Join the Coast Guard > Information Systems Technician (IT)

ITs are responsible for establishing and maintaining Coast Guard computer systems, analog and digital voice systems (telephones and voice-mail), and installing and maintaining the physical network infrastructure that ties the systems together. ITs at sea support tactical command, control, communications, and computer systems. Types of Duty ITs are stationed throughout the Coast Guard, including Alaska and Hawaii. ITs work out of large and small shops, Communications Area Master Stations, and on all major cutters. The large shops are called Electronics Systems Support Units (ESUs) and smaller shops are known as Electronic Systems Support Detachments (ESDs). From these units, ITs are dispatched to Coast Guard shore units, SAR Stations, and cutters to maintain, repair, or install their computer and telephone equipment. Training Available Being an Information Systems Technician requires a vast knowledge of electrical theory along with practical hands-on skills needed to manage, repair, maintain, and install telephone systems, and network cabling and computer systems. IT 'A' School is one of the longest in the Coast Guard at 25 weeks. Located in Petaluma, CA (just 1 hour north of San Francisco), personnel will learn how to install the Coast Guard's standard computer system image on server and client workstations, how to maintain Microsoft Exchange servers, how to install telephone and network copper and fiber-optic cable, and will learn how to perform moves, adds, and changes on private branch exchange and electronic key telephone systems. Coast Guard 'C' Schools are available to mid-career ITs who are responsible for maintaining telephone services such as voice mail, auto attendant, voice-mail upgrades, and telephone class of service modifications. At mid-career, high-performing ITs may compete for selection to the Advanced Computer, Engineering, and Technology education program, which provides two years, full-time, paid-for college for the member to obtain an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Technology. Qualifications To be an IT, you should have an interest in telephone and computer systems, an aptitude for detailed work, and be above average at solving mathematical problems. You must have normal color vision. Practical experience or prior training in telephone, or computer systems maintenance and repair is helpful, but not required. Related Civilian Jobs Telephone Technician Network Technician Computer Systems Technician Voice and Data Technician Telecommunications Technician Central Office Technician