CTN

He's driving. His sponsor said to get there Friday afternoon to start processing in and then he has the weekend to unpack to get ready for Monday. He left today and will stay with relative in VA until Friday. Now I'm just wondering when or if he will get to come home for Christmas, he said maybe not for Christmas but maybe New years. It was wonderful to have him home for two weeks!

momoffour - Why rush? He'll be there for 3 years. He actually will lose travel money because the Navy pays 350 miles a day for per diem, if you exceed it, the difference comes out of your pocket. It's crazy to go more than 350 per day.

I'd have him tell the sponsor, that he'd be happy to arrive early, if the sponsor is willing to pay him the $800 he is losing. Read here....> http://www.ameriforce.net/PDF/Europe08/020-22_EUROPE_08_benefits.pdf

Hi Everyone, I just joined. My son just arrived in Pensacola and is waiting for A school to be a CTN. Does anyone know if there is a C school for CTN?

Hey Kelly....There is no C school for CTN's. They new course is a combination or A&C. This is why it is now 6 months long. Welcome to the group..

Thanks!

Hi everyone! Im not a Navy Mom, just a Navy Wife. But I have found some of the topics here very helpful, so I wanted to join up. My hubby is a 1st class who just cross rated from a Nuke to CTN. He is down in FL at school, and our girls and I are up in NH waiting for our next set of orders. Thanks for being so helpful! The discussions really helped me learn a little bit about what he will be doing. :)

Woo-hoo, 1st two Information Dominance Warfare Specialist (IDW) go to two CTN's.

Congrats to CTN1(IDW) Theresa Verity and CTN1(IDW) Michelle Krecota.
Well Done!

clockard - That came out of this weeks Navy Times. I have to keep up with Navy stuff, so I read it all the time.

I'm kind of partial to the CTN's, so when I read it, I knew I had to post it. To think this is the 1st two of thousands that have to do it is awesome. That designator of IDW will really mess up sailors in the fleet....expecially when CTN's really don't go to the fleet that much..... .

Most of the warfare desinators are two letters, SW, AW, SS, PJ, DV. Only recently did they add the three letter codes EXW, SCW, IDW. So in the fleet, sailors won't be ready for those new designator.

Heck, most sailors never even heard of the various CT ratings. Now we will really mess them up saying CTM1(IDW). It just doesn't look right....

For those who have CTN's at Fort Meade, how long before they began their jobs? My son said today that it will probably be January, he's not complaining too much since his job until then is to train those who fail the PT test. He thought it would be sooner but I guess the holidays can throw a wrench in things.

momoffour - I know in Hawaii they are in the Aloha indoc for about 45 days. This is to get all their other stuff done like indoc's, Petty Officer training, travel claims, and all the weird stuff. I'm not sure about the Fort. clockard will know....

He has been there about two weeks, and Craig now that you mention it he said something about the fact he has not even started indoc's. He seems to be adjusting well but bummed that the pizza delivery is not allowed LOL. He has a full sized frig in his room which is cool and he only shares a bath with one guy ( a chief). He thinks the food is better than Pensacola.

momoffour - You said "he only shares a bath with one guy"? ..... just kidding....
Man, I am just laughing my @ss off right now.

You haven't been around my warped sense of humor yet, but I bet next time you'll be really, really, careful with your choice of words. I can just see it, something so simple will end up being "the bathrooms at the BEQ interconnect from seperate BEQ rooms, while one person uses it they lock the doors, when they are done, then they unlock it, so the next sailor can use it"..... LMAO!

LOL! Not the way I meant that to sound LOL! I did tell him he better keep the bathroom spotless since the chief way outranks him!

clockard - I don't want to scare anyone away. I just enjoy funnin' with people. And momoffour set herself up to a perfect "crime of opportunity". Man, I'm still cracking up.

I have all my old Navy friends sending me things everyday. My inbox is contantly has stuff in it. That photo came to me about 2 years ago when we were talking about Sponge Bob Square Pants, and that his son wanted the sponge for his bath. He told me he'd get it as long as it didn't turn into the guys in the picture, another form of "Sponge Bob". Man, I just laughed so hard when I saw it, that I saved it. When momoffour wrote her post, I immediately remembered that picture.

I tell you, being stuck in the Indian Ocean on a ship for 4 months without any ports brings out the humor to all sailors. Humor was the the only thing that kept us from going crazy. You've got to admit, I know you laughed! ~ha
then you looked like this:

And your correct, man I remember I had a "C" school in Texas and they had bathrooms that ajoined. The neighboor aways forgot to unlock the door. Luckily they had a little screwdriver screw that you could unlock it when that happened.

