Communication Network Technician Nuclear Submariner
As a Communication Network Technician Nuclear Submariner, you'll help write a new chapter in Navy history by making a meaningful contribution to the deployment of Australia's first conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines. At any given moment, hundreds of complex networked computer systems are operating in tandem to keep our submarines operating at their best. When a network goes down, vital information may be lost, from global satellite data to special intelligence communications. That's why it's critical that trained Communication Network Technician Nuclear Submariner are on board to ensure networks and related systems are configured and operated properly, and errors are fixed without interruption to the mission.
What you'll do
You’ll be responsible for the effective management of the submarine’s communications and networked capabilities and providing expert operational support to command. Your duties will include the operation, routine care, repair, management, and maintenance of the complex electronic and communications equipment onboard. On any given day, you could be analysing, configuring, testing, or evaluating networks and other data driven systems. Ashore, you may apply your skills to roles in advanced network operations, administration, maintenance, and training.
Your duties may include:
- maintaining and operating radios, network modelling, analysis and planning
- researching and providing recommendations on network and data communications hardware and software solutions
- managing secure materiel and access controls
- acting as a lookout at sea while your submarine is on the surface or sentry when in port.
As a submariner, you'll also perform additional general duties that support the whole submarine, including:
- submarine security, firefighting and first aid
- assisting with medical, ammunitioning or ceremonial duties
- shift work, or on-call duties as required
- emergency response (damage control).
Opportunities for progression and upskilling continue throughout your career. As you progress, the Navy will provide you with development opportunities to assist you with your increasing leadership responsibility, as well as further education and specialised training within your chosen role. This will set you up to run a highly skilled team of sailors in a variety of tasks, both at sea and ashore.
Following initial military training in Australia, you’ll move to the United States to complete Basic Enlisted Submarine School and then ‘A’ School, both of which are located in Groton, Connecticut. Sea postings may be on submarines operating out of Western Australia, Hawaii, Guam, Connecticut and San Diego, and shore postings will be in both Australia and the United States.
Discover where the Navy operates across Australia on our base locations map.
One of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done is receiving my dolphins at sea
Requirements and training
You must be an Australian citizen to serve in the ADF. However, Australian permanent residents may be eligible. For more details, visit the "Citizenship" tab on the Eligibility Requirements page.
You can apply for a role in the ADF from 16.5 years of age and must be at least 17 to join. The maximum age to join is 57 years.
You must be at least 18 years of age on commencement of overseas training.
You don’t need a standard Australian driver’s licence for this role but if you have one, it can’t be suspended or cancelled.
All ADF members require a security clearance. As an ADF member, you’ll need to obtain the appropriate level of security clearance for your role. You’ll need a collection of relevant information including background checks and/or interviews so the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) can make an informed assessment to ensure the protection of Government resources and information. Your Careers Coach will explain what level of clearance is required for the career you are considering.
For more information or to learn about how security clearance will apply to you, view the eligibility requirements page.
You’ll need to have completed Year 12 (no ATAR required), with passes in Year 10 English and Maths.
Note: Consumer Maths, Maths in Society and similarly 'modified' maths are not suitable for this job. Year 10 Trade and Business Maths is acceptable.
The Navy is currently reviewing how US Navy trade training can be recognised. If earning an Australian trade certification early in your career is a priority for you, you’re encouraged to explore the Marine Technician Submariner or Electronics Technician Submariner roles.
To join the Navy, it's important that you meet the necessary medical and physical requirements. Regular exercise prior to joining will set you up for success as it is an important part of training and service life.
Once you join, Navy will support your physical conditioning to ensure you're prepared to serve. You'll also have access to chef-made meals, gyms, sports and fitness sessions run by physical training instructors. Throughout your Navy career, you’ll be expected to conduct an annual fitness test which includes a plank as well as either a beep test or run/walk or swim.
During the application process you’ll be assessed through a questionnaire about your medical history and a physical examination.
