More CTN Reserve Questions

[hustini]

Originally Posted by CTT1(SW)Griffin

There's more than one person at NPC doing CTN detailing lol Also talking to your detailer isn't a huge thing; they have their desk phone numbers posted on the NPC site and their direct emails are in the GAL. It's pretty easy to get in touch with them if you need to.

However, it's considered very unorthodox and borderline unprofessional for a first tour sailor to be circumventing the process and trying to have something "lined up". There is only a handful of spots you're even eligible for as a 1st tour sailor anyway, so the hook-up value there is pretty low to begin with. If they need your input then they will ask for it in most cases.

Just some words of wisdom. I would tread lightly there as a screw up in front of the wrong people in the wrong places can follow you for years to come.

/r
CTT1

PS: CTN3 pretty much summed up the process. Your CoC should be helping you out with the billet application process though. It's easier than it seems and there's ways to work the system if need be.

The point of meeting the detailer wasn't to "line" anything up from that point of view, its more to see what kinds of opportunities a Reserve CTN might have in the years to come, especially a new one plus answer any questions I might have.

I didn't elaborate clearly. Since I'm a Reserve, I do want something lined up be it military side or civilian side, I won't be picky but not being active duty I don't want to risk not having something full time when I'm done with training. I'm still learning how this works and I have a decent network pool to tap into in the DC/NOVA area to connect me with people for advice, not necessarily jobs.

A couple Reserve people (not CTNs ) I've spoken too, (also my recruiter) all claim I can begin applying to civilian jobs when I'm in A school since the process takes time and I can say I finally have a clearance, etc. That's why I want to have a chat with a detailer to see what options someone like me could potentially have. I don't like the idea of waiting until the end of A school to get my ducks in a row. That's just not me.

[FlyNavy]

Originally Posted by hustini

The point of meeting the detailer wasn't to "line" anything up from that point of view, its more to see what kinds of opportunities a Reserve CTN might have in the years to come, especially a new one plus answer any questions I might have.

I didn't elaborate clearly. Since I'm a Reserve, I do want something lined up be it military side or civilian side, I won't be picky but not being active duty I don't want to risk not having something full time when I'm done with training. I'm still learning how this works and I have a decent network pool to tap into in the DC/NOVA area to connect me with people for advice, not necessarily jobs.

A couple Reserve people (not CTNs ) I've spoken too, (also my recruiter) all claim I can begin applying to civilian jobs when I'm in A school since the process takes time and I can say I finally have a clearance, etc. That's why I want to have a chat with a detailer to see what options someone like me could potentially have. I don't like the idea of waiting until the end of A school to get my ducks in a row. That's just not me.

From reading this it sounds like you think a detailer can get you a job outside the Navy? If so that would be incorrect, aside from maybe a reference (which you could get from anyone). If you want to look at job options for your civi job I would be talking to folks at your eventual command. You should have a rough idea of where you'll be ended up anyway, so if it were me I would be contacting them for a sponsor and then leveraging folks at the command for job tips. Most of the folks in your unit (NIOC) will most likely have come from the active duty side there anyway and a solid handful will very likely work there as civilians still. They should have a plethora of contacts for doing cleared work in the area.

Also as a reservist you're not going to be dealing with a detailer in the same way active duty folks will. So keep that in mind.

/r
CTT1

[hustini]

Originally Posted by CTT1(SW)Griffin

From reading this it sounds like you think a detailer can get you a job outside the Navy? If so that would be incorrect, aside from maybe a reference (which you could get from anyone). If you want to look at job options for your civi job I would be talking to folks at your eventual command. You should have a rough idea of where you'll be ended up anyway, so if it were me I would be contacting them for a sponsor and then leveraging folks at the command for job tips. Most of the folks in your unit (NIOC) will most likely have come from the active duty side there anyway and a solid handful will very likely work there as civilians still. They should have a plethora of contacts for doing cleared work in the area.

Also as a reservist you're not going to be dealing with a detailer in the same way active duty folks will. So keep that in mind.

/r
CTT1

I wasn't expecting to a detailer to help me get a civilian job :D

I wanted to talk to one simply to get an understanding of what a Reserve CTN's early career path might look like or how to make myself more competitive for when I'm able to start applying for different roles (and how long that path might take). Of course I'm not naive enough to think "getting in" with a detailer is what I'm trying to do. I literally have not IT/military background so its entirely new for me so a couple nice contacts to chat with over coffee is all I'm looking for

I know I'll be at Andrews AFB but haven't met anyone in my Unit yet. My recruiter is supposed to try and connecting me with fellow CTN's so hopefully he keeps true to his word on that.

Interesting on the last sentence, can you elaborate why that might be different? Thanks!

[FlyNavy]

Originally Posted by hustini

I wasn't expecting to a detailer to help me get a civilian job :D

I wanted to talk to one simply to get an understanding of what a Reserve CTN's early career path might look like or how to make myself more competitive for when I'm able to start applying for different roles (and how long that path might take). Of course I'm not naive enough to think "getting in" with a detailer is what I'm trying to do. I literally have not IT/military background so its entirely new for me so a couple nice contacts to chat with over coffee is all I'm looking for

I know I'll be at Andrews AFB but haven't met anyone in my Unit yet. My recruiter is supposed to try and connecting me with fellow CTN's so hopefully he keeps true to his word on that.

Interesting on the last sentence, can you elaborate why that might be different? Thanks!

