CTN

LtTXsmarty - Blues actual normal practice is on Tues and Thur starting at about 8AM-10AM. There is a Lighthouse right next door to the gateway inn on NAS that is a must if you've never climbed to the top of one before. Air Museum is just down the road from Gateway Inn too. That's just on base. Off base you have of course the beaches that are a must see. Downtown historical district is always a good place for first time visitors as well. The front desk should have info on where these places are located.

Craig, I have a question My son's recruiter called (the day after he handed in the packet with all the security questions on it) and told him that he needs to be willing to take any rate that is available. or he won't bring him to MEPS. What the heck? I have a feeling this recruiter is not going to do anything to help him. Now to the question. If I remember from my other son your sat down at a computer and shown everything available correct? So what does he do/say if the CTN rate etc is not offered.. If he say's he'll wait what will happen? Will he be told he can't join?

CTmomof3, it sounds like your son really needs to see another recruiter or talk to someone else at MEPS when he does his physical. below is the link of the CREO list which shows which rates are wide open for each rank. E-1-E-4 is wide open for CTN. (1 means undermanned, 2 manned at proper level, 3 overmanned)
http://www.npc.navy.mil/NR/rdonlyres/ACFC5118-8A8C-412C-8785-D23F21...

Fred - Thanks for posting that logo. All sailors need a dang rating logo. It's part of being a sailor. I really appreciate that.... I wonder why they don't promote the logo? I've never seen it before. Do you know of an offical website that shows all the rating logos?

LtTx - Man, there are two must go resturants. One is McGuires Irish Pub. It's downtown Pensacola. I bet they have $500K worth of $1 dollar bills stapled on the walls and ceiling. You haven't been to Pensacola, if you haven't been to McGuires. http://www.mcguiresirishpub.com/mcguires_pcola/

Second place is Peg Leg Pete's. It's located on Pensacola beach. The have webcams, so let us know when you will be there, and the time, then we will look for you waving at us.... The web cam can be seen at this address too... http://www.peglegpetes.com/

CTmomof3 - Being "Job-locked" is not really a good thing. The current recruiting environment he may not get a second chance to go back to MEPS. You've got to know these recruiter have 100's of people wanting to join the Navy, so your son will be kicked to the side. When clockard and my kids went to MEPS we had alot of power. I told my kid that he's got to get CTN, because it's the wave of the future, and he's a computer nerd. We stayed there till 9pm (we got there at 7am), and he got it.

Well, my nephew just joined (completed bootcamp Sept 2nd) and he wanted CTN. I let him know that he had to have a backup rating just in case CTN wasn't available if he truly wanted to be in the Navy. There was no CTN billets in the system, so his backup was he would take ANY CT job. This prove he wasn't "Job-Locked". I told the classifer that I would beat my nephew butt if he came out with anything outside the CT ratings. The classifer offered him CTT. Which is really a good rating too, not as cool as CTN, but just a tad below. But still great. So he's in "A" school as a "CTT".

Bottomline, he's got to have a backup rating. Have him tell the recruiter, that he isn't Job-locked, and he will accept any CT ratings that are available, but he would perfer CTN. Again, the way the economy is right now, these recruiters don't care. I've seen the change on many webforum I'm on, and have seen it on the two websites I own.

Lastly, don't let them say to him, take the Boatswain Mate rating (BM) now, and while you're waiting in DEP, we'll submit a DAR request to change it. Beleive me, it never happens. He's just needs to understand if the overall CT rating is not available, what is his next game plan. Maybe start College?

clockard - I totally love your tattoo... It looks cool. I never thought you'd do something like that.

Ok so what is going to happen (steps) at MEPS? My older son was way more outgoing and vocal and knew what he wanted (his recruiter was also better) and got what he wanted. and did this all on his own.This son is much more quiet and (way to trusting) and believes what people tell him so I'm trying to "arm" him with as much knowledge as possible so as to not be lead down the wrong path. Am I making sense? He's not really "job locked" as he wants CTN or CTR maybe IS I've noticed he's been looking at MA also. but i just have a bad feeling about the recruiter he's dealing with. The Navy will be his life and I don't want some recruiter trying to make his numbers mess that up. Are the MEPS people the ones that really "tell" him what available? If I remember correctly CTR was not shown to his brother at MEPS in the list of jobs but he had to ask for it when there. The way he put it "it was on a different screen not shown to everyone" I'm sorry for so many questions on the group but I know you all have the knowledge I/he needs.

