The Origin
The rating was established in 1941. It was split off of the Gunners Mate rating. Fire Controlman were highly skilled Sailors responsible for the operation of various forms of range finding gear, and solving ballistic calculations to control the firing of the ship's guns. These skills were originally employed primarily for Naval Gunfire Support, and surface combat, but today Fire Controlman also play an extensive role in Air Warfare as well.
The Fire Controlman Rating was later renamed "Fire Control Technician" (FT), with specific sub-designators for Gunnery (FTG), Missiles (FTM) and Submarines (FTS).
In 1985 the name of this Navy rating has changed back to Fire Controlman (FC). This allowed for the separation of the submarine rate FT from Surface rate FT to FC. FC was the original name of the rate through WWII when optic devices called Theodolites were used. After WWII, when the duties changed to more technical things like radar and computers, the name was changed to Fire Control Technician (FT). The FT name is now used exclusively for Fire Control personnel on Submarines. The rating insignia is an Coincidence or Stereoscopic Rangefinder, with two lightning bolts (called "sparks") signifying the technical side. Until 1985 it had always been just the rangefinder without the lightning bolts.
FCs maintain the control systems used in aiming and firing weapons on all equipped ships. Complex computers, electronics, electrical, and hydraulic equipment is required to ensure the accuracy of guided missile and surface gunfire control systems. FCs are responsible for the operation, routine care, and repair of this equipment, which includes radars, computers, weapons-direction equipment, target-designation systems, gyroscopes, and rangefinders.
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