Question about the U.S. Navy

[LCA_koolaid37]

I've been accepted for a Cryptology program with the U.S. Navy. The rate I'd be going for is CTI, Cryptology Technician Interpretive, which is essentially like learning foreign languages and working for the DOD to intercept/translate information.

One thing I'm leery about is the 6 year contract. Once you graduate from the CTI program, you are an E-4.

I just would like some input from prior or active duty Navy servicemen about their rates and their experience in the Navy. You can PM me. Thanks.

[themeatmanlandry]

After six years they'll make you a WHOLE third class? WITH college?

Dude, you're smarter than that. Industry would make you some serious cash with a more mundane job . . . and no boats.

[Apertureguy]

Yup....and you would have to "conform" to rules.


Might be a bit hard for you, as it's not something everyone can deal with well. You don't want that kind of spot on your record if it doesn't go well either.

[LCA_koolaid37]

No, you are a third class after 18 months of A school and C school.

And I know that in the Mil I'd have to S^2 and keep my mouth closed. But, I do want an adventure and see the world.

[Apertureguy]

So...become a consultant!

[Alan_Hepburn]

My son joined 3 years ago - with an AS degree in Computer Science he went in as an E3. After A school he was assigned to the Fleet Public Affairs Office in San Diego - he's a Mass Communications Specialist - and made E4 while out on the USS John C Stennis last year. He's taking the exam for E5 this month, and at then he's off for a second trip to the Gulf aboard the USS Peleliu.

See the world - well last year the Stennis was part of the "surge" so they went San Diego to the Arabian Gulf non-stop. They were there I believe 2 months before they got liberty, in Dubai. They ended up visiting Dubai 3 times, then coming back to San Diego. I don't recall if they made any stops on the way home, other than Pearl Harbor. This year he doesn't know if they'll be stopping on the way over or not - he thinks they're surging over again - but the Pelelieu will be a different type of ride than the Stennis.

He's halfway through his enlistment now, and hasn't decided if he wants to re-up or not. It'll probably depend on what they offer him, and how much he likes what he's doing in 3 years. Being part of the Public Affairs Office he's not assigned to one ship - he's sent wherever they need extra media people - while he enjoyed the time on board the Stennis, he did say he was glad he wasn't permanently assigned to a ship.

[JmalB]

It's a good way to get OJT and free schooling. If you don't like it, you can get out and make double (or more) in the civilian world with the experience you gained. And it looks good on the resume. It might have been something I could have done if I'd been able to S^2 and keep my mouth shut. Sadly I knew that wasn't going to happen.

[amvince]

My 2 cents. Find a few people whho are really close to you and ask them for some guidance and make your own decision. Something I do know a little about though if you can't keep your trap shut the corporate world will not work out so well either. How do I know this is, its my biggest fault.

[intimid8er]

Originally Posted by LCA_koolaid37

I've been accepted for a Cryptology program with the U.S. Navy. The rate I'd be going for is CTI, Cryptology Technician Interpretive, which is essentially like learning foreign languages and working for the DOD to intercept/translate information.

One thing I'm leery about is the 6 year contract. Once you graduate from the CTI program, you are an E-4.

I just would like some input from prior or active duty Navy servicemen about their rates and their experience in the Navy. You can PM me. Thanks.

Originally Posted by LCA_koolaid37

No, you are a third class after 18 months of A school and C school.

And I know that in the Mil I'd have to S^2 and keep my mouth closed. But, I do want an adventure and see the world.

.

[SoCalCruisin]

LCA, it's been a few years, but I did nearly 12 years in the Navy in the Advanced Electronics field. For me we became E4 after about 8 months or so of "A" school, then had another few months of "C" school. Made E5 shortly after getting my first ship and E6 before my first enlistment was up in 6 years.

I was a Fire Controlman and worked on a gun system. The field you are describing is more "advanced", and from what I recall a very interesting job.

I loved my time in the navy. I was brought up around the world, and it enabled me to see even more of it. I love the sea, and I got to see a lot of most of them. The education was very good. I stayed in technical jobs for awhile after I got out, but have since changed to what suits me better. As far as the "rules", I don't think you can behave poorly in any career and get ahead. I didn't have to think much about my wardrobe. For me personally, serving my country was important and satisfying, and I remain proud of that to this day.

It is a very different navy from my days (1982 - 1993), but I think it is probably a better one. I can't even imagine females aboard ship (okay, I actually imagined them a LOT, we just didn't have any), but it's been the norm for years now. It is even more advanced technically, and contact with home even at sea is probably much better. There are many educated people in the navy, I'm sure even more so now than before. There are many advancement opportunities, that's just up to the individual. I had reached the point that I planned to do 20 years and retire, but for me some family obligations changed that. And it is much easier to do as a single person. That 6 year enlistment literally flies by.

If you have any specific questions, I'm happy to help if I can.


Alan Hepburn, know that your son's service is appreciated, and the contributions of you and the rest of his family as well.

[HAMMERPETE]

LCA
I went in as a 6 yo Electronics tech. 16 weeks of school and I was a E-4 OR a push button third as they like to say.

Personally I think this would be a golden opportunity for you.
The training you will receive will blow any college degree away.
Also look at your schooling you have now. Apply that for a officer program. You could pop right to a commission if you play your cards right.
The Intel game is going to really step up here in the future. Right now it is really in high demand.
Look at the benifits also. Joining during a conflict puts you in Veterens status. Home loans and helath care forever.
Yeah there is some BS but have a goal and accomplish it.
My training has paid me over ten folds. Good luck btw pick the west coast when you enlist.

[LCA_koolaid37]

Thank you all so much for the input.

This is something I really need to do for myself. I think it'll age me and prepare me more for a job outside the military.

Both of my good friends who are 28 (I'm 20) and were in the Navy continually tell me to stay enrolled in at least some hours while enlisted, so that I can get my bachelor's, which I will. Then, when my 6 years are up, if I really enjoy the Navy, I'll apply for OCS.

Anyway, I've taken my ASVAB and checked with the courthouse on my criminal history to make sure there is nothing there, and the next step is MEPS.

[Navy_p503]

Cryptos are along the same line as Nukes when it comes to advancement, bonuses and the such. E4 out of your school will put you way ahead of the majority of people going in at your age. I'm not sure what the multiples are right now but if you kick butt on the test and get good evals, E5 and 6 shouldn't be that hard to get. I made E6 in 6 years as a Nuke, so it is possible. The 6 year contract isn't too bad, though it's a tough decision when you get to the 6 year point to re-enlist or not, though if you go to be an officer retirement won't be far off. As for life in the Navy I don't regret joining at all. I met a lot of great people, travelled a bit and the work/life experience is priceless IMO. Going to college while you're active duty can be a major pain, it's possible to get a degree, but you will have to work your butt off and have a cooperative command. If you get stationed on a ship then it's a little bit harder, on the positive side the Navy has 100% tuition assistance while you're active duty. And unless you need an enlistment bonus for some reason I highly recommend getting into the Navy College Fund if it's available to you. I got an extra $40k to go to college, plus the G.I. bill which is up around $30k right now. Even if you get your degree while you're in, right now your spouse can use your Educational benefits and it's in the works to allow your children to use them.
A bit on family. And I speak from experience on this part. Don't rush into anything with any girls. I got married at 20, and was separated before I was 21. This is especially true for the Navy. I guarantee that a large percentage of the people you work with will be divorced and at a young age.
As for MEPS, you already know the job you want so don't let the detailers try to bully you into signing up for something you don't want to do. If your job doesn't have an opening for a few months you may just want to wait for that opening. They may tell you that you can go in as undesignated and then strike for that job, but it's a lot harder then they make it out to be. Read what you sign!!!! Make sure that your contract has the job you want, bonuses, college fund, guaranteed 'C' school, everything like that listed on it before you sign the dotted line!! If you have any questions feel free to send me a PM or email. I'll ask around to some of my friends, I used to know a couple CT's and see if they have any specific advice for that job. Good luck.

[themeatmanlandry]

Originally Posted by LCA_koolaid37

Anyway, I've <snip> checked with the courthouse on my criminal history to make sure there is nothing there, and the next step is MEPS.

In all seriousness . . . how'd that go?

-Did it cost money?
-Did they think you were strange for not knowing your own criminal history?
-Did they check the NCIC or just the local rap sheets?

Without saying too much, I've often wondered if my record contains a serious mistake I made (and supposedly got rid of) a few years back. I'd be interested to see if that's on my record. It's not supposed to be, but you know how that goes.

[LCA_koolaid37]

Thanks for the information, p503.

TMML,

It didn't cost me anything, other than my patience after being transfered 9,000 times.

Basically, I got a "Minor in Possession" of alcohol charge 2.5 years ago when I was 17. The clearance I need for CTI is "Top Secret", so I wanted to make sure that there was nothing on my record.

In our county, the prosecuting attorney has a program where if you are a minor and have an alcohol offense, you pay a fine and attend a class on substance abuse and as long as you don't get another alcohol related citation, the charges are never actually filed on your record.

I called the Police Department, they transfered me to the Municipal Courts, who searched my record and found that my citation was in the county courts and was then transfered again.

[Dawgfan72]

One of the best things I ever did and I'd do it all over again. Like all other endeavors, you get out what you put in. Future employers also seem to look favorably on candidates with military backgrounds.

Keep a positive attitude and go for it.

[old codger]

Originally Posted by HAMMERPETE

LCA
Look at the benifits also. Joining during a conflict puts you in Veterens status. Home loans and helath care forever.

Don't count on the Benifits unless you go the over 20 and retire route. I spent 4 years in the USN, got out as an E5 electronics tech. That was before the 6 year enlistment requirement for Electronics, that changed while I was in ET school.
I checked with the VA about medical assistance when I lost a high tech job due to downsizing of the company and was told by the VA they would not help. I am classified as a Vietnam era veteran.

old codger

[LCA_koolaid37]

Oh, and Hammerpete, I am definitely picking West Coast!

My two good friends who were USN were stationed in San Diego, CA. Heck yes!

My A School, if I pass my DLAB and security clearance, will be in Monterey, Cali!

[Navy_p503]

If you get out before retirement you can opt to continue your life insurance, but you have to pay for it. No health benefits unless you get any disability. VA loans and educational benefits are about it.

[JmalB]

MY roommate is getting some help with severe migraines thru the VA. Bogass slow I tell ya. I hope it's nothing fatal. It'll kill him before he gets everything diagnosed and treated.