I'm an MA1 and believe me, your son does NOT want to come into this rate!!! His first tour will most likely be 1 year in bahrain or IA and it doesn't get any better than that. Promotion is minimal and all ranks are overmanned. Tell him to stick to a technical job. IS is a good job, I have a lot of buddies from the MA rate that have converted to it and they seem to like it.

Ctmomof3 - Do you happen to have his ASVAB scores? Not the overall, but the seperate scores for each area? I actually wrote an Excel program that you enter those numbers, and it spits out which ratings your qualified for. Usually the stuff on the second page is ratings that he didn't qualify for, but is really close.

linxs - Totally agree with the MA rating. I had a guy on my website, married, kids, and the Navy sent him unaccompied to Japan for 24 months. Geez, his marriage was really hard. Sadly, 19 months into his tour (only 5 months left), they discharge him for a fradualent enlistement. It was soooo sad.

clockard - There are just so many spots in the classroom. Yea, they can be way undermanned, but there has to be a billet for them. Just imagine Nukes, there is only one trainer, how do you get everyone qual'd if they don't have the equipment? Fred understand the school house side, so I'll pass it onto him.

I know that everyone here for the most part has a little more experience with the Navy but just my 2 cents.......I think being " Job-Locked " isn't a bad thing at all. Some people just know what they want and will wait for it. That shouldn't be a negative but should be commended that you have a qualified person wiling to wait to join up, right?? There is a facebook page called " US Navy Life " and the recruiters will tell them they should be lucky to even join the " Worlds Greatest Navy! "

I don't quote agree, I wanted to be a CTN...I know what i want to do when I get out and I do a similar job now. Should I totally chg my life or should I take my skills and put them to great use in a rate I know i'll love and succeed in. I think if you want a specific rate and it's undermanned, wait for that rate. Don't experiment with rates if you know what you want out of life.

I am different than most since I'm 26 and joined after having 8yrs of networking/info sec experience. A lot of people are just out of high school and still confused as to what they want to do, so they are easily swayed but I think if you stick to your guns and you qualify, the classifier and recruiter will work with you.

Craig no I don't know his scores. He took a pracatice test a few weeks ago did well enought that they wanted him to go nuke but he's color blind so that wont work. He's taking the "for real" asvab tuesday as well as his physical. that's why I have so many question now before he goes.
Clockard I wish someone could go with him. His dad lives in VA and we live in CT. My mother bear protecting her young attitude is coming is starting to show so not sure if i would be much help nor do I think he's want me to go.. But can you bring a parent? Maybe his dad could come back. At what point do the have him...sign on the dotted line.. and at that point there is no going back. His dad has told him do not sign anything till you discuss it with me first.

CTmom...where is your son at? what city...maybe if you cant get there we can have one of the Navy moms open a can of whoopass on that recruiter...he is really ticking me off!

CTmomof3 - When he takes the test, he needs to ask them for his indivual scores. I can tell you exactly which ratings he's qualified for or not. Here is a break down from my Excel file. You will see what the scores areas are, and how to read the profile sheet. You son really needs to write down the score. Remember, everyone will tell you the overall score their sailors received. That score truly is meaningless. It's only used as a minimum score used to get into the Navy.

http://i55.tinypic.com/2lb0xok.jpg

http://i51.tinypic.com/4i5x0.jpg

Clockard - Go ahead and use the logo all you want. Pass it around. Lets see how far it goes around.

Tony - I agree with not accepting a rating (job) that you truly don't want. Just like me, I have no interest at all being around a flight deck. However, if I were to go to MEPS in todays era, you best beleive I would have a couple other ratings that I would accept. I would either take those, or I would go to college. The bottomline is CTmomof3 son needs to have a game plan and what he is willing to accept or not.
He needs to understand to that he might be a QNJ anyways. It's just this crazy economy were in.

