Ask A Spook! Cryptologic Questions

[jody13]

Hi ctt1.. Thanks again. .I guess I'm getting ahead of myself about the officer question. I looked on the ship date schedule and there's only 3 for the year on this site going in as a ctt. . From my investigation on line the past few months there aren't too many of u spooks. . How long have u been in the Navy. . Its it true if the kid gets stationed in the east coast that would take her to Europe. She's panicking that she'll get stationed in Hawaii. . Lol. . She's trying to leave here. And doesn't really want to go to Asia. .

[FlyNavy]

Originally Posted by jody13

Hi ctt1.. Thanks again. .I guess I'm getting ahead of myself about the officer question. I looked on the ship date schedule and there's only 3 for the year on this site going in as a ctt. . From my investigation on line the past few months there aren't too many of u spooks. . How long have u been in the Navy. . Its it true if the kid gets stationed in the east coast that would take her to Europe. She's panicking that she'll get stationed in Hawaii. . Lol. . She's trying to leave here. And doesn't really want to go to Asia. .

Jody,

As far as going to Europe, you're correct in assuming that the East Coast fleet is what will take you there. There are also ships stationed in Rota, Spain (DDGs), so I would try and see if she can request orders over there if Europe is something shes's really interested in. And even if she doesn't get everything she wants on that first tour, you can always pick shore duty in Europe after you wrap up your first sea tour.

I wouldn't stress about getting sent to Hawaii if she's not trying to get it though. It doesn't have as many surface ships as the other bases and there's also a few thousand sailors who would love to take those orders if she doesn't. They aren't exactly hurting for people over there haha

/r
CTT1

[FlyNavy]

Reposting for visibility purposes.

/r
CTT1

[jr805]

Any info on ctm? that's the rate i'm seriously interested in.

[FlyNavy]

Originally Posted by jr805

Any info on ctm? that's the rate i'm seriously interested in.

I'm gonna steal a nice little blurb from another Spook on here since it's already all nice and pretty looking.

Before that though, keep in mind that CTM is a very small rate. There are very few of them in the fleet. If being technical and getting into the gear is something you're really interested in then also take a look into being a Tech as a CTT (theres a difference between operators and techs). You just want to keep your options open in case CTM is locked up (again, due to its small size).
There's still plenty of opportunity to get your hands dirty in the gear and still get to operate it as a T-brancher. The equipment CTM's work on is operated by CTR's (M-branchers just fix and maintain it). So there's that as well.

Anyway, read below...

CTM -
The Cryptologic Technician Maintenance branch offers a career in the installation, configuration, diagnosis, and repair of state-of-the-art electronic, computer, and network hardware and software systems.




The duties performed by CTMs include:
perform hardware and software isolation and repair of state-of-the-art electronic, computer and network equipment and related systems using complex test and analysis equipment, diagnostic software, hand tools and technical publications;
perform computer and electronic system hardware and software installation, configuration and modification;
analyze the configuration and monitor the operation of computer telecommunications and networking systems;
calibrate and repair a wide variety of precision electronic test equipment;
perform information security and computer network defense functions for secure networks and communication systems;
maintain fleet cryptologic permanent and carry-on direct support systems required in special land, sea surface and subsurface operations.
Working Environment

CTM are assigned to equipment installation activities, electronic maintenance, and computer networking system departments and divisions. They may be assigned to either day work or shift work in a large facility or one of the individual or two-person independent duty assignments at sea or ashore. Departments and divisions are usually divided into specialized maintenance shops and are normally air-conditioned, well-lighted, and completely equipped.




A-School (Job School) Information
Corry Station, FL -- 121 calendar days
Security Clearance Requirement: Top Secret (Single Scope Background Investigation Required)





Other Requirements
Must have normal hearing
Must have normal color perception
72 month enlistment obligation
Must be a U.S. Citizen
Immediate family members must be U.S. Citizens
Moral turpitude offense(s) are generally disqualifying
Personal security screening interview required
Former members of the Peace Corps are not eligible
Candidates must be a high school graduate or equivalent (GED, CPT, home study or other equivalency). If not a diploma graduate, applicant must provide a high school transcript verifying successful completion of the 10th grade.
Sea/Shore Rotation for This Rating
First Sea Tour: 48 months
First Shore Tour: 36 months
Second Sea Tour: 36months
Second Shore Tour: 36 months
Third Sea Tour: 36 months
Third Shore Tour: 48 months
Fourth Sea Tour: 36 months
Forth Shore Tour: 48 months
CTM's are detailed according to billet and relief availability. Most PCS afloat tours are 48 months for those with NECS of 9224, 9225, and 9289. CTM 9229 requires 60 months of sea duty obligation following initial skills training.

[jr805]

I'll have to read up on that aspect of CTT, I havent really gave it much thought, CTR and CTM are my first choices, Have you had much experience with any people in IS rates?

[FlyNavy]

Originally Posted by jr805

I'll have to read up on that aspect of CTT, I havent really gave it much thought, CTR and CTM are my first choices, Have you had much experience with any people in IS rates?

About CTR/CTM, just remember this...
CTR's operate the gear.
CTM's fix and maintain it.
As we say in the fleet: "choose your rate, choose your fate"

While the CT community covers the Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) side of the house, IS's cover the more traditional intelligence side. These guys work mostly on shore sites, but there are a few attached to ships as well. They'll cover mostly what we call "All-source" intelligence. They get the big picture of things like historical trends in the area, politics, ect. Think of it kind of like a jack of all trades/master of none. IS's also do a lot of briefs for various folks as well. So keep in mind that power point and public speaking can play a big role in their career.

/r
CTT1