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Welcome to the Official Data Systems Technician Database.
The information provided here is as accurate and up to date as possible. If you notice errors, or would like to update the database, please contact me at cfb-solutions@comcast.net
History of the DS rate
Data Systems Technician (DS): DSs were electronics technicians who specialized in computer systems including: digital computers, video processors, tape units,
buffers, key sets, digital-display equipment, data-link terminal sets and related equipment. They cleaned, maintained, lubricated, calibrated and adjusted equipment.
DSs ran operational tests, diagnosed problems, made routine repairs and evaluated newly installed parts and systems units.
The Data Systems Technician rating symbol consisted of a Helium atom with input/output arrows. The rating was born when computers were
introduced on board Navy vessels for tactical applications. As data systems grew and became more sophisticated, so did the training and the specialized skills
of DSs throughout the fleet.
The Data Systems Technician (DS) rating was established in 1961. Training however, began in the late 1950s with the initial cadre of DSs
coming from the Electronics Technician (ET) rating. Naval Military Personnel Command (NMPC) solicited volunteers from the ET rating and selected personnel were
divided into four groups-systems, computers, display, and communications. In the mid-1960's, along with fleet convertees, entry training into the rating started
upon completion of boot camp.
Trainees started with BE/E and then continued with A school at Mare Island. At Mare Island, the training used the Univac Digital
Trainer (UDT) in the A1 Phase and the three general-purpose computers in the A2 phase: CP789/UYK, CP642B/USQ-20, and the CP642A/USQ-20. Upon completion of A school,
personnel attended C school. C school training was in one of the following major areas: Operation Control Center (OPCON), Integrated Operation Intelligence Center
(IOIC), display, conversion, computer/peripheral (without the general-purpose computer), or transmission (communications).
As data systems became more sophisticated,
the AN/UYK-20(V) became the training vehicle in A school. In C schools taught an equipment group, students learned about one portion of a data system-display,
data link, or computer/peripheral. In C schools, such as ASWOC/HLT and FHLT, students learned about all the major equipment groups (display, data link, and
computer/peripheral) together as a total system.
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