QNJ? Thanks Craig I looked at your Excel file. So there are 10 scores he needs to write down? This may sound dumb but will they them him write them down? I just remember the SAT and you can't write down anything in that room. If his game plan is CTN,CTR or IS will that work

Craig- I do agree that we are in a crazy time and the economy is a big factor. For me it was CTN or continue in school and getting my certs. I must admit I'm not a, "doing it for the Love of the Navy guy." I think you are very much correct, CTmomof3, if your son just wants to join the Navy to continue tradition or follow in foot steps or just becuz he's always wants to just be in.....pick 3 or 4 rates. But lets say he know's he wants networking or information sec and it's not open. I'd say go QNJ (qualified No Job ) and wait.

CTmomof3, QNJ is " Qualified No Job " this means they have passed the physical and have the asvab score but job isn't available. I think CTN, CTR and IS are all awesome rates. I think all will transfer very well into the civi sector if he works hard at it.

The lines scores are actually on some of the paper print outs. Depending on what MEPS and how they administer the ASVAB. Mine had my line score on it, so I already knew what i qualified for. You can also write them down as i know many who have done then as well.

CTmomof3 - We can't hire enough CTT and CTR's. They are highly wanted. CTN, CTT, CTR, CTM, IS are the high paying jobs once you do your time. All are really cool. If any of those were open, then I would say go for it. But, I've got to say, CTN is the very best.
Yes, he can ask to copy down the scores. In fact, they usually give a recruiter a copy of the form if they ask for it. Those seperate scores are the key to the entire puzzle. I have all the formulas for all the rating all programmed in, all I need is those seperate scores. There is sometime 10, or 11 scores, depending on the MEPS location.
Sorry about using that QNJ term. Tony, clockard and I are all on the same wavelength, and I keep forgetting some of the people aren't...

CTmomof3 - I know I go way over peoples heads, and since you're not as experienced as clockard or Tony, you may be totally confused by what I'm about to say, but I will still say it, just in case you might understand.

What I recommend you do is go to this link and look starting at page 72. You will scroll down to the CTN area. You will CTN's need a score of AR+(2*MK)+GS=222 So really, all he needs to do good in is AR, MK, & GS. All the other area don't mean anything.
http://www.cnrc.navy.mil/publications/Directives/1130_8H_VOL%20IV_P...

Clockard - Watch out for the splatter. I think CTmomof3 brain will blow up with information overload....-ha

Thanks so so much everyone for all the great info. Yes Craig what you said was a little confusing but I get it now sort of. I can also forward the info to his dad and have Senior Chief explain it.

Advice again...I just found out that my son is going to meps for 2 days, does that sound right? why 2? asvab and physical what else. The recruiter told him he can only go once and if he doesn't pick something then he can't go again because he doesnt "want to waste the navy's money" Anyone know if this is a true statement? His brother also thought that was a BS statement so what does he do or say if that happens? Oh how I hate this..

CTmomof 3, first i'm sorry you keep having so many issues with the lame recruiter. I will say first that it's more like 1 day and a half a day, you drop your son off at the recruiting office and they stay in a hotel that night. Then the next day, they have a whole day at MEPS. So, that's why he probably said 2 days. That's pretty much the norm for all MEPS visits. I live in Torrance and MEPS is in EL Segundo, that's like 20mins away and i still had to do the hotel thing.

Have you looked at other recruiters in your area. I went to 5 recruiters before i settled on one. You really aren't locked in until you go to MEPS and even then you can chg. There are way too many issues and inaccuracies. I would look for another and since all the paperwork is done MEPS could still be a trip he could do next week.

Also, how far are you from MEPS.....if you aren't too far, I would suggest not doing it all in one day. I know it depends on the MEPS location but if possible, i'd have your son do his ASVAB by itself and then go to MEPS for everything else maybe a week or 2 later.

CTmomof3 - These recruiters now days have the recruits by the Cojones . They can say anything knowing that if they don't accept it, they can kick them to the curb because they have 100's others behind him to accept the job. Yes, I have seen where recruiter will say "want to waste the navy's money". It's been used for about 2 years now.

