Ask A Spook! Cryptologic Questions

[CTR3(IW/SG) Freddie]

Is it easy or hard to make rate in the CTR field? In theory, if people are constantly getting contractor jobs, wouldn't that make it easier because it frees up spots? Or does it just not work out like that?

[CTR3(IW/SG) Freddie]

Originally Posted by FSSparks

Is it easy or hard to make rate in the CTR field? In theory, if people are constantly getting contractor jobs, wouldn't that make it easier because it frees up spots? Or does it just not work out like that?

gonna quote that in case you missed it since there was another page made.


But I also have another question. If I volunteer for sub duty, will that help my 'resume' when trying to make rate? Especially chief and above? Or when it comes down to it does it not really matter. I really don't want to be in a sub, but i'll do what ever it takes.


And I know a lot of my questions so far have been the best way to get rated higher, and I shouldn't be worrying to much about it. But my main goal is to become a Warrant Officer. And my recruiter has a little plaque that says a goal without a plan is just a wish. So I'm trying to get a feel of what I NEED to do to help me achieve this. A Warrant Officer may be tough to get, so I'm even happy with just chief. But I still want to try for that Warrant Officer.

[LT Guppy]

Originally Posted by FSSparks

But I also have another question. If I volunteer for sub duty, will that help my 'resume' when trying to make rate? Especially chief and above? Or when it comes down to it does it not really matter. I really don't want to be in a sub, but i'll do what ever it takes.

My RDC was a CTICS(SW/SG). Basically, the SG is a sub warfare pin, but instead of the usual SS pin (dolphins), the SG pin means that you're "Qualified in submarines; not detailed by the submarine community."

I don't know a whole lot about it, but it's something worth looking into.

[FlyNavy]

Originally Posted by FSSparks

A Warrant Officer may be tough to get, so I'm even happy with just chief. But I still want to try for that Warrant Officer.

Training moment here...
Don't ever let anyone here you say "just Chief". Earning your Anchors is a HUGE milestone in a Sailors career and the Chiefs mess is one of the tightest knit groups in the military. You'll understand more once you're in for a bit, but being a Chief in the Navy is VASTLY different than being an E-7 in the other services. Trust me, I work with other services all the time and it's not even comparable.

That being said, I applaud you for having a plan for your goals! Just keep in mind that making Warrant is something that could take 10+ years. So buckle down for the long haul. It's great that you're already looking ahead though!

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CTT1

[CTR3(IW/SG) Freddie]

Thanks again Griffin. Always have some wise words to say. But yea unless someone can offer me a job that has great pay and is reliable, then I probably will stay Navy for the 20 years. From what I heard you have to have 14 years in the Navy and be Chief before you can even start thinking about WO.

[FlyNavy]

Originally Posted by FSSparks

Thanks again Griffin. Always have some wise words to say. But yea unless someone can offer me a job that has great pay and is reliable, then I probably will stay Navy for the 20 years. From what I heard you have to have 14 years in the Navy and be Chief before you can even start thinking about WO.

Once you make Chief you can start applying for WO. The 14 year thing isn't a requirement. You just have to be a Chief to start the process.

Becoming a CPO is a pretty big hurdle in it's own right though. It's much more difficult than making Petty Officer.

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CTT1

[FlyNavy]

Bumped for questions

[FlyNavy]

Originally Posted by jody13

Hi ctt1.. My daughter got in trouble the other day at a meeting for using the term spook. . Kinda strange because everyone uses it? ?? She's leaving in 27 days. I'm freaking out. Should I go to Chicago for graduation. .I don't know how to plan to see her. . Hawaii is so far away. It's not easy or cheap to make lady minute plans. . Do they tell her things ahead of time enough for me to plan. Thanks again, jody 13

Jody,
I'm not really sure I see the issue in using that term. Although he might be getting after her since she hasn't actually earned the title yet. That I could see. As far as graduation, it's something you should try to make it there for. It's great seeing family after boot camp and you'll get to spend some time with her before she heads off to Pensacola. I highly recommend making the trip if you're able.

Originally Posted by FSSparks

Is it easy or hard to make rate in the CTR field? In theory, if people are constantly getting contractor jobs, wouldn't that make it easier because it frees up spots? Or does it just not work out like that?

Not everybody leaves for contractor jobs. The Navy over the last few years has been seeing record high retention numbers. That being said though, making rate as a CT is typically easier than most other rates. You'll get PO3 pretty fast, but PO2 and PO1 both are going to require some work and a few years. But overall we CT types rank up faster that most.

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CTT1

[FlyNavy]

Sorry for being late on the response folks! Busy week so far...

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CTT1

[classified9]

Good afternoon CTT1,

I just had a few general questions since you've had plenty of experience working alongside other CT ratings:

What could a typical first enlistment look like for a CTI? What are the potential duty stations right out of the DLI?

Also, I have researched that most special assignments for CT's such as aircrew, sub duty, and special operations are more 2nd tour type duties (not right out of the DLI), is this correct? I've just heard that during your first enlistment you're more than likely going to be at a NIOC with a desk job...or a mop...

Thank you in advance petty officer

[FlyNavy]

Originally Posted by classified9

Good afternoon CTT1,

I just had a few general questions since you've had plenty of experience working alongside other CT ratings:

What could a typical first enlistment look like for a CTI? What are the potential duty stations right out of the DLI?

Also, I have researched that most special assignments for CT's such as aircrew, sub duty, and special operations are more 2nd tour type duties (not right out of the DLI), is this correct? I've just heard that during your first enlistment you're more than likely going to be at a NIOC with a desk job...or a mop...

Thank you in advance petty officer

Classified,

I'm out of town for the next few days. I'll get everything to you as soon as I'm back!

[JoeSpook]

I'm pretty anxious to hear what comes up, as well. Classified, I hope to meet you at DLI!

[Maverick07]

Just finished reading this thread and gathered a lot of valuable information. Excited to be a future CTN, but I have 5 months til I ship. I have years of experience using Windows and Microsoft Office programs, but none in programming or networking. Any CTN's have a networking tutorial book that they would recommend? Would like to build a foundation to give me a leg up when I get to A school, because programming and networking is going to be challenging. Thanks for any advice. I appreciate it.

[FlyNavy]

Originally Posted by USNAVYCASTRO

Hey CTT1 I posted this in another thread. But I'll post here cause I don't think anyone noticed :p
regarding the security clearances for CTI/CTT/CTN my mother and older sister are not US Citizens, they are residents. I know they are planning on taking the citizenship test, so should I wait to join aCT rating until they are citizens? Is it possible to join a different rate and then when they become citizens swap to a CT rating?

Castro,
As long as YOU are a citizen, that's what counts. Your family being residents is going to be a crap ton of paperwork no matter when they become citizens (since they were born in another country). Just be upfront on your paperwork and get everything the investigator will need and you should be fine.

Originally Posted by Maverick07

Just finished reading this thread and gathered a lot of valuable information. Excited to be a future CTN, but I have 5 months til I ship. I have years of experience using Windows and Microsoft Office programs, but none in programming or networking. Any CTN's have a networking tutorial book that they would recommend? Would like to build a foundation to give me a leg up when I get to A school, because programming and networking is going to be challenging. Thanks for any advice. I appreciate it.

I'll touch base on the 2 big things you mentioned:
Networking: Study material as if you were going to take your CCNA. That cert is going to cover a TON of what you're going to pick up in the cyber realm. Having at least a working understanding of the concepts in CCNA will make life a lot easier. If I had to pick the most important thing though, I would say LEARN TO SUBNET. You should be able to subnet using only a pen and paper and be able to tell me Network Address, Gateway, First Usable address, Broadcast Address, and what the next network address after that would be. If you can do that before A-school, you're going to have a significantly easier time there.

Programming: Don't stress too much on this one. If you want to be a programmer then there might be some opportunities at whatever site you land at. But they aren't going to start drilling you on Perl scripts or anything in A-school haha So don't stress about knowing how to code.

Let me know if you have more questions! I'm currently part of the cyber world myself, so I have a very close relationship with CTNs.

/r
CTT1

[Navyftw93]

So i'm leaving in just a week for boot, going IS. Do you have any wisdom to shine on the IS rating? (:

[NavySpouse]

I am wondering if/why does the Navy consider Persian Farsi an Arabic dialect? They are two separate languages. Is there a way to change the language after boot camp and prior to A school?

[LT Guppy]

your spouse should be finding out that information. If it was any other job would you be calling their boss?

The languages are based on their test scores.

[NavySpouse]

Good point, I'm overreacting, but was really looking forward to the one. It's hard to just feel like I'm along for the ride and be okay with it, but it's something to work towards. It's hard to be in the blind though, even if I have questions for her, I can't get any answered from her for like two weeks, but I guess that's kind of the point of boot camp to prepare us for it.

[FlyNavy]

Recently got this question in my inbox:

I went to the recruiter today and i am dead set on CTM but they said i need to be a little more open for them to send me to MEPS... I want to be in the CT field and i want to do hands on work... What does the CTT Rate do and what can you tell me?

Thank you
Alaina

======================================
As a T brancher, you're definitely going to be getting to do hands on work. If getting into the circuits and chasing wire's (as well as operating the Electronic Warfare suite) is something that you'd be interested in, then I would consider the AEF route in the CTT rate. AEF is for the 6yr contracts for Sailors that undergo additional months of technical training to be able to troubleshoot the internal electronics of our systems.

Even as just an operator tough, I was constantly working on everything from the circuit cards to our chaff launching system, to the antennas. So either way you go, you're going to be hands on with your equipment.

Overall, as a CTT in the AEF pipeline, you would be doing just as much tech work as a a CTM, just on a different system. The bonus of being a T branch tech though is that you get to actually operate the system you're working on. You'll not only be able to repair the equipment, but you'll also be involved in combat operations for the ship. CTM's don't really role in operating the equipment they repair or manning a combat related station.

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CTT1

[FlyNavy]

Bump

[Jdubbs]

Thank you very much for this thread.. I leave for Boot January 6th as a CTN. Doing all the research i possibly can because even my recruiter couldn't tell me much about my Rate. You're tidbit on CTNs is the most i've found, and now i'm even more excited to start my career and life in the Navy

[FlyNavy]

Originally Posted by Jdubbs

Thank you very much for this thread.. I leave for Boot January 6th as a CTN. Doing all the research i possibly can because even my recruiter couldn't tell me much about my Rate. You're tidbit on CTNs is the most i've found, and now i'm even more excited to start my career and life in the Navy

It's an awesome rate. The only draw back is that you don't travel as much as the other CT types, but you're quite literally going to be making a difference in National Security from day one. Its a massive responsibility.

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CTT1

[FlyNavy]

Bump after some CT related posts

If you have specific CT questions, place them here!

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CTT1

[Maverick07]

Will holding certifications in computer networks and security from companies like Cisco and CompTIA help in advancement or command placement? I've been studying Network+ and Security+ for the past 2 months, but will not pay the $264 for a certification test if it holds no bearing in the Navy. I explored the Navy Cool website, which list all the civilian credentials/certifications related to the CTN rating. The Navy also gives out exam vouchers to pay for these certifications.

[FlyNavy]

Originally Posted by Maverick07

Will holding certifications in computer networks and security from companies like Cisco and CompTIA help in advancement or command placement? I've been studying Network+ and Security+ for the past 2 months, but will not pay the $264 for a certification test if it holds no bearing in the Navy. I explored the Navy Cool website, which list all the civilian credentials/certifications related to the CTN rating. The Navy also gives out exam vouchers to pay for these certifications.

As far as command placement, it won't have any bearing.

As far as advancement though, it will give you a huge leg up on your competition. It won't grant you additional points or anything, but you'll be ahead of the curve knowledge wise for sure.

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CTT1

[FlyNavy]

Seen a few CT questions lately. Bumping this thread if there are any more!

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CTT1

[FlyNavy]

I received this question via PM:

Originally Posted by Jdubbs

Hi, CTT1

While I was reading through your post, I found a link you put up for the CTN's working with SpecOps and such. But when I clicked on it, there was nothing but coding on the page. Do you know of any other places I could find that information? I would love to know more about it.

CT's going into the Spec Ops world do so under a program called TIO (Tactical Information Operations). You're not going to find much information out there about TIO due to the obvious classified nature of the job.

In a nut-shell though, SEALs are the ones trained to go in and get the bad guys, while there will almost always be at least 1 CT with them to handle all the secret squirrel intelligence stuff. The operator side of TIO goes out on the missions with them, while back at base there's also CT analysts waiting to pour over the intel that comes back. So there is a CT involved with both phases of the mission.

TIO is typically something you would start looking at after you've been in the fleet for a few years. It's very rare they would pick someone up right out of A-school. You need to be in Spec Ops shape and have some experience doing your job. A seasoned 2nd Class Petty Officer in prime shape would be an ideal candidate, although a motivated candidate could possibly get picked up sooner. You can either talk to your detailer about applying, or depending where you're stationed, a TIO recruiter might come by looking for interested candidates. Either way, you're going to need to be the one who's tracking people down for information and to apply.

Below is a link with a brief description of TIO
http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-np...s/1306-984.pdf

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CTT1

[FlyNavy]

Bumping, as we're having CT related questions again

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CTT1

[FlyNavy]

Bumping for a new user

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CTT1

[texasag15]

Just some background info:
Finishing a B.S. in Economics this December at TAMU (gig 'em ags!) and looking at going in as a CTN (I've looked at the other CT rates as well as IT and I've pretty much decided that it's CTN or bust for me).

Recruiter told me he couldn't really give me a good number regarding demand until after the new FY in October, so I understand if you can't really give a precise answer. I figured maybe being inside the community you might have a little more knowledge. Anyway, questions:

1. What's the demand look like for CTNs?

2. What are the most likely duty stations for CTNs to go to right now for first
tour (INCONUS)? (I understand if you can't really answer this one as well due to the whole not knowing demand issue)

3. How quickly (keep in mind I'm going in as an E3) does one usually get put into a leadership position within the community?

4. What opportunities for personal growth (certs, training, etc.) could I expect to be available outside required job training?

5. What is the job market like for CTNs post-Navy? (i.e. Are DoD contractors fighting over them because of the clearance and/or skills? Is there a specific position you see a larger number former CTNs going into?)

6. Typical day in the life of a CTN? (I understand that there isn't a lot that can be said with this one, but I figure there's no harm in asking)

These are the main ones I can think of right now. I'm sure that I'll have more once I learn more.

Thanks for any and all help.

[FlyNavy]

Originally Posted by texasag15

Just some background info:
Finishing a B.S. in Economics this December at TAMU (gig 'em ags!) and looking at going in as a CTN (I've looked at the other CT rates as well as IT and I've pretty much decided that it's CTN or bust for me).

Recruiter told me he couldn't really give me a good number regarding demand until after the new FY in October, so I understand if you can't really give a precise answer. I figured maybe being inside the community you might have a little more knowledge. Anyway, questions:

1. What's the demand look like for CTNs?

Every month, each rates Community Manager (a Master Chief in charge of manning levels within their rate) puts out a Community Overview slide showing the manning levels at every pay grade and year group. Here is the slide for CTNs

http://www.npc.navy.mil/bupers-npc/e...Pages/CTN.aspx

As a whole for E3 and E4 area, it looks pretty wide open. So it'll come down to A) if you qualify and B) is there a quota the month you're going to go down there and pick a rate. With the way it looks though, if you qualify then you shouldn't have too much trouble getting it. You're recruiter is being lazy for not looking that up (it's possible he doesn't know about it, but that's a weak excuse for a Petty Officer). October has nothing to do with it as this gets updated monthly. He's just thinking for when the budget starts over (Oct is the start of the fiscal calendar) and they can start paying for orders and billets to get you guys shipped out.

Originally Posted by texasag15

2. What are the most likely duty stations for CTNs to go to right now for first
tour (INCONUS)? (I understand if you can't really answer this one as well due to the whole not knowing demand issue)

You'll be going to a NIOC for your first tour, almost without a doubt. So NIOC Texas, Georgia, Washington (Ft Meade), Hawaii, or in rare cases, Pensacola. If you don't end up at one of these as your first tour, you're the exception lol

Originally Posted by texasag15

3. How quickly (keep in mind I'm going in as an E3) does one usually get put into a leadership position within the community?

It will depend on how you are as an individual, what quals you've gotten, and what the makeup is of your shop rank wise. If there's a ton of PO2's, then I'm not gonna put a Seaman or PO3 in charge. You'll make PO2 fairly quick though compared to other rates. Also, you'll be working in a joint environment; so you'll also be in competition with them in some cases.

Originally Posted by texasag15

4. What opportunities for personal growth (certs, training, etc.) could I expect to be available outside required job training?

At a minimum we'll send you to get your CCNA, maybe your CEH, etc. It'll depend what shop you end up in but you'll definitely get some certs out of your time

Originally Posted by texasag15

5. What is the job market like for CTNs post-Navy? (i.e. Are DoD contractors fighting over them because of the clearance and/or skills? Is there a specific position you see a larger number former CTNs going into?)

You're not gonna have a hard time finding work outside of the Navy. I wouldn't say contractors are fighting over them, but if you wanna come back there's usually at least the opportunity. I can't comment on specific positions we're taking though for OPSEC purposes. But suffice to say you'll be able to find work either as a contractor or with a civilian company.

Originally Posted by texasag15

6. Typical day in the life of a CTN? (I understand that there isn't a lot that can be said with this one, but I figure there's no harm in asking)

0700: Get to work
0730: Quarters with your division
0800-1130: REDACTED
1130-1230: Lunch
1230-1600: REDACTED
1600+: Go home

Obviously I can't discuss what you'll be doing at work. Even if I could, it varies wildly depending on what shop you work in. But suffice to say you'll have plenty of cool shit to work on. And when you're not busy, you're working on quals or learning new shit.

Originally Posted by texasag15

These are the main ones I can think of right now. I'm sure that I'll have more once I learn more.

Thanks for any and all help.

Yep! I'll throw in some bonus material here though.
I'm the LPO of a cyber division right now, so here are some of the basic things I have new guys coming into my shop explain to me so I can gauge their level of knowledge:
=============================================
I expect you to be able to subnet without a subnetting calculator and be able to explain to me the basics of networking (routers, switches, hubs, ect). This is basic knowledge.

Explain how PKI works (public keys, private keys, etc.)

Explain how DNS works.

What's a traceroute?

Explain what a Hash is. If you get that, what's salting?
And if you get that, what's more secure: hashing or encrypting? Why?

What's the difference between a threat and a vulnerability?


Anyway, that's just a few. But those are all pretty basic questions so if you're struggling with those start doing your homework.

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CTT1

[texasag15]

Thank you for that information regarding the current manning as well as the technical insight, CTT1.
Another question I had regarding my recruiter & MEPS: When I was talking to my recruiter and told him that the only job I'm honestly willing to sign for was CTN, he told me that he wouldn't send me to MEPS and that I need to give him several of my other choices before he'd send me down. Is this a normal occurrence within recruiting or do I just need to seek out a different recruiter?

[FlyNavy]

Originally Posted by texasag15

Thank you for that information regarding the current manning as well as the technical insight, CTT1.
Another question I had regarding my recruiter & MEPS: When I was talking to my recruiter and told him that the only job I'm honestly willing to sign for was CTN, he told me that he wouldn't send me to MEPS and that I need to give him several of my other choices before he'd send me down. Is this a normal occurrence within recruiting or do I just need to seek out a different recruiter?

That's pretty normal since it costs money to send you down and it's not like they can guarantee if CTN will be available or not, or if you even qualify yet. So why would the Navy spend money on your hotel, food, and medical exam if you limit them on your options for joining? It's the military, not Burger King haha (ie you can't always have it your way)

Nobody says you have to sign for something else, but with them you need to have options, because if CTN isn't available then you just wasted their time and money.

Also, CTN isn't the only rate that does Cyber. CTR's are there, I'm down there, and there's CTI's that help out. Honestly I would look into CTR, as they can do Cyber as well (and they do), as well as a huge spectrum of other cool shit. They also can go to sea, on airplanes, Special Warfare, and submarines, whereas CTNs are going to be stuck shore based in an office their whole careers. Just something to think about.

Just say you're interested in the other CT rates as well, maybe IT. Nobody says you have to sign for those anyway, it makes them feel more cozy, and you get your MEPS processing done. It's a win-win.

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CTT1

[texasag15]

Found this and trying to understand everything on this slide. Anyone mind "translating" what I'm seeing on here?
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...99804247,d.aWw

[FlyNavy]

bump