[Auridan]

First: It's better to create your own thread than dredge up an old one, especially when you're asking a different question. The original poster probably isn't even here anymore.

1) CTI and CTN are really only related by security clearance. CTIs are linguists, CTNs are techies. I don't see how or why you would sign for Interpretive and then get Networks later, unless you mean several years later, and your rating has somehow gotten overcrowded.

2) At MEPS, your contract will list exactly everything the government is obligated to give you a chance at (advanced paygrade, enlistment bonuses, enrollment in A school for a specific rating, possibly a C school if the rating requires it, etc.) and it specifically says that anything else you were promised by anyone, even the President himself, is not legally binding if it's not in the contract. It doesn't mean you can't have things you weren't promised, but it does mean you can't insist on them.

6) The "Moment of Truth" is a point very early on in RTC when they give everyone one last chance to disclose anything that isn't already on their paperwork (medical or legal issues for example). If you stand up at that point and tell them you had asthma as a child, you will pack your bags and go straight back home. What this boils down to is: Do not hide anything at MEPS. If at the Moment of Truth you still have undisclosed secrets, you're guilty of fraudulent enlistment, and if they ever find out about it, you will suffer.

Good news is you're not as old as you think you are, or at least you're not alone in it. There are more than a few others just on this site who are with you. And the Top Secret security clearance is extremely valuable in the civilian job market, and will go a long way to protecting you from age discrimination.