Let your son play the game, and let him find out what they have to offer. After sitting at MEPS all day long, these recruits are very eager to accept jobs. They just don't understand it's a 4 year or more commitment. Remember, they're 18, they're legal. They are adults. Don't think he will have time to call you to find out if you think it's ok. They won't let him. They will tell him that he need to decide now, or take a walk outside and keep walking.

You've got to explain to your son he needs to make a list of ratings he would accept. Once your son passes all the requirements, then they will send him to the "Classifier" who will have a list of ratings. Your son needs to know this is the "make-or-break" point. If they offered him, Boatswain Mate, then I would walk. I wouldn't want to do that job for 4 years. But he has to have a backup, he needs to understand that if he walks, he needs to go to college or have another option in his life. The Navy isn't for some people, don't let him sell himself short. If it's not him, then he need to walk. Will the recruiter get angry, you bet, but he's not the one suffering for 4 years in a job that he doesn't like. Make sure your son has a cell phone just in case the recruiter decides and "Forgets" him at MEPS. Don't let him get trapped.

Lastly, suppose he finds out later that he really doesn't want to join the Navy, but he already swore in and signed a contract. Remember, yes you swore allegiance to the United States, but this is a non-binding contract for a couple of reasons. First off is the fact that we are an all volunteer force, a decision has been made that it would be against the premise of an all volunteer force to force anyone to go. Secondly - no pay nor benefits have yet been realized. There has been talk about actually paying a stipended to those in the DEP to make the contract more solid if brought to court but refer to reason one as to why it didn't go any further. Just have him request a DEP discharge and tell him to tell them he decided to get his college degree instead and will come back as a Naval officer.

Yes, some will say "but you swore", you have to honor that contract. If anyone does, he should ask if they or their parents are divorce, then ask them "But didn't you swear in front of God, that you would love your wife till death, but you got a divorce?". That shuts them up every time. Yes, they will threaten him, saying you will get a "dishonorable discharge". If they do, ask them when the last time that happen. (FYI, a dishonorable discharge can only be given at a General Court Martial)

If they said it just happen recently, then tell them this is the reason you don't want to go in, it's because they are not upholding the Navy Core Values. What does this mean? It means "I will abide by an uncompromising code of integrity, taking full responsibility for my actions and keeping my word. I will conduct myself in the highest ethical manner in relationships with seniors; peers and subordinates. I will be honest and truthful in my dealings within and outside the Department of the Navy. I will fulfill my legal and ethical responsibilities in my public and personal life." Obviously, there not upholding the values by lying to him with these threats....

So there you are.... Kind of like a book huh? Hope this helps....
(ps, you'll noticed I never used a link.... Just a joke between me and clockard) ~ha

Wow you people are great. I'm about 20minutes from MEPS. I was also thinking of telling him to look at other recruiters.. He has 3 choices of things he's like to do. If this guy is playing "hardball" my son may be so nervous "test anxiety" he may not do well. That's happened in high school.. yikes. One would think that with the all volunteer military they would want people who "want" to be there not ones they "screwed" and are unhappy with the choice that was sort of forced upon them.. I know this won't be just a job for him he want's it to be a career. Would you pick a college get there and they..told you...choose 1,2 or 3 or forget it? I don't think so.. Why would some recruiter be such a jerk. Like I've said before I'm arming him with as much info as possible. so he can figure out what's true and what's BS.

Ok Clockard. I found out this weekend that my friends husband has "connections" or whatever you want to call it, with another recruiting office in the state. He's calling the guy today. So we'll see what this one has to say. Can't be any worse..can it?

All, sorry I've been away...busy at work. Couple things...logo is only available on NKO that I know of...each rate may have a different place...not a one-stop-shop for logos unfortunately. Only "official" merchandise that I know of is a certificate given out to CTNs and a coin that was made in 2004 (mass produced). Other than that, you 'll have to make your own (take the log to a store or on-line and they can make anything.) As for the ASVAB requirement, it has changed. Due to the nature of the course, requirement has been increased to 235 combined score: AR+(2*MK)+GS=235 vice the old 222. Statistically analysis was performed on past students and that was the best score they could come up with (they being Navy Manpower Analysis Center). Will not effect past students nor current students, just future students.

new question as son can't really explain guess he's not 100% sure either. How does DEP work? He told me he has to pick a job at meps and then while he's in dep will wait till the one he wants opens? How long can they wait? because what if the job he's waiting for CTN doesn't open. then what. I thought dep was ..this is the job it want put me in for the first opening. no matter if it's weeks or months. Cuz that's what other people had done in the past few years. Did this change?

