Professional Apprenticeship Career Tracks (PACT) is a program designed for enlisted Sailors to enter into an apprenticeship program that provides apprentice-level formal training and on the job training that leads to a permanent rate/career field within two years. It is a great program for those individuals who are unsure what specific career field interests them at their initial time of enlistment. Every rating belongs to one of the three areas in the PACT Program and has credentials related to them.

Navy E-PACT - Engineering/Fireman Professional Apprenticeship Track

This enlistment program option enables men and women to eventually qualify for one of several Navy ratings (skill specialties) through on-the-job Fireman Professional Career Track (PACT) training. The program also offers apprenticeship training in a rating that may not be available at the time of enlistment.

This enlistment program option enables men and women to eventually qualify for one of several Navy ratings (skill specialties) through on-the-job Fireman Professional Career Track (PACT) training.

The program also offers apprenticeship training in a rating that may not be available at the time of enlistment.

After completion of recruit training, enlistees in the PACT program will attend a three-week Engineering Common Core course on basic theory in shipboard engineering operations and evolutions.

After successful completion of this training, Fireman are usually assigned to shipboard duties where the Navy needs them the most.

Fireman can request, and may receive on-the-job training in a rating that they are interested in, qualified for, and is available at their first command, by completing correspondence courses and personal qualification standards They must also be recommended by their commanding officer for the Navy rating they desire.

Firemen may also attend Navy schools to learn about general damage control, shipboard fire fighting, preventive maintenance of special equipment, and the use of special tools used in the rating they are working in or seeking.

What They Do

The duties performed by Fireman include:

• standing underway engineering watches and operating analog, digital and plasmatic display units.

• using hand and power tools while working with complex machinery

• repairing, maintaining, and preserving engineering and associated equipment in preparation for underway operations

• keeping accurate electronic and written records

• observing safety standards associated with engineering machinery

• standing power plant and ship security watches while in port and underway

• operating electrical and sound-powered communication systems

• serving as a member of damage control, emergency, and rescue and assistance teams

• taking part in underway replenishment (transferring fuel and supplies from ship to ship at sea)

• working with qualified personnel to gain on the job training and experience, which will qualify for working with qualified personnel to gain job training and experience.

Qualifications and Interests

Fireman must be able to get along well with others and to speak clearly. Other qualities include resourcefulness, a good memory, curiosity, physical strength, and manual dexterity, the ability to work as a team member and to perform repetitive tasks.

Advancement

Enlistees enter the Navy as E-1s (Fireman Recruits). Advancement to E-2 (Fireman Apprentice) may be achieved after nine months of successful naval service, with advancement to E-3 (Fireman) after an additional nine months.

Career Path After Recruit Training

Fireman are taught fundamental skills needed in a shipboard environment. Most training takes place at the first duty station in the form of on-the-job training in the rating for which they are "striking." By "striking" for a specific Navy rating a qualified person may be assigned to a Navy class "A" technical school for further training in that rating.

Navy Ratings In The Fireman Professional Apprenticeship Career Track Program

Propulsion

EN – Engineman

GSM – Gas Turbine Systems Technician (Mechanical)

GSE – Gas Turbine Systems Technician (Electrical)*

MM – Machinist Mate

EM – Electrician’s Mate

IC – Interior Communications Electrician*

Precision Welding/Fabrication/Plumbing

DC – Damage Controlman

HT – Hull Maintenance Technician

* Class "A" technical school required.