While the Navy no longer lobs giant shells from massive guns, our warships are still armed to the teeth with powerful weapons capable of creating a defensive shield and launching an offensive onslaught.
These new highly specialized weapon systems have become more complex to fire and maintain over time as the way we fight has developed.
Now more than ever, an integral person aboard any ship in the US Navy is a highly trained and focused Fire Controlman (FC).
Navy Fire Controlman are specially trained to operate and maintain the highly complex advanced weaponry found on Navy warships.
When you wonder who gets to fire the guns on a ship, the answer is the Fire Controlman.
Can I Become A Navy Fire Controlman?Can I Be A Navy Fire Controlman?
Applicants interested in becoming a Fire Controlman must meet certain requirements to qualify for the Navy’s Advanced Electronics and Computers Field (AECF).
First, applicants must have a high school diploma, and a GED is waiver-able but not often approved.
Like all military hopefuls, a potential Navyt Fire Controlman must complete the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery or ASVAB.
The ASVAB is designed to assess your competency in approximately ten different areas to determine the Navy jobs for which you are best suited.
To qualify for the Navy Fire Controlman rating or FC, a candidate must have a combined score of 222 in:
- Arithmetic Reasoning (AR)
- Mathematics Knowledge (MK)
- General Science (GS)
- Electronics Information (EI)
The FC rating is a six-year enlistment commitment due to the extended training requirements for the job.
As an AECF rating, Fire Controlman are also awarded automatic advancement to E4 or Petty Officer Third Class upon meeting their Time in Grade requirements.
Fire Controlman also must be a U.S. citizen, must be able to speak English fluently, and must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance.
Fire Controlman Training
Upon completion of Navy Recruit Training (Boot Camp), the Sailor must report to the Center for Combat Systems at Training Support Center Great Lakes in North Chicago, Illinois.
Basic Fire Controlman technical training conducted at FC “A” School is approximately 32 weeks long and will introduce you to the foundational concepts necessary to complete your advanced training.
Completing FC A School will earn you the right to call yourself a Fire Controlman and choose orders to your first command.
En route to your first command, you will attend a specialized advanced training school for your weapon system, which can be anywhere from 16 weeks to 32 weeks.
Who Launches Missiles in the Navy?
You do!
A Navy Fire Controlman will operate and maintain their weapon system aboard their assigned ship.
Some of your daily tasks may include:
- Conduct preventative and corrective maintenance on weapon systems, subsystems, and fire control RADAR
- Operate and maintain missile systems and gun control systems as assigned
- Conduct micro/miniature repair on associated peripheral equipment, data conversion units, and RADAR display equipment
- Test performance and readiness on all shipboard fire control systems, combat support systems, and specialized defense systems.
Fire Controlman can launch missiles, fire Gatling guns, and operate grenade launcher cannons.
Navy Fire Controlman
Navy Fire Controlman often enjoys above-average promotion rates and generous reenlistment bonuses throughout their career.
Combined with the specialized training they receive while in the Navy, higher education credits earned during service as a Fire Controlman leads to higher rates of college degrees amongst those of this rate upon separation from naval service.
If a career as a highly trained master of modern weapon systems interests you, reach out to your local Navy recruiter and ask them how to get started on becoming a Navy Fire Controlman.
“In God, we trust, all others we track” -Fire Controlman Slogan.
Want more info on becoming a Navy Fire Controlman? Find your nearest Navy recruiter here!