Momoffour - It makes me wonder if he needs to ever clean it at all. I bet they would never hit him on inspection since the Chief's name would also appear. I think he's got a "get out of jail free" card.

Hey, I know CTN1(IDW) Michelle Krecota. I worked with her out in Hawaii before she went to the Ft. and I retired not too long after. She's a good girl and very smart. I think a former "M" but probably never worked in the rate.

He took the poly before he left Florida, he knew that it would hold him up longer if he waited. Thanks for the information, hopefully he will hear something soon.

I'm laughing at the picture - think I may borrow it! That is too good!!!

I always liked that picture too. You can just look at it and can read into it. Not many picture have that connection....

Deena - You can have your daughter print off the list using the Career Management System (CMS) Interactive Detailing (ID) Support Site. She will need a CAC card reader to get into it. The CAC card readers cost about $20. If she doesn't have one, have her ask her LPO what she can access the internet that has a CAC card reader attached.
If she doesn't have a CAC card reader, they are only about $20. It a real cheap investment and may get you really cool orders.
Besides the CTN area, have her look in the Special Programs area, Special Programs is where you find all the cool duties (ie White House, PEP,...etc)...

http://www.persnet.navy.mil/Enlisted/CMS/

Quote: from Deena -
Hi all haven't been on in awhile. Hope all is well. My sailor finally classed up. She is sounding very enthusiastic about this CTN. She stays after for an hour for extra help. She just wants to make sure she stays up on everything. She also said they basically had a study group formed before the first class. I am hopeful, yet nervous. I am open to any suggestions. We talked about her dream list...I said I would need to see all the options. :) where do I get that list? .

How long has he been there?

The advancement quota for Fall 2010 are out:

Here are the Quota's....
Overall 16.69 percent of test-passers to advance
From; http://www.navytimes.com/projects/careers/navy/petty-officer-quotas...

I wanted to post this, so you can understand the link in the post below.....

Notes
CS: group 1, submarine; group 2, all others.
CTI: 1, Arabic; 2, Persian/Farsi; 3, Chinese; 4, Korean; 5, Spanish; 6, Russian.
EMN: group 1, Submarine, 2, Surface, 3. Training
ETN: group 1, Submarine, 2. Surface, 3, Training
FC: group 1, Non-Aegis, 2, Aegis
LS: group 1, submarine; group 2, all others.
MMN: group 1, Submarine, 2, Surface, 3, Training
YN: group 1, submarine; group 2, all others. .

Here are the name of those that made advancement...
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2010/11/navy-fall-petty-officer-advan... .

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

Here's the latest, My son went to Meps for the 2nd time yesterday as he had to have a retest of his urine. Every things fine now, passed the physical, qualified for CTN etc BUT the only jobs available yesterday were ones that you could not be color blind for. So I guess he's a QNJ. His new recruiter told me that hes' going to keep an eye out for the CTN position to open. He was told things are slow the month of December so chances are not much will happen between now and at least Jan. Does that sound correct? How long can you be a QNJ? His brother just became a CTR2 proud of my son.

I'm taking my family with me to school in January and the navy will pay for your PCS move just as long as it's in the orders.

Congrats Clockard on his promotion!

ctmomof3 - I don't know about QNJ, but there are no restrictions on CTN for color blindness. To say "qualified for CTN etc BUT the only jobs available yesterday were ones that you could not be color blind for" You don't qualify for specific "jobs", just ratings. And with no color blind restriction on CTN, something doesn't sound right. I can see if he qualified, but no openings for CTN, and other ratings were open but you couldn't be color blind sounds more like the case. I'd ask for clarification, or get another opinion.

That's right ctnretired. I just explained it confusing. He's going back to Mep thurs to pick a rate (if ones available) that he can transfer from and into CTN when a spot opens up/ To me that makes no sense to why not just wait till a spot is open and remain QNJ. He was told that it would be easier once you're in DEP to transfer to that job as the paperwork is all complete. vs not being in DEP and waiting for CTN to open.. This sure is confusing.

Yes, that's what he's been told several times. He was told that he will not go to BC until he gets the rate he want's. But this changing thing worries me. however the recruiter insists he will make the change. It's hard to know who to believe.

You are correct clockard. I would just not take anything until I got what I wanted. They can't force him to take something he doesn't want. Recruiters don't have anything to do with picking jobs anymore like they used to and once he accepts something the MEPS people give him then they are done with him until it is time to go to boot camp. Maybe you could get it in writing...I have been around the Navy for too many years and I wouldn't trust them!

