Submarines

The challenging missions and rigorous living conditions of submarines require a specially trained crew. Submarines have many specialized systems not present on other ships, such as environmental systems, dive systems and special propulsion systems. Since the entire U.S. sub fleet is nuclear powered, there is also a constant need for nuclear trained personnel.

Applicants interested in these specialized fields can find a home in the submarine community. Sailors in other fields can become submariners, too, if they have what it takes to live in a submarine environment and meet the qualifications required of submariners.

Qualifications for Submariners

• Must be male and meet all general Navy requirements
• Must volunteer and pass psychological screening
• Some submariners in highly specialized fields such as nuclear engineering must enlist for longer periods than the standard four–year agreement
• Must pass all submarine training
• Must complete submarine qualifications within a specific timeframe while onboard ship

Getting Started

You can put yourself on the path toward the submarine force from the day you enlist. Talk to your recruiter about certain fields that lead to duty on submarines, such as nuclear engineering (which involves extensive training), or you can request the assignment if you have a skill needed on a submarine. It is also possible to switch to submarine duty later in your Navy career, but since much of a sub’s equipment is unique and requires special training, it is best to make the decision early in your enlistment.