Looking for information on CTNs and ITs

[Malarkey]

1. Gonna say the same thing to you that I tell everyone, don't go to MEPS with one or two choices of rates. Chances are, you're not going to get offered either depending on scores or availability. If you do, you're one of the lucky ones. Remember both require a TS clearance so if you have out of country relatives, debt, any run-ins with the law, drug use, you can basically kiss that goodbye.

2. As of May the CREO listing for both rates is 1, which means advancement is a bit above normal, as long as you're good at your job. I'm an ITS and I have guaranteed E-4 in my contract, but I'm also ATF (6yr contract, extra training).

3. CTN's get stationed usually at any of the Intel centers. SOCOM, NORCOM, Ft. Bragg I think, etc. IT's can be stationed ANYWHERE. They are needed everywhere.

4. Anything computer related. IT's are a bit more marketable but both deal with network surety and administration.

[LT Guppy]

Originally Posted by Malarkey

1. Gonna say the same thing to you that I tell everyone, don't go to MEPS with one or two choices of rates. Chances are, you're not going to get offered either depending on scores or availability. If you do, you're one of the lucky ones. Remember both require a TS clearance so if you have out of country relatives, debt, any run-ins with the law, drug use, you can basically kiss that goodbye.

Or, be prepared to walk away from the Navy if you're not offered the job you want.

[zinzara]

I'm currently in CTN "A" school. Basically ITs are computer repair and keep things running. You will spend time getting your A+ certification and then move on to some networking like setting up/administering networks. CTNs are specifically on the networking side of things and deal a lot more with security, vulnerability analysis, programming, forensics, and exploitation. Both could get you a good job in the civilian world making some dough. CTNs and ITs have the 4year/6year choice. With 6 year you get extra training and advancement to E-4 at graduation of A school. You might also check out the CTM rating. It's basically kinda like the IT rating but you work with the CTs and do maintenance on the computers and equipment. ITs work more with the fleet in general. As an IT you can get stationed basically anywhere. Shore, Sea, Overseas. CTNs basically stick around in the states mostly. We get sent to the NSA's different locations around the country. CTN's have been getting sent to Virginia Beach lately for some reason.

ITs can get jobs as computer repair, network admins, network technicians, most things you would associate with the general computer field.

CTNs can get jobs as network security professionals, certified ethical hackers, network admins, computer forensics analysts.

[zinzara]

I do somewhat agree with the not going to MEPS only wanting one thing. Although that is exactly what I did. I wanted CTN and I got CTN (almost didn't). But I was very direct and had a little luck on my side. I got an 89 on my AFQT and my ASVAB line scores were definitely good enough for CTN.

[LuchhCTM]

Originally Posted by Malarkey

1. Gonna say the same thing to you that I tell everyone, don't go to MEPS with one or two choices of rates. Chances are, you're not going to get offered either depending on scores or availability. If you do, you're one of the lucky ones.

Jeeze, I went to MEPS saying i either wanted to be a CTM or NUC. I didnt qualify for NUC by just a few points, but was offered my CTM job. Man I must be lucky haha.

[ritzcracker37]

Originally Posted by LuchhCTM

Jeeze, I went to MEPS saying i either wanted to be a CTM or NUC. I didnt qualify for NUC by just a few points, but was offered my CTM job. Man I must be lucky haha.

Yeah, you definitely got lucky (as did I). I knew going in that I would only join as CTN. After many times at MEPS and being sent home for one waiver or another I finally got that call that it was all clear and was waiting on availability. Two days later it was open.

Of course, it's not easy going in with one thing in mind but it is possible!

[Zachml7]

Originally Posted by Malarkey

1. Gonna say the same thing to you that I tell everyone, don't go to MEPS with one or two choices of rates. Chances are, you're not going to get offered either depending on scores or availability. If you do, you're one of the lucky ones.

Or you can just hold out for what you want, especially if you have high ASVAB and its just availability issue. There weren't openings in what I wanted when I went to MEPS so I signed contract under different rating and made sure recruiter knew I wouldn't ship if he didn't stay on top of getting my DAR through.