in the IT field.
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