A sonar technician is a person who works with sonar equipment to identify, locate, and track underwater objects. Navigation, communication, and exploration of the ocean and other environments are all possible with sonar. Sonar technicians are mostly employed regional government military organizations. You can train to be a sonar technician joining the navy, air force, or another military branch that uses sonar in its operations in your area. The training required to become a sonar technician is typically provided as part of the military job training process, which occurs at the start of a military career.
You can work as a sonar technician on land or at sea in a boat, ship, or submarine. When technicians are deployed at sea, they may be gone for several weeks at a time. The working environments for sonar technicians on ships and submarines are typically small and enclosed. Reading sonar instruments, tracking data, monitoring screens, and testing equipment are all part of a sonar technician’s job description.
In order to become a sonar technician, you must usually adhere to regional military branch recruitment standards. Physical fitness standards and educational level requirements, such as a requirement to have completed a high school diploma, are examples of these. To work as a sonar technician, you may need to be able to obtain a security clearance. A background check, personal interview, and reference request are usually part of the clearance process.
The process of becoming a sonar technician in the United States military begins after basic training is completed. It consists of a series of specialized courses that last for several weeks. While living at the training center, sonar technicians who have completed military training attend classes and learn job functions.
After completing the training process to become a sonar technician in the military, you can advance in the position through earned promotions. A combination of time in service, job performance, and commander recommendation can lead to new ranks. Pay and benefits are usually increased as military rank rises, depending on regional military standards.
Sonar technicians work on research ships and for private companies in the civilian world. After earning experience working in the field while in the military, some people choose to work as a sonar technician for a company or a research university. Sonar research can be used to map new areas, study underwater environments, and track fish populations.