CTmomof3, so DEP truly just means delayed entry. Depending on what rating you pick at MEPS, determines how long you will be in DEP. Since there aren't many who enlist and leave, DEP was created, due to you not truly being enlisted until you go back to MEPS the second time before you ship out. Also, do let the recruiter tell you that you can chg ya rating while in DEP, it happens but there is no guarantee. The recruiter will put in a DAR and request a rate chg but if if doesn't get approved or it no slot opens, you will leave with the rating you selected.

my daughter will be starting ctn class in a few weeks or so...is there a special calculator she will need?

While in Dep how long did you have to wait till a CTN slot opened?

CTmom, I didn't have to wait. It was one open when i went to MEPS. A lot of times you have to ask the classifier if a certain rating is open. Sometimes, it can be a few days and sometimes it can be a few months. But since CTN is still undermanned and the new fiscal for the Navy just started, i'm sure there is a better chance of your son getting it on first try. Just make sure he studies for the ASVAB and scores great in AR ( arithmetic reasoning ) which are like word problems, MK ( mathematical knowledge ) pretty much was pre-algebra and algrbea1 stuff and the hardest for me since I was out of school for so long, GS ( General Science). As "ctnRetired " stated, they raised the ASVAB from a score of 222 to 235. So it's AR+(2*MK) +GS. Meaning the AR line score, plus my General Science line score, then my MK score multiplied by 2.

Denna, I don't believe she will need anything more than a graphing calculator and tell her to start early on learning subnetting. This is like one of the biggest and sometimes hardest concepts to get. Also, if she doesn't already have her get a CAC card reader. This will let her see all the open billets.

Thanks, He was told that if the rate he wants isn't open he needs to pick a rate and wait till the CTN rate opens and in his contract it will state that he wants the CTN when available. That sound correct?

CTmom, from what I know and my experiences that is a LIE. You can not have a rating chg in DEP without a DAR request.

Even if the contract states, " Wants CTN when available, " This means nothing. The rating can not be chged without the request and proper approvals.

I believe Craig had his nephew waiting on DEP for a CTN spot to open up and never did. He ended up being a CTT, which is a awesome rate but not as awesome as CTN. I believe he said he waited like 8 or 9 months, he will have to confirm that.

All - When my nephew joined the only CT rating available was CTT. CTT is an excellent rating, but not as good as CTN. He signed up immediately with the agreement that each month the recruiter would submit a DAR request to switch to CTN. After 8 months, nothing came up, so he left as a CTT.

Don't beleive that you're going to change your rating once you sign the contract, I don't think it will ever happen.

Well as of today, I am am a proud mom of a new CTN!!! Graduation tomorrow and then headed home for a visit!!

There are two forms of study for JCAC students, Voluntary (volo) and Mandatory (mando). Tutoring is available M-F 1600-1700 for any student in any area of the course. Instructors have volo teams of 4-5 instructors that stay late each day to cover volo and mando study. In addition, students can bring their lunch and stay during their lunch period to study or for tutoring. In addition to above times, the schoolhouse is open until 2100 M-F. Military personnel are also available for tutoring the students. All instructors are willing to stay to tutor a student M-F outside regular school hours, but we usually ask for 24 hour notice for planning purposes. Volo study is based on the student's initiative and desire to study outside regular hours on their own. Mando is usually assigned by the instructor when a student is failing or is in risk of failing a topic. In addition, if a student's average grade falls below a certain avg, they are assigned mando study from 1600-1700 M-F until they bring their grade up above the mark. I think right now the mark is 75 overall average on tests.
Hope that helps.

Where are you guys going to dinner? Peg Leg Petes on Penscola Beach is awesome....

Talked to my son, he really enjoyed graduation, wished we could have been there but on the bright side he has been driving all day and will be home in less than four hours! Vicki- January is a great month to visit florida unlike my son who graduated BC in Jan, not such a great time to visit the windy city LOL! He has to report to Ft Meade by the 22nd so I will let you know how it goes, he has been in contact with his sponsor so everything seems to be going smoothly!

