CHAPTER 1 



THE SONAR TECHNICIAN 



A substantial force of conventional and nu- 

 clear-powered submarines, many of them capable 

 of launching nuclear missiles, represents a po- 

 tential threat to our country's security and a 

 continuing challenge to our Navy's antisubmarine 

 forces. 



To meet this challenge, U. S, Navy ships and 

 submarines continually conduct exercises in anti- 

 submarine warfare (ASW) operations, revising 

 tactics and evaluating new methods and equipment 

 used for detecting and destroying enemy under- 

 water craft. Destroyers are our main antisub- 

 marine (A/S) surface vessels. They provide 

 protection against submarines for major surface 

 ships by forming a sonar screen around the ship. 

 Upon detection of a submarine trying to pene- 

 trate the screen, the destroyer initiates an attack, 

 and the main body turns away from the contact 

 area. Destroyers also operate in special A/S 

 forces called hunter-killer groups, whose function 

 is to actively seek out and destroy enemy sub- 

 marines. Our own submarines — particularly nu- 

 clear-powered types withtheir generally superior 

 detection equipment— play an equally important 

 role in ASW. They are capable of selecting the 

 depth that provides the best underwater de- 

 tection conditions. Additionally, they have the 

 endurance to conduct surveillance operations 

 over wide ocean areas. 



The Sonar Technician, whether aboard ship or 

 submarine is a vital member of the Navy's 

 ASW team. All Sonar Technicians must learn to 

 operate the sonar equipment installed in their 

 ship. This requirement includes not only manip- 

 ulating controls, but also interpreting data derived 

 from sonar, fire control, and associated equip- 

 ment. Sonar Technicians also must be able 

 to maintain the sonar in good working condi- 

 tion. 



This text is a self-study training course 

 designed to help you meet the professional 



qualifications required for advancement to Third 

 Class Sonar Technician. Although this course is 

 limited to unclassified material, much of your 

 work will deal with classified equipment and 

 information. You should never discuss with 

 strangers details of your work, nor reveal in- 

 formation concerning equipment characteristics 

 and capabilities. These restrictions apply also 

 to shipmates who have no need to know the 

 information. Violation of security regulations can 

 result in punishment by court-martial. 



The remainder of this chapter gives informa- 

 tion on the enlisted rating structure, the Sonar 

 Technician rating, requirements and procedui'es 

 for advancement in rating, and references to 

 help you work for advancement and to perform 

 your duties as a Sonar Technician. Also included 

 are suggestions on how to make the best use 

 of Navy Training Courses. Before you begin 

 studying the rest of this course, therefore, you 

 should study the remainder of this chapter very 

 carefully. 



ENLISTED RATING STRUCTURE 



The two main types of ratings in the present 

 enlisted rating structure, are general ratings 

 and service ratings. 



GENERAL RATINGS identify broad occupa- 

 tional fields of related duties and functions. 

 Some general ratings include service ratings; 

 others do not. Both Regular Navy and Naval 

 Reserve personnel may hold general ratings. 



SERVICE RATINGS identify subdivisions or 

 specialties within a general rating. Although 

 service ratings can exist at any petty officer 

 level, they are most common at the P03 and 

 P02 levels. Both Regular Navy and Naval Reserve 

 personnel may hold service ratings. 



