Ask A Spook! Cryptologic Questions

FlyNavy · 07-05-2014, 10:31 AM

Hwang,

Anytime! I love helping out future Spooks.

CTI's are the Navy's linguists. You have to take the DLAB to qualify ahead of time, so just a heads up there. But you'll be spending alot of time working in the intelligence field overall as well as being the language expert for whatever mission you're working on.

After Boot Camp you'll head to A-School in Monterey, CA. They are the only CT branch that doesn't go to Pensacola. During your time there you'll be learning whatever language you choose (Farsi, Chinese, Russian, Urdu, ect) Really it depends on the language on how long you're there for. The harder the language obviously the longer you'll have to stay there. But by the end of it you should be able to read, write, and speak whatever you went there for.

As for assignments, the vast majority of CTI's go to NIOCs (Navy Information Operations Command). I'm sure you've noticed that didn't start with "USS" haha So as you can tell, most of your time will be spent on shore duty assignments. There are some opportunities for linguists to get on Aircrew or direct support to ships or subs as well though, if your looking for something more adventurous.

As for being "locked in a room" due to our work being classified, that is not at all accurate. We DO work in classified facilities that have very strict security policies, but you would be working with almost every other CT branch as well as other services. Every CT branch does highly classified work, but once your inside the secure facility, typically it's not toooo segregated. The only time you would be moved off separate somewhere would be if you're working a pretty sensitive mission (and that is pretty rare and usually requires alot of experience before you would get moved there). If you do end up taking orders for Aircrew or as direct support to ships or subs, that would be one of the times you're segregated from most folks. Mostly just due to the fact that your workspace needs a security clearance that most of the other people there won't have. But outside of your workspace, you would be with the rest of the crew.

Hope that sheds some light on CTI! It's a pretty rewarding job if you like getting into a specific culture and it does offer some really cool opportunities if you're willing to go after them.

/r
CTT1

FlyNavy · 07-05-2014, 10:32 AM

Also, no I'm not related to a Tony haha

lilyputian · 07-05-2014, 12:23 PM

Wow, thank you so much for all the info! I'm glad to know my BS meter is still intact. It was definitely going off when my friend was telling me the reasons I shouldn't go for CTI. It sounds perfect for me since I'm not super thrilled about the idea of being at sea (though of course I wouldn't mind, since I obviously voluntarily selected the Navy).

coopdeville · 07-06-2014, 11:36 PM

I've read as a CTT you can volunteer for Aircrew. How does that process work and did you ever think about doing it? So you know much about CTR? Boring, exciting, cool? Any of those things?

FlyNavy · 07-07-2014, 01:05 PM

coopdeville:

As a T brancher you can absolutely volunteer for Aircrew. A few shipmates of mine went that route and they absolutely love it. You would request it either from the detailer or someone at the schoolhouse while you're in A-School.

As for CTR, the main difference between our rates is that CTT's focus on Electronic Intelligence (ELINT, AKA radars on ships, subs, aircraft, and missiles) where CTR's are more focused on Communications Intelligence (COMINT, radios and such). Both play HUGE roles in the intelligence community. I would say CTR's have a bit more flexibility in terms of different kinds of possible billets they can take, but if you're looking at aircrew, CTT would be the way to go. The only reason I say this is because as a CTT you would actually be part of the squadron whereas a CTR just shows up to fly when they're needed and aren't attached to the squadron fulltime.

Hope that helps and let me know if you need anything else!

/r
CTT1

Haasino · 07-07-2014, 05:44 PM

Just to piggyback on the CTT aircrew question... if you pick up orders, you'll have to attend Naval Aircrew Candidate School in Pensacola, and SERE in either Maine or San Diego. Take a look at what's in store for both those schools to make sure you're up for the physical and swimming requirements.

coopdeville · 07-07-2014, 08:27 PM

I love that you have to go to SERE and NACCS to become Aircrew. I'm currently at 8:40 in the 500m, 67 push ups, 81 sit ups and 6 pull ups. I've been working my booty off in the off chance I have the opportunity for Aircrew, or CTR and volunteer for it. I want to be more than ready if the chance presents itself.

I first met with my recruiter in March weighing 217 and I could barely knock out 25 push up and sit-ups. I'm now down to 190 with the numbers previously mentioned. I'm taking my opportunity to join the Navy very seriously and I can't wait to serve.

JoeSpook · 07-10-2014, 12:17 PM

I just passed my DLAB with a 128 and switched from a MC contract to CTI, which is what I originally wanted. Thank you for all of this info! I have one quick question, as someone who is new to all of this:

Quote:

Originally Posted by CTT1(SW)Griffin

There are some opportunities for linguists to get on Aircrew or direct support to ships or subs as well though, if your looking for something more adventurous.

