At any given moment, hundreds of complex networked computer systems are operating in tandem to keep ships and submarines operating at their best. When a network goes down, vital information may be lost, from global satellite data to special intelligence communications. Thats why its critical that trained Information Systems Technicians are on board to make sure networks and related systems are designed and operated properly, and errors are fixed without any interruption to the mission. Want to start your journey with the Navy? Information Systems Technicians manage communication operations and networks aboard Navy vessels, and play a vital role in everything from electronic mail systems to special intelligence and information warfare systems. There are two types of Information Systems Technicians depending on whether you choose to serve on ships or submarines. INFORMATION SYSTEMS TECHNICIAN (IT) Establishing, monitoring and maintaining radio frequency communication systems Managing and coordinating information systems security across platforms and fleets Designing, installing and operating wide-area-networks, computer systems and associated devices Performing network system administration, maintenance and training and manage network security Installing applications, troubleshooting user problems and providing training and assistance with use of computer hardware and software Writing programs to collect and distribute data for a variety of applications Ensuring the proper security and handling of communications materials, systems and equipment Performing diagnostics and data recovery operations and maintaining logs Establishing, monitoring and maintaining radio frequency communication systems Managing and coordinating information systems security across platforms and fleets Designing, installing and operating wide-area-networks, computer systems and associated devices Performing network system administration, maintenance and training and manage network security Installing applications, troubleshooting user problems and providing training and assistance with use of computer hardware and software Writing programs to collect and distribute data for a variety of applications Performing diagnostics and data recovery operations, and maintain logs Operating and maintaining electronic equipment used for detection and tracking, communication security and cryptography and Electronic Warfare Systems Operating and maintaining testing and auxiliary equipment Ensuring the proper security and handling of communications materials, systems and equipment As an IT, you are primarily stationed aboard ships at sea, while youll serve aboard submarines as an ITS. Your typical work environment will be a clean, climate-controlled indoor space used to house electronic equipment or computers. Training & Advancement Upon completion of initial training at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes (known as Boot Camp), both ITS and ITs report for specialized training, including: Class "A" Technical School (24 weeks) in Pensacola, FL (for ITs) or Groton, CT (for ITSs) for training on Microsoft, Cisco and Oracle computer software and hardware fundamentals, automatic data processing, security, and system theory and operation. After "A" School, Information Systems Technician Submarines (ITS) will also attend submarine training: Basic Enlisted Submarine School (8 weeks) in Groton, CT, for training in basic submarine systems. Note that this training is only for Information Systems Technician Submarines (ITS). After completing training, ITs and ITSs will receive their first assignments. ITs may be assigned to a ship, communication station or shore station, while ITSs may be assigned to a submarine, communication station or shore station. Promotion opportunities are regularly available but competitive and based on performance. Advanced Training Advanced training as an Information Systems Technician may be available during later stages of your career. Specialized training received and work experience gained in the course of service can lead to valuable credentialing and occupational opportunities in related fields in the civilian world, such as IT and network support, computer programming, web development, and information security. Beyond offering access to professional credentials and certifications, Navy technical and operational training as an Information Systems Technician can translate to credit hours toward a bachelors or associate degree through the American Council on Education . You may also continue your education through undergraduate degree opportunities like the Navy College Program and Tuition Assistance and the Post-9/11 GI Bill. S. citizen eligible for a "Top Secret" security clearance, which requires a background investigation. Immediate family members must also be U.IT and ITS applicants should have good arithmetic, writing and speaking skills, and should be able to use and understand computers. Part-Time Opportunities Serving part-time as a Navy Reserve Sailor, your duties will be carried out during your scheduled drilling and training periods. During monthly drilling, Information Systems Technicians in the Navy Reserve typically work at a location close to their homes. For annual training, you may serve anywhere in the world, including locations in the U.at bases overseas, or in areas where humanitarian needs are great. Most of what you do in the Navy Reserve is considered training. The basic Navy Reserve commitment involves training a minimum of one weekend a month (referred to as drilling) and two weeks a year (referred to as Annual Training) - or the equivalent of that. Before receiving the ongoing professional training that comes with the job, initial training requirements must be met. For current or former military Enlisted servicemembers, prior experience satisfies the initial Recruit Training requirement, so you will not need to go through Boot Camp again. For those without prior military experience, you will need to meet the initial Recruit Training requirement by attending Boot Camp in Great Lakes, IL. This training course will prepare you for service in the Navy Reserve and count as your first Annual Training.