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Navy Enlisted Rating (Job) Descriptions and Qualification Factors

Electricians Mate (EM)

By Rod Powers, About.com

General Info:

EM's are responsible for the operation of a ship's electrical power generation systems, lighting systems, electrical equipment and electrical appliances. The duties include installation, operation, adjustment, routine maintenance, inspection, test and repair of electrical equipment. EM's also perform maintenance and repair of related electronic equipment.

What They Do:

The duties performed by Electrician Mate's include: installing power and lighting circuits; repairing distribution circuits; running wiring for lights and other equipment; maintaining operating efficiency of distribution panels, switches, switchboards, controllers, voltage regulators, current transformers and voltage transformers; maintaining operating efficiency of electric motors; repairing electrical equipment and appliances; installing and maintaining storage batteries; inspecting, maintaining, testing and repairing electric power equipment; maintenance and repair of shipboard elevator systems; interpreting electrical sketches, diagrams and blueprints. maintenance and repair of various propulsion and auxiliary control consoles; connecting electric power machinery and electric power equipment;

Detailed List of Required Duties

ASVAB Score:

VE+AR+MK+MC=209

Other Requirements:

Must have normal color perception .

Technical Training Information:

Enlistees are taught the fundamentals of this rating through on-the-job training or formal Navy schooling. Advanced technical training is available in this rating during later stages of career development.

    Great Lakes, IL -- 131 calendar days
    Great Lakes, IL -- 19 calendar days
    Great Lakes, IL -- 82 calendar days
    Great Lakes, IL -- 26 calendar days

Introduction to technical documentation, basic mechanical theory, safety precautions and programs, alignment and operation of piping systems and equipment, hand tools, precision instruments, lubricants, bearings, couplings, gears, valves, pumps and the Maintenance Material Management System (3M) Group instruction and practical application Engineering Electrical Core Great Lakes, IL 81 days CPR, electrical math, basic schematics, AC/DC circuits, solid state characteristics, logic systems. Group instruction.

CPR, electrical math, basic schematics, AC/DC circuits, solid state characteristics, logic systems Group instruction and practical application After "A" school, some USN EM's are assigned to specialized training in particular equipment.

After training, USN EM's may be assigned to ships of all types, naval shipyards, repair bases and other facilities ashore in the United States or overseas. They may also participate in the Navy Nuclear Field Program. During a 20-year period in the Navy, EM's spend about 65 percent of their time assigned to fleet units and 35 percent to shore stations. TAR EM's are assigned to NRF ships on both coasts, but not overseas. Upon completion of sea tours, TAR EM's will be assigned to reserve centers across the country including the heartland. While assigned to a reserve center TAR EM's will train and administer Selected Reserve Personnel.

Working Environment:

Most work in the EM rating is performed indoors, under varied conditions at sea and ashore. Work may be done in a shop-like environment. EM's do mostly physical work of a technical nature and usually work closely with other ratings. USN EM's are stationed primarily aboard USN deploying ships, TAR EM's are stationed aboard Naval Reserve Force (NRF) ships that deploy or conduct local operations.

Note: EM SS (submarine duty) is closed to women.

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