Sonar technicians operate equipment to locate and track underwater objects. Military organizations are the main employers, and training is usually part of military job training. Sonar technicians can work on land or at sea, and may need to obtain security clearance. Advancement in the military can lead to increased salaries and benefits. In the civilian world, sonar technicians can work for research ships and private companies.
A sonar technician operates sonar equipment used to identify, locate and track objects underwater. Sonar can be used for navigation, communication, and exploration of the ocean and other environments. Regional government military organizations are the main employer of sonar technicians. You can become a sonar technician by qualifying and joining the navy, air force, or other military branch in your region that uses sonar for its operations. The training required to become a sonar technician is usually offered as part of the military job training process that occurs at the beginning of a military career.
If you become a sonar technician, you can work in land operations or at sea on a boat, ship or submarine. When deployed offshore, technicians can be away for several weeks at a time. Ship and submarine work environments for sonar technicians are often small and enclosed. A sonar technician’s job involves reading sonar instruments, tracking data, monitoring screens and testing equipment.
Regional military branches often have recruitment standards that you will need to follow to become a sonar technician. This can include physical fitness standards and educational level requirements, such as needing to have completed high school. You may need to obtain a security clearance to become a sonar technician. The clearance process usually includes a background check, personal interview and request for a reference.
In the US military, the training process to become a sonar technician takes place after completing basic training. It is a series of specialized courses lasting many weeks. Sonar technicians who complete military training attend classes and learn job duties while living at the training center.
In the military, after completing the training process to become a sonar technician, you can advance through the ranks with increases earned in rank. New ranks can be earned through a combination of time spent in service, job performance, and commander’s recommendation. As military rank increases, so do salaries and benefits, depending on regional military standards.
Sonar technicians in the civilian world often work on research ships and for private companies. Some people choose to become a sonar technician working for a research company or university after gaining experience working in the field while in the military. Sonar survey can be used to study underwater environments, map new areas and track fish populations.
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