Overview
Enlisted Sailors in the Navy Cryptology community analyze encrypted electronic communications, jam enemy radar signals, decipher information in foreign languages, and maintain state-of-the-art equipment and networks used to generate top-secret intel.
Responsibilities
Within Navy Cryptology, there are distinct focus areas that have their own training paths and job descriptions. Each CT role works under the oversight of Cryptologic Warfare Officers (four-year degree required) or Cyber Warfare Engineers (four-year degree required) – and potentially both.
Cryptologic Technician Interpretive (CTI) – CTIs serve as experts in linguistics (including Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Persian-Farsi, Russian, and Spanish) and deciphering information in other languages. Their responsibilities include:
* Collecting, analyzing, and exploiting foreign language communications of interest
* Transcribing, translating, and interpreting foreign language materials
* Providing cultural and regional guidance in support of Navy, Joint Force, national, and multinational needs
Cryptologic Technician Technical (CTT) – CTTs serve as experts in airborne, shipborne, and land-based radar signals. Their responsibilities include:
* Operating electronic intelligence-receiving and direction-finding systems, digital recording devices, analysis terminals, and associated computer equipment
* Operating systems that produce high-power jamming signals used to deceive electronic sensors and defeat radar-guided weapons systems
* Providing technical and tactical guidance in support of surface, subsurface, air, and special warfare operations
Cryptologic Technician Networks (CTN) – CTNs serve as experts in communication network defense and forensics. Their responsibilities include:
* Monitoring, identifying, collecting, and analyzing information
* Providing computer network risk mitigation and network vulnerability assessments and incident response/reconstruction
* Providing network target access tool development
* Conducting computer network operations worldwide in support of Navy and Department of Defense missions
Cryptologic Technician Maintenance (CTM) – CTMs serve as experts in the preventive and corrective maintenance of sophisticated cryptologic equipment, networks, and systems. Their responsibilities include:
* Installing, testing, troubleshooting, repairing, or replacing cryptologic networks, physical security systems, electronic equipment, antennas, personal computers, auxiliary equipment, digital and optical interfaces, and data systems
* Configuring, monitoring, and evaluating Information Operations (IO), Information Warfare (IW) systems, and Information Assurance (IA) operations
Cryptologic Technician Collection (CTR) – CTRs serve as experts in intercepting signals. Their responsibilities include:
* Analyzing and reporting on communication signals using computers, specialized computer-assisted communications equipment, video display terminals, and electronic/magnetic tape recorders
* Exploiting signals of interest to identify, locate, and report worldwide threats
* Providing tactical and strategic signals intelligence, technical guidance, and information warfare support to surface, subsurface, air, and special warfare units
Work Environment
Cryptologic Technicians perform a variety of duties worldwide, at overseas and stateside commands; aboard surface ships, aircraft, and submarines; and with Naval Special Warfare. Duties can be performed in an office setting, lab environment, specialized maintenance shop, secure space, or watch environment. CTs may work independently or as part of small, coordinated teams under the supervision of Information Warfare Officers (four-year degree required) or Cyber Warfare Engineers (four-year degree required).
Training & Advancement
After completing initial 7–9 week Recruit Training (Boot Camp), those pursuing a Cryptologic Technician role report to Pensacola, FL, or Monterey, CA, for formal Navy schooling in their specialty area within cryptology. This includes technical "A" School and possibly advanced "C" School or "F" School.
CTI training: Class "A" School is two phases. Phase One at the Defense Language Institute, Monterey, CA (27–64 weeks). Phase Two is 12 weeks. Class "F" School is conducted at the Regional Center for Excellence in Monterey, CA.
CTT training: Class "A" School is ~17 weeks. After "A" school, some CTTs attend a Class "C" School (~26 weeks) in Pensacola, FL.
CTN training: Class "A" School is ~26 weeks in Pensacola, FL.
CTM training: Class "A" School is ~10 weeks in Pensacola, FL.
CTR training: Class "A" School is ~22 weeks in Pensacola, FL.
Promotion opportunities are regularly available but competitive and based on performance. Specialized training and work experience can lead to credentialing and occupational opportunities in related fields. To learn more about the training path for any focus area, locate a recruiter.
Education Opportunities
Beyond offering access to professional credentials and certifications, Navy training in intelligence can translate to credit hours toward a bachelor's or associate degree through the American Council on Education. Additional opportunities include:
* Navy College Program and Tuition Assistance
* Post-9/11 GI Bill
Qualifications & Requirements
A four-year degree is not required to become a member of the Navy electronics community. Some programs have additional requirements. A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Those seeking a Cryptologic Technician position must be U.S. citizens eligible for a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information clearance. They should have an interest in electronics and technology; good character, communication, and record-keeping skills; math aptitude; and the ability to perform highly detail-oriented, highly classified work. Specific qualifications vary by specialization. General qualifications may vary based on current service status. For details, contact a recruiter.
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