CTmom - Don't beleive the stuff about being able to crossrate while in DEP. It doesn't happen much. My nephew wanted CTN, however there was no billet for him. So he signed up for CTT with the understanding that every months the recruiter would put in a DEP Action Request (DAR) to convert to CTN. It never happen. He was in DEP for 8 months.

So here he is in Pensacola, and I told him to submit a chit to request to convert to CTN. Well, the career counslor says he is recommending disapproval since CTT is undermanned. Granted, the career counslor can only recommend disapproval, and my nephew could push the issue and tell them to continue to route the chit up, since only the CO can deny a chit. But, I told him not to. Looking at the CTT manning, they will never let it happen.

Has anyone told him which ratings are available being colored blind?

I knew I wrote about this before.... Here is some info...
If you're colored blind, these are the rating you qualify for.

AZ,BU,CM,CTI,CTN,CTR,CS,EA,EN,HM,IS,LN,LS,MM,MR,
PS,RP,SH,SW,UT,YN.

Hi Everyone!! I haven't been on in awhile. But I was reading some of the past posts. It seems like everyone has trouble cross-rating to CTN. Im glad that we weren't the only ones!!! We got orders last week!!! We are going to Ft. Gordon in GA... however apparantly that may change to MD depending on if he gets picked up for another program when he'e done with CTN school... how are everyones CTN's doing down there in FL??

NavyWife - Just curious are you talking about Red and Blue Team Operations? or are you talking about STA-21 or some other non-CTN type of program?

I keep hearing what you're saying Craig about not being able to switch but his recruiter keeps telling him different. He wants CTN then CTR He was told again yesterday that no matter what rate he chooses tomorrow the paperwork will already be in place to switch once the CTN opens. I just don't believe it and I don't want call/say the recruiter is lying BUT.... My thought was to stay QNJ and keep checking everyweek. But NO is recruiter say pick a job tomorrow and you won't have to go back to meps again "they" whoever that is will change the rate automatically once it opens.. My son was shown a list that the classifiers have of everyone that is waiting to switch. Sound to me like a waiting list at a dentist office "well call you when we have an opening" Isn't meps too busy for that.

Ok, it's done. The son raised his hand today. Just missed the CTN position. 9 openings and 12 people wanting it. So, he's a CTR just like his brother. Although the recruiter says he's putting in for a change..My roller coaster has come to an end for now at least...Still can't believe I will have 2 Navy sons.

My daughter doesn't typically have test anxiety...until now!! getting nervous here. Also they gave her the flumist vaccine...and now she is sick! Uggh! Did she have to take it? Why not offer the shot?

NIOC = Navy Information Operations Command
In the old days it was called Naval Security Group Activity (NSGA) or Navy Security Group Detachement (NSGD).

You can find almost all the NIOC locations at this link:
http://www.usncra.org/docs/NNWG-Command-Brief-01JAN2009.ppt
Look at page 15

Craig... i dont know any of those lol... it's the ion program. now that may be the same as some of those :) im a bit clueless as to what it really is. he says he should know by January. hopefully

oh...and Clockard, i would LOVE to go to MD. I was raised there. I miss it :) how hard is the base housing to get into there? I hear its super tough :(

Christmas idea!
I'm not sure if you guys have already bought your sailors their Christmas gifts, but I posted this on my website, and this might be something you might want to get them as a stocking stuffer.... It's a CAC card reader (Smart Card). You might what to read about it, and see if this is something you might want to buy them...
http://www.navyfamilies.com/bb/viewtopic.php?t=17616

clockard,
I bet the PSD told your son that he couldn't take the test last March because they didn't order the test. I use to fight this battle every year for my guys. It always seemed like every other cycle they would screw it up and not order a dang test for one of the guys. What your sailor should have done is requested a "split test", however, I'd say 98% of the Navy doesn't know this rule exist. This rule is out of BUPERINST 1430.16F.

Go here > http://www.npc.navy.mil/NR/rdonlyres/648D1DBD-58F2-4A73-9E07-8A22B3...
Look at page 6-5, which is page 78 of 160. Para 607 says this:

607. SPLITTING EXAMINATIONS
a. If there is an eligible candidate without an examination
and another candidate is taking the same examination, the
examination booklet will be "split" and shared between the two
candidates (designated “A” and “B”). Separate the examination
booklet into two equal parts (staple to prevent loss of pages);
give each candidate one-half of the booklet; and administer the
examination to each candidate simultaneously. When both
candidates have finished their respective halves, a proctor will
examine each half, remove any markings made by the first user,
and exchange the halves. There is no time limit for completion
of the first half, but the overall 3-hour time limit must be
observed. Should one candidate finish the first portion prior
to their "sharing" candidate, do not rush the "working"
candidate. Allot each candidate a 3-hour testing period. In
recording the examination serial number on the answer sheet,
each candidate will use the same number. Denote duplicate use
only on the letter of transmittal by entering (DUP) after the
examination serial number of both candidates. No more than two
candidates may use the same examination booklet.
b. Duplicate use is authorized only if the examination can
be administered to both candidates on the scheduled date of
administration.

