
	Information Systems Technician	IT
	Information System Technicians perform core and specialty functions of communications operations, message processing, and network administration and security; establish, monitor, and maintain Radio Frequency (RF) communications systems; perform spectrum management within an area of responsibility; handle, store, and retrieve incoming and outgoing messages; perform network system administration, maintenance and training; manage, plan and coordinate unit-level information systems security and integration across platforms, fleets, and services; and ensure the proper security, distribution, handling, accounting, reporting, and control of Communications Security (COMSEC) materials, systems, and equipment.

The Information Systems Technician of the 21st century perform core and specialty functions of network administration; install applications and peripherals, troubleshoot user problems, and provide assistance with the use of computer hardware and software including printers, word-processors, electronic mail systems, and operating systems; conduct system backups and restores; utilize knowledge of database management systems to maintain, administer, test, and implement computer databases; and work with General Service (GENSER), unclassified, and Special Intelligence (SI) systems including Global Command and Control System-Maritime (GCCS-M), Navy Tactical Command Support Systems (NTCSS), Tactical Support Center (TSC) data processing systems, Integrated Bridge Systems (IBS), Integrated Communications and Advanced Networks (ICAN), Shipboard Wide-Area-Networks (SWAN), and ship’s control or engineering systems.

What They Do

The duties performed by ITs include:

- designing, installing, operating and maintaining state-of-the-art information systems technology including local and wide area networks, mainframe, mini and microcomputer systems and associated peripheral devices;

- writing programs to handle the collection, manipulation and distribution of data for a wide variety of applications and requirements;

- performing the functions of a computer system analyst; - operating and coordinating telecommunications systems including automated networks and the full spectrum of data links and circuits;

- transmitting, receiving, operating, monitoring, controlling and processing all forms of telecommunications through various transmission media including global networks;

- applying diagnostic, corrective and recovery techniques to all facets of the integrated information systems;

- maintaining all necessary logs, files and publications at the communications center;

- providing telecommunications and computer-related training and assistance to a wide variety of personnel.

Qualifications

Information Systems Technicians must be Applicants must be U.S. citizens and meet eligibility requirements for access to sensitive compartmented information (SCI). Eligibility for a Top Secret clearance is determined by the results of a Single Scope Background Investigation followed by a reinvestigation every five years. IT’s immediate family members must be U.S. citizens. Other helpful characteristics are a good working knowledge of arithmetic, the capability for understanding modern computing devices, the ability to speak and write well and function as a member of an integrated team, do detailed work and keep accurate records, some physical strength and good manual dexterity are important qualifications.

Advancement

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

Opportunities

Because of the skills and expertise needed by the Information Systems Technician, acceptance is limited to highly motivated and qualified applicants. About 10,000 men and women work in the IT rating. Graduates of IT "A" School may be assigned to ships or shore stations in the United States or overseas.

Working Environment

Information Systems Technicians usually work in a clean, air-conditioned electronic equipment space or computer room, and frequently perform their work as part of a team, but may work on individual projects. Their work is mostly mental analysis and problem solving. USN ITs are stationed primarily aboard USN deploying ships, FTS ITs are stationed aboard Naval Reserve Force (NRF) ships that deploy or conduct local operations.

Navy IT - Information Technology Communication Technician

IT Technicians provide technical assistance to computer system users. They answer questions and/or resolve computer problems for clients IT Technicians provide assistance concerning the use of computer hardware and software, including printing, installation, word-processing, electronic mail, and operating systems. They conduct help desk functions and repair fiber optics and a variety of cables. Additionally, IT Technicians conduct day-to-day operations such as system backups and restores, and add, modify, or delete user accounts. They install operating systems, applications and peripherals, troubleshoot user problems, debug command language scripts, and assist the Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO) in access control security (i.e., passwords, access and control lists, etc).

Navy IT - Information Technology Network Technician

In the area of Network Administration, IT Technicians provide technical assistance to computer system users. They answer questions and/or resolve computer problems for clients IT Technicians provide assistance concerning the use of computer hardware and software, including printing, installation, word-processing, electronic mail, and operating systems. They conduct help desk functions and repair fiber optics and a variety of cables. Additionally, IT Technicians conduct day-to-day operations such as system backups and restores, and add, modify, or delete user accounts. They install operating systems, applications and peripherals, troubleshoot user problems, debug command language scripts, and assist the Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO) in access control security (i.e., passwords, access and control lists, etc).

Navy IT - Information Technology Security Manager

Information Systems Technician Security Managers manage, plan and coordinate unit-level security of information systems and integration across platforms, Fleets and services, as well as ensure the proper security, distribution, handling, accounting, reporting, and control of COMSEC materials systems and equipment. Job requirements include graduation from EKMS C School and/or ISSM C School. Personnel in this job are required to have significant security programs experience, including serving as a supervisor of an IT division.

Navy IT - Information Technology Security Technician

Network Security Technicians monitor, detect and report, and protect network computer systems against the threat of network intrusion and unauthorized access. Protect and recover information from loss or damage using backups, virus detection, and recovery software procedures. They manage and validate network system security using hardware, software and established procedures. They work with Information Assurance (IA) and Computer Network Defense (CMD) programs. Network Security Technicians are responsible for network accreditation and certifications.