Careers Career Paths Navy Cryptologic Technicians – CT Cryptologists analyze signals and transmissions Share PINTEREST Email Print Patrick Robert - Corbis / Contributor / Getty Images Career Paths US Military Careers Technology Careers Sports Careers Sales Project Management Professional Writer Music Careers Media Legal Careers Government Careers Finance Careers Fiction Writing Careers Entertainment Careers Criminology Careers Book Publishing Aviation Animal Careers Advertising Learn More By Rod Powers Rod Powers Air Force NCO Academy Rod Powers was a retired Air Force First Sergeant with 22 years of active duty service. Learn about our Editorial Process Updated on 12/02/19 The Navy's crucially important work of deciphering encrypted communications and monitoring electronic networks for top-secret intelligence information is the responsibility of cryptology technicians. Within that field are several specialized ratings, including Cryptologic technician collection agent (CTR)Cryptologic technician technical (CTT) Cryptologic technician networks (CTN) Cryptologic technician maintenance (CTM) Cryptologic technician interpretive (CTI) A key part of the CTR's job is to intercept signals and transmissions, including some in foreign languages—although that's a different specialty altogether. This is a highly specialized, highly technical rating in the Navy, which relies on state-of-the-art equipment to get the job done. An interest and proficiency in technology and advanced computer systems are key for recruits who hope to enlist. Duties CTRs perform a variety of duties worldwide at numerous overseas and stateside shore commands, aboard surface ships, aircraft, and submarines. In addition to collecting and analyzing communications signals, they provide analysis and technical guidance and targeting information to weapons systems while assigned to ships and submarines, and their work is used to help locate ships, aircraft, and submarines. They brief operational commanders when ashore and at sea. Cryptologic technicians have the possibility of a three-year tour of duty aboard a ship whose home port in Virginia, Florida, California, Washington, Hawaii, or Japan. Working Environment Cryptology is conducted indoors, whether ashore at a base, or aboard a ship, submarine, or aircraft. They'll be closely supervised and have frequent contact and coordination with colleagues; this isn't a solitary job by any means. Training A combined score of 110 on the verbal expression and arithmetic reasoning segments of the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test is required to qualify for this rating. Recruits must be able to qualify for a top-secret security clearance, and a Single Scope Background Investigation will be required. CTRs need to have normal hearing and be U.S. citizens. Their immediate family members must also be U.S. citizens, and a personal security screening interview will be conducted. Former members of the Peace Corps are not eligible for this rating, and candidates need a high school diploma or equivalent. Recruits for this rating need an interest in electronics and good moral character as determined by the Navy. Similar Ratings There are several other specialties within the cryptology technician field. These include cryptologic technician technical or CTTs, who are experts in interpreting and identifying radar signals, both airborne and shipborne. Cryptologic technician interpretive or CTIs are experts in linguistics interpretation. Due to the unique nature and specific skill sets required by sailors in the various cryptology communities, career paths are defined by whether they're within the continental U.S. (INCONUS) or outside the continental U.S. (OUTCONUS) tours, rather than the traditional sea and shore rotations. Sailors can expect to serve on various tours outside the continental U.S. and/or overseas tours, which count as sea duty, during their careers. CTIs can expect a rotation of one INCONUS tour, followed by two OUTCONUS tours, and so on, during their careers.