Cryptologic Technician - Technical (CTT)

Cryptologic Technicians (Technical) perform a variety of specialized duties associated with the collection and processing of airborne, shipborne, and land-based radar signals. They operate electronic intelligence receiving and direction finding systems, digital recording devices, analysis terminals, and associated computer equipment.

Systems they operate produce high-power jamming signals used to deceive electronic sensors and defeat radar-guided weapons systems. Additionally, intelligence derived from collection and processing update national databases which are crucial to tactical and strategic units throughout the world.

Duties of Cryptologic Technicians

• Operating collection and analysis consoles on surface, subsurface, and airborne platforms, as well as at shore commands
• The first line of defense against inbound threats and anti-ship missiles for deployed units
• Working with highly classified and technical material in support of national security
• Providing electronic intelligence support to commands throughout the world
• Tracking surface and airborne targets of interest to determine defensive maneuvers and tactics in case of attack
• Operating electronic detection and deception systems
• Operating state-of-the-art electronic receivers, signal modifiers, digital recording devices and associated peripherals in the collection of airborne, shipborne, and land-based radar signals
• Performing in-depth technical analysis of radar signals/systems to produce technical reports and briefs for operational facilities in the United States, Hawaii, Japan, Spain, Great Britain, Australia, and various remote sites throughout the world
• Creating and maintaining technical databases used by local and national level agencies

Working Environment

CTT functions are performed in clean, orderly, air-conditioned spaces, with little supervision. Personnel in the CTT ratings normally work with other intelligence and cryptology specialists on tasks that require more mental than physical effort.

A-School (Job School) Information: Pensacola, FL -- 82 calendar days (Note those that enlist under the Advanced Electronics Field option will undergo further advanced training)

ASVAB Score Requirement: VE + MK + GS = 162 (CTT 4 year enlistment) or

AR + MK + EI + GS = 223 (CTT AEF 6 year enlistment)

Security Clearance Requirement: Top Secret (Single Scope Background Investigation Required)

Other Requirements

• 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, 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 CTT

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: 36 months
• First Shore Tour: 36 months
• Second Sea Tour: 42 months
• Second Shore Tour: N/A months
• Third Sea Tour: 36 months
• Third Shore Tour: 36 months
• Fourth Sea Tour: 36 months
• Forth Shore Tour: 36 months

Note: Sea tours and shore tours for sailors that have completed four sea tours will be 36 months at sea followed by 36 months ashore until retirement.

For CTTs signed under the AEF program (6-year enlistment), and those with NECs 173 X and 1702, the first sea tour will be 48 months due to the length of initial training.

Much of the above information courtesy of the Navy Personnel Command