Can you elaborate on this? From my understanding, direct support means flying out to a ship or sub to do some work for a few weeks, then transferring to another ship or getting sent back home. I've also been warned that I could be sent out with a group of Marines as an interpreter, based on my language.

How do out-of-office missions work? Is that what you refer to as "billets?" Do you sign up for particular missions or DIRSUP activity on an individual basis? I'm just trying to piece it all together.

Again, thank you!

FlyNavy · 07-10-2014, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbarnosky

I just passed my DLAB with a 128 and switched from a MC contract to CTI, which is what I originally wanted. Thank you for all of this info! I have one quick question, as someone who is new to all of this:

Can you elaborate on this? From my understanding, direct support means flying out to a ship or sub to do some work for a few weeks, then transferring to another ship or getting sent back home. I've also been warned that I could be sent out with a group of Marines as an interpreter, based on my language.

How do out-of-office missions work? Is that what you refer to as "billets?" Do you sign up for particular missions or DIRSUP activity on an individual basis? I'm just trying to piece it all together.

Again, thank you!

jbarnosky;

You're pretty much spot on with what DIRSUP (Direct Support) entails. You would be stationed at a shore site but you would go to sea (or go fly) based on mission requirements of the fleet. Typically they would just have you on station during the times you would actually be needed and then send you back home once your part of the mission is done.

As far as what a billet is, that's basically what you're referring to when you say "orders". When you receive orders you going there to fill a billet. Think of a billet like a position within that group. For example if a ship needed an IT1, there would be a billet made there that an IT1 could come fill.

To go DIRSUP would you need to get orders to a specific shop that does DIRSUP work. For ships and subs I'm not sure if CTIs need extra schools or not, but for everyone that wants to go Aircrew they have to attend Aircrew school in Pensacola as well as SERE. Once you finish A-school this is all stuff you would talk to your schoolhouse and the detailer about.

And about you going out with Marines? I think you have some bad information from someone. The Marines have their own linguists. Although if you do want to go boots on ground, there are CTI specific opportunities to do that through the TIO (Spec Ops/NSW) program. But worry about that after you get through A-school and everything haha NSW (Naval Special Warfare) usually only takes guys with some experience under their belts.

Hopefully that clears some things up! Let me know if you have any more questions and hopefully we can be welcoming you into our spooky brotherhood soon!

/r
CTT1

JoeSpook · 07-10-2014, 02:05 PM

Thank you, CTT1 Griffin!

It was actually an active-duty Marine who called me (our wives are good friends) when he found out I was joining the Navy, warning me that they borrow Navy people for all sorts of things. He may have been referring to World Language Specialists, though... we didn't get to talk very long, so I'm a little unclear on what exactly his reservations were.

I'm cool with Pensacola, and honestly I was (mentally) prepared for SERE when I was contemplating the Air Force's "Airborne Linguist" job. I'm not trying to sound BA by any means, but really I don't understand what everyone's big fuss about this job is. I'm excited to tackle all of the new challenges. This is like signing up for a marathon: training is going to be hard as hell, but I can't wait to see the man I've become at the end of it all.

Again, many thanks! I'll be spooking about before too long.

FlyNavy · 07-10-2014, 03:02 PM

J,

The Marines love to borrow Sailors for all kinds of things. But I think your buddy is a little ill-informed. Taking a Navy linguist would be a last resort for them, as the MC has its own language MOS as well as a small army of contractors that specialize in various languages.

07-05-2014, 12:23 PM	#3
lilyputian Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 37 Rep Power: 9	Wow, thank you so much for all the info! I'm glad to know my BS meter is still intact. It was definitely going off when my friend was telling me the reasons I shouldn't go for CTI. It sounds perfect for me since I'm not super thrilled about the idea of being at sea (though of course I wouldn't mind, since I obviously voluntarily selected the Navy). __________________ My blog about my experience attempting to enlist in the Navy at age 28: http://lilyputian1.wordpress.com/

07-06-2014, 11:36 PM	#4
coopdeville Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: AZ Posts: 28 Rep Power: 8	I've read as a CTT you can volunteer for Aircrew. How does that process work and did you ever think about doing it? So you know much about CTR? Boring, exciting, cool? Any of those things? __________________ Never miss a good chance to shut up.

07-07-2014, 05:44 PM	#6
Haasino Active Duty Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Pacific Northwest Posts: 1,439 Rep Power: 286	Just to piggyback on the CTT aircrew question... if you pick up orders, you'll have to attend Naval Aircrew Candidate School in Pensacola, and SERE in either Maine or San Diego. Take a look at what's in store for both those schools to make sure you're up for the physical and swimming requirements. __________________ "Gentlemen, you can't fight in here! This is the War Room!"

