Torpedoman's Mate Overview
TM

What They Do: The duties performed by TMs include: maintain and repair torpedo launching systems and system components (surface ships' torpedo tubes, and shipping, loading and unloading systems); ensure the safe stowage of weapons; test equipment, using voltmeters, ammeters, meggers and ohmmeters; test and replace portable cable, self-contained relays (plug-in), lamps and fuses; use technical maintenance publications, drawings, schematics and diagrams to locate and identify components and assemblies of electronic equipment, weapons and torpedo launchers; maintain equipment work logs and torpedo record books; inventory torpedo components, tools and test equipment, and requisitioning replacements; use and care for common hand tools, special tools and soldering equipment; perform preventive and corrective maintenance on hydraulic and pneumatic systems and components associated with launching systems; interpret color coding to determine values of capacitors and resistors, and tracing internal connections of power and audio transformers, chassis wiring and multi-conductor cables; test and replace electronic systems; install and remove weapons components from containers; secure and reinstall weapons components in containers; serve as team member performing inspections and final closeout checks on weapons; install and remove torpedo exploder mechanisms; check weapons storage, cooling, ventilating, sprinkler, alarm and dewatering systems.

Other Requirements: Must have normal color perception. Must be eligible for security clearance. No civil or military convictions within the last 36 months. Must be a US Citizen.

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

Class "A" Technical School/SSC Great Lakes, Ill./9 weeks

Basic technical knowledge and skills of electricity and electronics; operation of torpedoes and launch systems/Group instruction and self-paced and practical application. After "A" school, TMs serve on surface craft and tenders, at aviation activities and in torpedo repair shops in the United States or overseas. During a 20-year period in the Navy, TMs spend about 60 percent of their time assigned to fleet units and 40 percent to shore stations.

Working Environment: Work in this rating is usually performed in a clean, shop-like environment under close supervision. Depending on individual assignments, TMs may work alone or with others.

Opportunity Rating: