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Old 02-20-2017, 03:03 PM   #1
Barbazu
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As I mentioned previously, some people that I felt would never make it through JCAC were amazing at it. And some, including myself, that I thought would breeze through it got dropped. There's no formula for knowing if you'll make it. And it's not that the material is that difficult. It's that it is so fast paced that it's easy to get left behind. That's what happened with me. I believe I could have made it through, but I failed one test and the class kept going. So I was learning new material and trying to get an understanding of the material I failed at the same time. It was too much. Before I knew it I was cleaning toilets and getting shipped to another school.

As CTN2 said, you get study guides that you can take home with you to study. I still have mine. I didn't make it far enough to get into the classified stuff, but from what I understand 99% of what you learn is not classified. You'll be briefed on some sensitive stuff, but that's really to just get you excited about the job more than it contributes to your learning.

If you choose CTN, the best advice I can give you is to start learning to think like a computer. Logic and discrete mathematics are your friend. Also, when you get to Corry Station, don't get caught up in the hoopla of having a good time in Pensacola while you're in holding waiting on your clearance. Work, exercise, and rest. JCAC will hit you like a freight train from the very beginning. If you're accustomed to "having a good time" in Pensacola then you'll be sorely disappointed when all that ends on the first day of class. Your time will spent at school, studying in your room, and standing watch. If you try to do anything other than that you'll likely fail.
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Old 02-21-2017, 02:20 PM   #2
jabONE
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Barbazu View Post
As I mentioned previously, some people that I felt would never make it through JCAC were amazing at it. And some, including myself, that I thought would breeze through it got dropped. There's no formula for knowing if you'll make it. And it's not that the material is that difficult. It's that it is so fast paced that it's easy to get left behind. That's what happened with me. I believe I could have made it through, but I failed one test and the class kept going. So I was learning new material and trying to get an understanding of the material I failed at the same time. It was too much. Before I knew it I was cleaning toilets and getting shipped to another school.

As CTN2 said, you get study guides that you can take home with you to study. I still have mine. I didn't make it far enough to get into the classified stuff, but from what I understand 99% of what you learn is not classified. You'll be briefed on some sensitive stuff, but that's really to just get you excited about the job more than it contributes to your learning.

If you choose CTN, the best advice I can give you is to start learning to think like a computer. Logic and discrete mathematics are your friend. Also, when you get to Corry Station, don't get caught up in the hoopla of having a good time in Pensacola while you're in holding waiting on your clearance. Work, exercise, and rest. JCAC will hit you like a freight train from the very beginning. If you're accustomed to "having a good time" in Pensacola then you'll be sorely disappointed when all that ends on the first day of class. Your time will spent at school, studying in your room, and standing watch. If you try to do anything other than that you'll likely fail.
Sorry you did not make it man. I had a hard time in JCAC in the beginning much like you did. I failed the first mod twice and got fortunate due to career circumstances to get a third test. I passed it and then struggled for the next couple mods until I got the hang of it. I eventually got to a point where I comfortably made it through. I did not fail another test after that initial double tap, but I certainly was stressed through the rest of JCAC. I made it through though. It certainly will pass you by if you are not grasping the material though.

For all you future CTN's, I had no prior knowledge or experience with computers other than being a standard user so prior knowledge is not necessary. Just the ability to study hard and learn fast. Ask questions frequently and seek out extra help if you need it. If you are unsure about a topic or concept, ask for help or clarification. Do not assume you understood it.
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Very Respectfully,

CTN2 Baron
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Old 02-21-2017, 07:56 PM   #3
Barbazu
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Thanks CTN2! I really wanted CTN, but it wasn't in the cards for me. I double tapped the second mod and the ARB voted me down two to one. But I was completely honest with them. I told them I'm a self-paced learner and I didn't think I could keep up with the pace. I told them I had no doubt that I could learn the job, and probably excel at it, but there was no way I could learn that stuff as quickly as they require. So I rolled the dice and got stuck with PS. It's a great rate, but not for me. I'm just waiting to rerate at this point. Haha!
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Old 12-09-2017, 07:53 PM   #4
Racinkc1
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Default Chances of passing jcac

I scored a 78 on my asvab. I realize what I may be getting myself into concerning jcac. I’m willing to organize study groups, make flash cards, do volo studying. What are my chances of passing for a CTN rate?
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Old 12-09-2017, 08:37 PM   #5
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I scored a 92 on my asvab. In my class I had the second highest score, but I got dropped and most of the others made it. Honestly, it’s more about your learning style than your intellect. It’s really fast paced. That’s what got me. If you’re a relatively quick learner you’ll probably do okay. JCAC will consume your life for six months, though. So buckle up!
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Old 01-06-2018, 05:54 PM   #6
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Should I get a laptop for A school? I want to give myself every possible advantage if I get the CTN rate.
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Old 01-07-2018, 08:26 PM   #7
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You’ll be issued a laptop once you class up. Here’s a couple things to keep in mind...

They suck. They’re a piece of garbage.

And NEVER EVER NEVER NEVER EVER take your laptop into the SCIF. It’s for studying outside of class. I was on a working party where I once had to actually shred a hard drive because some guy brought his laptop into the scif. I also had to shred his cellphone so don’t take it either. You WILL be caught. I promise.
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