The Navy swim test
During Navy Military Training, whether heading to the New Entry Sailor Course (Recruit School) or the New Entry Officer Course, you'll need to pass a swim test wearing your uniform to graduate. This includes:
- safety jump off a 3m tower
- 10m underwater swim
- 50m swim using survival strokes
- treading water or floating for 15 minutes.
For further details on medical and physical fitness standards, refer to physical fitness standards for entry into the ADF and medical process for entry into the ADF.
You’ll be enlisted for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of 3 years. Subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service. You’ll have a Careers Coach who can advise on how IMPS will relate to your chosen occupation and personal situation.
You may request discharge at any time provided you do not have an outstanding IMPS obligation.
Information Systems Technician Communications – Submariner trainees must hold Negative Vetting 1 (NV1) clearance before commencing overseas training, and will subsequently require a Positive Vetting (PV) clearance on completion of training.
Note: This position will require you to comply with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR Compliant), which is an additional set of compliance checks.
Selection to overseas nuclear-powered submarine training is not guaranteed. If you are unsuccessful during selection or are unable to compete the overseas portions of the training, you may be given the opportunity to transfer to another role in the Navy, including but not limited to Collins Class submarine service.
Australian Submarine Agency Screening
Due to the security settings of the Nuclear-Powered Submarine Program, members will be subject to additional eligibility and suitability screening by the Australian Submarine Agency (ASA). This screening also considers foreign partner security requirements. Please speak directly with an ADF Careers member for more information.
Course: New Entry Sailor Course (NESC)
Duration: 10 weeks
Location: Recruit School at HMAS Cerberus, Vic
You’ll conduct your initial sailor training at the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Recruit School prior to commencing specific category training. The NESC course is designed to prepare you to conduct basic duties as a sailor.
NESC Course
- Physical fitness: General fitness and the Navy swim test.
- Military life: General service knowledge including drill and ceremonial procedures.
- Specialty skills: Weapons training, workplace safety, first aid and sailing.
- Navy skills: Seamanship, corrosion control, survival at sea and fire and flood control.
After successfully completing all components of the course, you’ll participate in a Graduation Parade to mark the occasion. You’ll have the opportunity to invite family and friends to view the parade.
On completion of your NESC course, you’ll proceed to your respective employment training.
Course: Certificate II Electrotechnology
Duration: 18-20 weeks
Location: HMAS Cerberus, VIC
This course covers competencies for work entry program providing grounding in safety and basic skills and knowledge for work in any electrotechnology discipline. This course will serve as a pathway to further learning.
On completion of this course, you will receive an AQF Level 2 Certificate II.
Course: SSN-V Preparation Course
Duration: 4 weeks
Location: Submarine Training Systems Centre, HMAS Stirling, WA
This course is all Virginia Class SSN learners to familiarise them with the RAN submarine common requirements and prepare them to transition into the USN SSN-V Program including completion of associated pre-deployment prerequisites, like medical, security, visa and information briefs.
Course: Basic Enlisted Submarine School
Duration: 10 weeks
Location: Groton, Connecticut (USA)
This course provides an introduction to submarines and prepares you for your first posting to a nuclear-powered submarine. You’ll learn the basic skills required for both general submariner and role-specific duties, including damage control and security operations, escape procedures, use of hull structure and closures, and understanding ballast and air systems.
Course: Information Systems Technician Communications – Submariner ‘A’ School ITR-SM
Duration: 22 weeks
Location: Groton, Connecticut (USA)
You’ll receive extensive training in the operation and maintenance of advanced electronic equipment and computers used in submarine communications systems networks. You’ll be responsible for the operation, routine care, repair, and management of local databases, Local Area Networks (LAN), complex electronics, exterior communications systems, communications infrastructure, and communications computers. You’ll also receive training on how to maintain and manage cryptographic material at sea and ashore.
On completion of your employment training ashore, you’ll post to your submarine and progress your role-specific and broader submariner qualifications which culminate in the award of your Dolphins (the badge of all qualified submariners).
There are opportunities for a wide range of personal and professional development training and education, and leadership training continues throughout your career.