What I'm saying is that a detailer is not the right place to be directing those questions. They just fill billets, that's it really. It's like if I wanted to know how to be a good aircrewman, but went and asked the guy who writes the flight schedule. Sure he might have some input, but that's not the right place to be asking that. Also in most cases detailers are E7 and above that are usually pretty swamped, so again that doesn't make them ideal people to go to for that (especially as a brand new sailor).

Who you need to be talking to is your Chief (or LPO). They will have been there already, will know all the right people (especially in the Reserves, trust me. All the IDCRC Chiefs know each other for the most part), and will know how to set you on the right track. Also considering these are the folks writing your evals, it makes even more sense to chat with them.

As far as getting in touch with them, don't rely on your recruiter to do that. What you need to do is contact your NOSC and ask them to put you in contact with one of the CTN Chiefs or 1st classes (any of the CT's at NIOC will do really). I don't have my Homeport access anymore, but my best guess is that your NR NIOC unit probably reports to NOSC Washington DC (All the reserve NIOC units are subordinate to their local NOSC). So I would give them a call (try the admin dept maybe) and see if they can get you a contact with one of the CT's over at your eventual unit. Their FB lists their number as (240) 857-8947/8948

=======================

Also, I was the LPO of a reserve cyber/CTN shop for 2 years. I have a wealth of knowledge about what you'll need, where you can go, how to get there, etc, etc. I've done everything from your evals, AT, going on orders, getting schools, etc. If you want to chat offline just send me a message and I'll get you my contact information.

/r
CTT1

[Barbazu]

I'm at Corry Station right now waiting to badge/class up. Corry is awesome! But the common story from absolutely everyone I've ran into is that JCAC is nearly impossible and to be prepared to fail. I've talked to three folks this week that have been rerated because they failed out of CTN school. It's gonna suck. Start studying now.

[futuresailorCTN]

JCAC isn't impossible by any means. A lot of times when someone is dropped, it's more due to poor study habits than an inability to understand the material. You just have to stay focused and make sure you're getting your work done and you'll be just fine. Also, when they say don't do stupid shit, they mean it. Underage drinking, etc. are great ways to lose your spot in JCAC.

[blacktemplar]

Originally Posted by futuresailorCTN

JCAC isn't impossible by any means. A lot of times when someone is dropped, it's more due to poor study habits than an inability to understand the material. You just have to stay focused and make sure you're getting your work done and you'll be just fine. Also, when they say don't do stupid shit, they mean it. Underage drinking, etc. are great ways to lose your spot in JCAC.

This. I am a bright kid. I scored well on my ACTs, did well in school.
I was dropped from CTN school.
I just didn't study 'right'. I put the hours in.

[hustini]

Originally Posted by futuresailorCTN

JCAC isn't impossible by any means. A lot of times when someone is dropped, it's more due to poor study habits than an inability to understand the material. You just have to stay focused and make sure you're getting your work done and you'll be just fine. Also, when they say don't do stupid shit, they mean it. Underage drinking, etc. are great ways to lose your spot in JCAC.

JCAC? Not sure what that is to be honest.

[Jdubbs]

Originally Posted by hustini

The point of meeting the detailer wasn't to "line" anything up from that point of view, its more to see what kinds of opportunities a Reserve CTN might have in the years to come, especially a new one plus answer any questions I might have.

I didn't elaborate clearly. Since I'm a Reserve, I do want something lined up be it military side or civilian side, I won't be picky but not being active duty I don't want to risk not having something full time when I'm done with training. I'm still learning how this works and I have a decent network pool to tap into in the DC/NOVA area to connect me with people for advice, not necessarily jobs.

A couple Reserve people (not CTNs ) I've spoken too, (also my recruiter) all claim I can begin applying to civilian jobs when I'm in A school since the process takes time and I can say I finally have a clearance, etc. That's why I want to have a chat with a detailer to see what options someone like me could potentially have. I don't like the idea of waiting until the end of A school to get my ducks in a row. That's just not me.

So towards the end of JCAC alot of your networking youll be able to do is with the instructors. Who are all ex military civilians working through contractors. If you show an extra aptitude in the course they are teaching.. or show extra interest in them.. you may get lined up with a meeting with one of the contracting companies that teach JCAC. I know all the reservists in my class all got jobs right out of JCAC working with those same contract companies. But wait till you get further on in the mods before you start trying to do that... there is more than a solid chance you will gt rolled back at least once. In a class of 18 only 8 finished in my class

[Barbazu]

CTT1, they rerated me to Personnel Specialist. I was really hoping for another intelligence rate, but those rates are packed right now. We have a ton of sailors here in holding awaiting orders. So, I wasn't too surprised when they offered me rates outside of intelligence. I took PS because I felt it best fit my skill set. Not exactly what I wanted, but it is what it is. I'm a reservist anyway. No matter what I picked I get to go home. I've been away from my family for almost 4 months, and frankly, I'm ready to see my wife and kids again. In two years I'll probably try to cross-rate into IS or possibly CTR if it's not overmanned by then. My roommate is CTR and it really seems like a badass rate. And, obviously, a little easier to get through than JCAC.

For those considering JCAC, don't let my experience scare you away. CTN is an amazing rate, and they do some really cool stuff. Just be ready to buckle down and work hard. It is doable. But I will say, don't expect to have a life outside of JCAC. That stuff drains the life out of you. Haha!