Cryptologic Technician Interpretive (CTI)

Cryptologic Technicians Interpretive are the Navy's linguists. CTIs attend language training at the Defense Language Institute (DLI), in Monterey, California. They specialize in the analysis of foreign language materials and the preparation of statistical studies and technical reports.

Language training is open to men and women in Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Persian-Farsi, Russian, and Spanish. Additional languages are available to CTIs that qualify for an additional language. New recruits cannot get a guaranteed language in their enlistment contract. Language assignment is determined at DLI based on aptitude, school quotas, and Navy requirements.

The Duties Performed by CTIs Include

• operating sophisticated state-of-the-art electronic radio receivers, magnetic recording devices, computer terminals and associated peripherals in the communications signals environment;
• operating sophisticated, computer-assisted information systems;
• working with classified material;
• translating, interpreting and transcribing foreign language communications data;
• analyzing and reporting highly technical information of strategic and tactical importance to fleet commanders and national intelligence agencies;
• performing temporary duty aboard a variety of naval surface and subsurface vessels and aircraft.

Working Environment

CTIs normally work in clean, comfortable office-type or small technical laboratory-type environments while on shore duty. Sea duty is performed on a variety of air, surface and subsurface platforms. At times they are closely supervised but often work independently or in small, coordinated teams.

Their work is of high interest to command and decision-making levels. It is mostly mental, involving foreign language materials. CTIs may be assigned to temporary duty aboard Navy aircraft. Additionally, male CTI members may be assigned to duties aboard a Navy submarine.

A-School (Job School) Information

• Defense Language Institute, Monterey, CA -- 173 to 439 calendar days, depending on language
• Goodfellow AFB, TX -- 92 to 173 calendar days, depending on language
• ASVAB Score Requirement: VE + MK + GS = 165
• Security Clearance Requirement: Top Secret (Single Scope Background Investigation Required)

Other Requirements

• Must score 100 or more on the Defense Language Aptitude Battery (DLAB)
• Must be world-wide assignable
• Must have normal hearing
• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Immediate family members must be U.S. Citizens
• Moral turpitude offense(s) are generally disqualifying
• Personal security screening interview required
• Former members of the Peace Corps are not eligible
• Candidates must be a high school graduate or equivalent (GED, CPT, home study or other equivalency). If not a diploma graduate, the applicant must provide a high school transcript verifying successful completion of the 10th grade.

Sub-Specialties Available for This Rating: Navy Enlisted Classification Codes for CTI Current Manning Levels for This Rating: CREO Listing

Note: Advancement (promotion) opportunity and career progression are directly linked to a rating's manning level (i.e., personnel in undermanned ratings have greater promotion opportunity than those in overmanned ratings).

Sea/Shore Rotation for This Rating

• First Sea Tour: N/A months
• First Shore Tour: N/A months
• Second Sea Tour: N/A months
• Second Shore Tour: N/A months
• Third Sea Tour: N/A months
• Third Shore Tour: N/A months
• Fourth Sea Tour: N/A months
• Forth Shore Tour: N/A months

Due to the unique nature and specific skill sets required by sailors in the various CT communities, career paths are defined by INCONUS (inside the U.S.) and OUTCONUS (outside the U.S.) tours, instead of sea/shore rotations. Sailors can expect to serve on various tours outside the continental United States and/or overseas tours which count as sea duty, during their career.

CTIs can expect a rotation of one INCONUS tour, followed by one OUTCONUS tour, ect., during their careers.

Much of the above information courtesy of the Navy Personnel Command