Hello all - I have been following your group for a few wks now - I am new to all this and trying to absorb as much information as I can. You all are GREAT! My son went to MEPS right after graduating HS in June, he wanted to be a rescue diver or CTN but due to not having any depth perception in one eye was dq for diver. There were no other jobs that interested him listed so his recruiter brought him home. (We live an hour and a half from Meps) The recruiter told him he would call every morning and find out what jobs were listed - about a week went by and we got the call at 5am - there was a CTN job available so... off they went to Meps to sign up. He doesn’t leave for bc until March 2nd - (the wait is killing all of us) but thrilled he waited for what he really wanted. I have been researching everything to death (as that’s what I do.. lol) I wonder can someone tell me some of the choices he may have as far as where he would be stationed after he graduates A school? 143 days and counting until he's off to bc.

Son's saga continues. He likes his new recruiter that's a good thing. But he's been told he needs to gain..umm. 7lbs by Tuesday. Yikes impossible. This new guy told him meps drs will say he's malnourished due to his height and weight. BMI is 3% so they've pushed that date back at least a week and needs to check in with recruiter this week to ck his progress. He went out and spent a fortune on weight gaining stuff. I hate to tell him it's genetics all the males in the family were super skinny at his age.

protien shakes and beef jerky!!!

CMom - It's funny you should ask about duty stations. Over in the "Sailors in Pensicola" thread they were passing out false info for CTN's. Being the kind sole that I am, I tackfully called them out on it.

The nomal CTN duty stations are listed, along with the overseas billets. Start reading from post Sept 27 2010 @ 3:26pm (or maybe just a few posts before that), until I (and clockard) were banned. Yep, I had to drag clockard with me. Misery love company, Woo-hoo....


http://www.navyformoms.com/group/sailorsinpensicolaflforaschool?gro...

Ive noticed in a couple of groups there is conflicting information. Thanks - I will check it out!!

Welcome back clockard... Glad you had a great trip.....

My wife is actually in Hawaii right now visiting my son & family. It's my grand daughters 1st birthday, which is huge to the filipino community.
Yea, I needed to tell CMom to watch what she hears. The only place you will find true CTN info is right here at the CTN section.

clockard>>>>too funny, are you back in town and ready to do lunch. Maybe next week, we will get it together. Anyone else who wants to join us is welcome!!!

Mary - When my son graduated, it was actually on the same day as my daughter HS graduation. Back then the had both a "A" and "C" school for CTN. So he had already gotten a graduation certificate from "A" school. He really wanted to attend his sisters HS graduation and asked the instructors if it was possible for him to get out earilier (graduation was scheduled at 10am). The instructors said if he could get everyone to agree in his class, then they could have it a 7am.

He got everyone to agree, and they had it at 7am. He caught the 09:30 flight out of Pensacola, and made it to Denver, to the graduation ceremony 20 minutes before my daughter walked. Talk about timing! So all-in-all, the graduation for him wasn't all that important. Here is his "A" school graduation photo....

It kind-of ashame, the picture of the other sailor with my son actually was dropped from CTN "C" school for too much partying. He went undesinated to a ship, and just last month made E3. So sad.... The point of that remark is while in school, limit the partying. There is plenty of time for that at your perminated duty station.....

We did not go to our son's graduation and according to him it lasted about 20 minutes and then he left the base about an hour later to drive home for leave until he has to report to the next base. I think he said there were only a couple parents there for the ceremony. For us, the distant and money were the reasons we did not attend.

My son graduated on the 7th and does not have to report to Ft Meade until 25th but will meet up with his sponsor on the 22nd to start getting processed in the base. So he is home for a nice long visit!

For the money, I wouldn't go to the graduation. It's just a quick thing, which is nothing compared to the PIR. The PIR is a must, but the "CTN" graduation is not worth it if you live far away.
Save the money to visit him at his 1st duty station.

momoffour - I'm not sure if he's driving or not, but getting there early, you loose money. There is no benefit getting there early (only if driving)....