Son wants to enter as a CTN, anyone know how?

[hawaiimom]

My son scored well on the ASVAB and also on the DLAB but really wants to be a CTN.  Does anyone know how this works?  His recruiter told him it could be October or longer before this rating is available.  Where do the "openings" come from?  This rating would be perfect for my son, and he's jazzed about it but doesn't want to have to wait until October. Is there anything special my son should be doing to make sure he can be a CTN? Any info would be very much appreciated!

[hawaiimom]

Emma, thanks for your reply, but you completely did not understand the question.  I asked where the openings came from...from an email that is sent out, phone calls, etc., and how often.  I know that the CTN rating is manned at this point by E-7 and below only 78%. 

 

My husband has been in the Navy for 23 years and is currently deployed, which is why I'm in this forum looking for specific answers. 

 

Also, the only downsizing I have heard of is "cutting the fat", those who do not promote, cannot stay within body standards are out.  When we did actually "downsize" our armed forces there was a payout for those who chose to leave, and the rest were lost to attrition.  Also, CTN is a relatively new rating and they are definitely not "downsizing" that rating.   

 

No the Navy is not the "make a wish" foundation, but when my husband went in, he went in at the exact rating he wanted, but entering the Navy today is much different than when he entered and I was looking for answers about where the openings come from, not a condescending attempt at schooling me about how the Navy works.

 

And as for college, my son has a year in college already, and 2 years JrROTC as well as a very high ASVAB score and a great DLAB score. 

 

I guess "Navy Mom's" is a place for people to talk crappy to a person asking questions while their husband's are deployed, not a place to get real answers. 

 

Aloha

 

[BunkerQB]

@hawaiimom,

Please say a "Thank you." to your husband for us. Navy For Moms was created as a support system for anyone with a loved one in the Navy. It was created in March of '08. Between the inception to today, the site has grew astronomically (it has slowed down somewhat with a number going to Facebook because it easier to get updates). For many this site became not only a place for support but also a place to obtain information. This site is owned by Ewald Campbell - the advertising firm contracted by the Navy. There is very little financial support for this site. The official N4M admins are busy with other projects. Volunteers keep this site going.

 

We have a number of members who are currently (or in the past) associated with the Navy. They take valuable time from their families and jobs to come on this site to help new members.

 

The other volunteers like myself and Lady Hamilton have sons/daughters currently in the Navy. Our knowledge base (unless it's a topic we have researched on the net) is from information from our sailors or from other moms willing to share their information. I will be the first to admit that my opinions may be flawed and at best backed by "second hand" information - we are not paid professionals. Most of us do this out of love for our sailors, the Navy and the great country called the United States of America. Often when our information is incorrect or not given out in a manner the recipient of the information likes, we get criticized. We ask newbies to take a little time to learn to use this site. It's easy to tell few do because when a newe person comes on the site, they want the information right now - accurate, organized and certified. Often, we research the information, take time to writ numerous responses only to find the original poster of the discussion disappear without a "Thank you.", "Farewell." or anything. Periodically, we get "craped" on (or feel like I have been dissed royally) because in a weak moment, we write a response drawing from personal data (maybe something that makes no sense to the reader).

 

You do not disclosed with your original input on the discussion that your husband is currently deployed and in fact you have been a Navy family for over 23 years. There is probably an excellent chance that you have more information about being a Navy family than most of us. Since you are on this site, I do wish you would stay and join some of the group where your experience and first hand knowledge would be beneficial to many.  For moms like myself who are transitioning to a more passive role and in time out of Navy For Moms all together, it would be satisfying to see that all the hours we have spent on this site not go to waste. Newer members with sailors who are just beginning their journeys will need to step in to carry forth.

 

A sincere thank you to Craig (happy to see you up and about) and Danno for helping us. We don't say it enough.

 

BunkerQB (just another mom).

 

[Angie]

BQB..you are NOT just another mom :~}

[Danno]

The advice to "wait for October" might be a waste of time possibly. As Lady Hamilton mentioned, jobs are available as needed and this changes every day. The reason recruiters advise on waiting for October is because it is the beginning of the new fiscal year. This could mean more job availability and funding for naval schools but does not guarantee this. It sounds like everything that could be done has been done to get him toward that job. It is as simple as qualifications vs. availability. Another factor to take into consideration is when your son would like to ship to boot camp. If he would like to ship within a year, he should join ASAP regardless of job. If he doesn't mind waiting until October, he might not ship out until October 2012. As a former recruiter, I always recommend an applicant keeps and interest in a variety of Naval jobs and never keeps fingers crossed for one. Hope it works out, let us know.

[Craig]

About 1 year ago they changed the scores required to get into the CTN rating.  To even think about getting into that rating you must have have a score of 235.  (AR+2MK+GS=235)

So many parents think the overall ASVAB score is the key, when in fact it truly means nothing.  If he's got a 235 or above, then he's got a chance.  If not, he doesn't. 

[Angie]

Where do the openings come from?  That one is based on how many seats are in the schools and how many people are needed in the rate and billets that need to be filled.

 

Check out:

 

http://www.npc.navy.mil/Enlisted/CommunityManagers/Cryptologic/Cryp...

 

Click on CTN Community Overview

 

They may be undermaned, but there are no billets for them to go anywhere.  (sorry can't get the bold off, it stayed bold due to the line above it, LOL!)

[Angie]

As far as what to do to get in as a CTN, he needs to be open to other rates.  There is a chance there is no opening in the school, and that it very well could be filled up until the new FY.  If the only thing your son wants is CTN, and keeps going back saying that, he will be called "Job locked" which means the recruiter will most likly spend list time with your son as he only wants one thing.  When the recruiter could be sending more time with someone who is more open to different jobs.

 

What ever job your son signs up for is what he will go to school for. Odds of him switching jobs while in bootcamp or school are slim to none. 

 

FYI....Some of the people on this site can be "catty" others are here to assist.  BUT keep in mind 95% of these people are parents and loved ones of Sailors.  This site is NOT manned by military.  There are some of us who are Active duty and vets who come on here to try and assist, but we do not in any way speak on behalf of the USN, we are doing this on our own free time.

 

[BunkerQB]

Ah Angie, please allow me the pleasure of taking you and your husband to dinner if you are ever in the CA San Fran area. We live half way between the San Fran Airport and the San Jose Airport. Craig already knows he invited. :) You guys should consider joining the Marines' Memorial Club - their hotel in SF is wonderful - right in Union Square - come out for Fleet Week.

[Craig]

Thanks BQB,

However,  there is not many places that serve pureed scrabled eggs.  Dang it, I should have waited for my surgury so I could have gotten a steak dinner, now it yogart, soup broth, and water.  However, next Thursday I get to move up to tuna salad... Woo-hoo, never thought I'd celibrate a dang tuna salad.  But heck, it kind of reminds me when I got married.  My wife and I were so poor that we lived on sunflower seeds and Ramen soup for 2 weeks while the Navy figured out our pay.  Probably one of the best times I can think of now, but not then....

[BunkerQB]

I am trying lose some weight. Ironic how life is. Now that I am old enough with enough money to eat all the steaks I want, I can't. I am not on any particular diet (sort of modified Kaiser Clinic - lots of tuna) - just changing what I am eating. All my clothes are fitting better. I have made a commitment to eat this way for the rest of my life (except for weekends - allowing for eating out but keeping the portions in check). Send me pm and tell me how your daughter & son are doing.