btw: clockard, I knew you were missing me posting my links, so I felt obligated to do it....I mean its the Christmas season and all.... It's time to give... ~ha

Most exam proctors know about the exam splitting process, usually the problem I've seen is that the Sailor didn't sign his/her Exam Worksheet prior to the deadline, so no test was ordered. If the Sailor signs the exam worksheet, and there is no test ordered, then the exam proctor is authorized to "split" exams for the eligible Sailor. The exam worksheet is the paperwork necessary prior to each exam cycle that lists the information about the Sailor taking the exam (and it's what is used to order the correct number of exams). Without it, the Sailor cannot take the exam. Work sheets list things like evaluation marks, past exams "points", award points, etc that are all used in computing the Sailors final multiple score for that exam cycle.
If the Sailor signed a worksheet, and no exam was ordered, they are eligible for taking a late exam. I took a late exam one year due to be TAD to a location where I could not take the exam due to operational commitments. I took the advancement exam in April instead of March with everyone else. I found out the same time everyone else that I was advanced that cycle. It's too late now, but if that ever happens again, they should know about requesting a late exam. FYI - leave and liberty, over-sleeping, etc, are not valid excuses to take a late exam! I think emergency leave may be acceptable. They would have to check with their supervisor on that one.

I totally agree. If the worksheet wasn't signed prior to the test, then you can't take the test. However, the CO or OIC can waive the deadline, but they cannot waive having it signed prior to the test.
If the worksheet is signed, but the test isn't onboard, they can split the test.

Late test (called substitute test) can be ordered for the following reasons:
(1) Emergency leave as defined in MILPERSMAN.
(2) Sick in Quarters (SIQ) or hospitalization.
(3) Operational commitments (clarified).
NOTE: Examinations for PCS transients will not be honored
without explanation of justifiable circumstances.

Alot of sailors don't understand they can also take the test at a different location (in case they are taking leave). However, being CT's, they must find a Naval base that is cleared and has the resources to proctor the exam.

"(1) Candidates Should Take the Regularly Scheduled
Examination. Every candidate who is eligible and otherwise
qualified should be examined on the regularly scheduled
administration date, if possible. Personnel on leave and those
in a transient status may be examined by any Navy command.
Commands transferring examinations for personnel in a transient
or leave status must ensure the command to which they are
forwarding the examination is staffed to administer
examinations. Prior liaison with the receiving command is
essential to ensure the member takes the regularly scheduled
examination. Do not transfer examinations to non-Navy
activities/other services without prior approval from NAVPERSCOM
(PERS-811/812) (info NETPDTC (N321) on any message request)." .

One more thing about the advancement exam...If you're in A school and you're a fleet returnee, you can still take the advancement exam under some circumstances. I have to take the chiefs test right before I start school. It would be interesting to pick it up while in school....

We actually had that happen and it was a big lesson learned for the school house. Student should NOT have been eligible to take the advancement exam in previous rate. They are going to school for CTN, so quotas for chief get screwed up when someone, say an ET1, takes the ETC exam while they are in school for CTN. They made ETC(select), and were frocked. When they graduate they are now a CTNC? If you are a PO1 you might want to check on that rule. Plus the fact that this school is hard enough without having to worry about transition to Chief!
Once you get approved for conversion, NPC is supposed to pull your eligibility for advancement in previous rate. Someone "forgot" in this case, and the Sailor was frocked to ETC. I'd be surprised if it happens again.

Ok guys - been awhile since I've been on (AGAIN!) - what's up with the color blindness & CTN's? My son is a CTN & color blind. He was just told he couldn't go on a sub -

Also - the base housing at Ft. Mead is great - I think the problems are that some of the housing is being torn down so new housing can be built. My son & his family just moved a year or so ago into some of the new housing. It looks incredible from the pics I've seen.

And the weather in winter is pretty wild some years - last year & we were up just after Thanksgiving in 03 & it snowed like crazy the week we were there. It was an adventure going over the bay bridge in blowing snow & 1 lane open. Reminded me of why I don't like winter....snow is pretty for 1 day - then it needs to leave!!! That's why I live in Texas and won't move north!!!