07-07-2014, 08:27 PM	#7
coopdeville Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: AZ Posts: 28 Rep Power: 8	I love that you have to go to SERE and NACCS to become Aircrew. I'm currently at 8:40 in the 500m, 67 push ups, 81 sit ups and 6 pull ups. I've been working my booty off in the off chance I have the opportunity for Aircrew, or CTR and volunteer for it. I want to be more than ready if the chance presents itself. I first met with my recruiter in March weighing 217 and I could barely knock out 25 push up and sit-ups. I'm now down to 190 with the numbers previously mentioned. I'm taking my opportunity to join the Navy very seriously and I can't wait to serve. __________________ Never miss a good chance to shut up.

07-10-2014, 02:05 PM	#10
JoeSpook Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Clarksburg, WV Posts: 45 Rep Power: 10	Thank you, CTT1 Griffin! It was actually an active-duty Marine who called me (our wives are good friends) when he found out I was joining the Navy, warning me that they borrow Navy people for all sorts of things. He may have been referring to World Language Specialists, though... we didn't get to talk very long, so I'm a little unclear on what exactly his reservations were. I'm cool with Pensacola, and honestly I was (mentally) prepared for SERE when I was contemplating the Air Force's "Airborne Linguist" job. I'm not trying to sound BA by any means, but really I don't understand what everyone's big fuss about this job is. I'm excited to tackle all of the new challenges. This is like signing up for a marathon: training is going to be hard as hell, but I can't wait to see the man I've become at the end of it all. Again, many thanks! I'll be spooking about before too long. __________________ Thanks for reading. Best, j DEP: 20140630 CTI: 20140709 Ship: 20141201

07-05-2014, 10:31 AM	#1
FlyNavy Active Duty Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Secret Secret Posts: 1,284 Rep Power: 262	Hwang, Anytime! I love helping out future Spooks. CTI's are the Navy's linguists. You have to take the DLAB to qualify ahead of time, so just a heads up there. But you'll be spending alot of time working in the intelligence field overall as well as being the language expert for whatever mission you're working on. After Boot Camp you'll head to A-School in Monterey, CA. They are the only CT branch that doesn't go to Pensacola. During your time there you'll be learning whatever language you choose (Farsi, Chinese, Russian, Urdu, ect) Really it depends on the language on how long you're there for. The harder the language obviously the longer you'll have to stay there. But by the end of it you should be able to read, write, and speak whatever you went there for. As for assignments, the vast majority of CTI's go to NIOCs (Navy Information Operations Command). I'm sure you've noticed that didn't start with "USS" haha So as you can tell, most of your time will be spent on shore duty assignments. There are some opportunities for linguists to get on Aircrew or direct support to ships or subs as well though, if your looking for something more adventurous. As for being "locked in a room" due to our work being classified, that is not at all accurate. We DO work in classified facilities that have very strict security policies, but you would be working with almost every other CT branch as well as other services. Every CT branch does highly classified work, but once your inside the secure facility, typically it's not toooo segregated. The only time you would be moved off separate somewhere would be if you're working a pretty sensitive mission (and that is pretty rare and usually requires alot of experience before you would get moved there). If you do end up taking orders for Aircrew or as direct support to ships or subs, that would be one of the times you're segregated from most folks. Mostly just due to the fact that your workspace needs a security clearance that most of the other people there won't have. But outside of your workspace, you would be with the rest of the crew. Hope that sheds some light on CTI! It's a pretty rewarding job if you like getting into a specific culture and it does offer some really cool opportunities if you're willing to go after them. /r CTT1

07-05-2014, 10:32 AM	#2
FlyNavy Active Duty Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Secret Secret Posts: 1,284 Rep Power: 262	Also, no I'm not related to a Tony haha

07-07-2014, 01:05 PM	#5
FlyNavy Active Duty Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Secret Secret Posts: 1,284 Rep Power: 262	coopdeville: As a T brancher you can absolutely volunteer for Aircrew. A few shipmates of mine went that route and they absolutely love it. You would request it either from the detailer or someone at the schoolhouse while you're in A-School. As for CTR, the main difference between our rates is that CTT's focus on Electronic Intelligence (ELINT, AKA radars on ships, subs, aircraft, and missiles) where CTR's are more focused on Communications Intelligence (COMINT, radios and such). Both play HUGE roles in the intelligence community. I would say CTR's have a bit more flexibility in terms of different kinds of possible billets they can take, but if you're looking at aircrew, CTT would be the way to go. The only reason I say this is because as a CTT you would actually be part of the squadron whereas a CTR just shows up to fly when they're needed and aren't attached to the squadron fulltime. Hope that helps and let me know if you need anything else! /r CTT1

07-10-2014, 03:02 PM	#11
FlyNavy Active Duty Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Secret Secret Posts: 1,284 Rep Power: 262	J, The Marines love to borrow Sailors for all kinds of things. But I think your buddy is a little ill-informed. Taking a Navy linguist would be a last resort for them, as the MC has its own language MOS as well as a small army of contractors that specialize in various languages.