Anyone experience or hear of issues where despite graduating and completing the DLPT, that due to budget cuts there are simply no CTI billets open and they just stay at DLI for months or worst case, get honorably/administratively discharged?
I know it has to be tough for the Navy since they can never accurately predict the number of graduates who actually make it due to the high attrition rates.
The DoD fiscal year ends October 30 so funding for transfers is probably zip.
Just curious. Crazy after spending all the time and money, and a year of a young person's life, to just pass successfully and have no job?
Thanks!
Susan
i have not heard of this...I thought Trump was in process of putting alot more monies into military, and esp into Navy to up the quality of the ships..many are old!
Jul 22, 2017
sambam32
Just out of curiosity, where dis you hear this?
Sep 25, 2017
DNavyFamily
Yes- this is true but do not be alarmed. They don't throw them under the bus. What does happen is that there are several steps involved. First- student graduates DLI, passes DLPT. They all go to where their languages are based. Upon arrival, then, and only then, does the command assess how many new CTIs they have in relation to who currently fills the slots. Remember there are CTI's who are at the last minute re-enlisting or deciding to get out. The command pushes to get this info, but people are people and decide when to stay in or leave. That's one component.
Second, there is post-DLI attrition. It's just amazing (and sad) how many of these new CTIs once away from the strict world of Basic or DLI turn into turds- there are no other words for it. Call it "millennial-itis", lazy, dirtbag, whatever.
Fortunately it's not a lot but these POS surface during the holding period called "Wildflower Division" where new CTIs wait for final clearance work or for training or a billet to open. You don't want these people in the Navy and it's sad that it's impossible to find them until all the money is spent. They start not being able to follow orders, cannot clean their quarters, stop staying in shape, get in trouble. It's simply not possible to catch these losers until now. Again- it's only a few but the command is WELL served having the new CTIs get a little humility, do some menial work around the base while the staffing/billet dust settles quarter to quarter. And NO- cut right here and right now that 'it's such a waste after all that training'. It serves an icredible purpose. It first puts a little humility back into one of the most cocky Navy jobs outside of special warfare/SEAL or fighter pilot.
Arrogance has no place in a team despite what you see in professional sports. You need people who will roll-up their sleeves and make lemonade out of lemons and I'm only going to say this one time- if you want your CTI to succeed- you need to push them that way as it WILL get noticed if it's consistent and the person is Can-Do, and NOT a "the World owes me" type person.
The Navy is a melting pot and it it's a gift to work with all rates, all personalities because THAT will make your CTI a true leader with character and the respect of others. That will be a gift well after the Navy. Stop their moaning in its tracks if you love them. Also, you HAVE to remember that the CTI world (NSA!!!!) is HIGHLY controlled, highly classified and you just can't give them 'make work'. Slots are specific.
Your CTI should keep up with their language ON THEIR OWN- not like a damn baby being fed mushed peas from a spoon- time to put on their big kid pants. Language instructors do it for a living and are rare and expensive, especially ones that want to help the military.
There will come a time where language training resumes but it's dollars and cents. Some or most of you on this blog work and you can relate to this; your companies or organization would LOVE to hire everyone possible, everyone get a great job. Not possible. Same for the Navy. CTIs, as valuable as they are, still are a cost center and someone up the chain is accountable but all has to be managed as fairly, not perfectly, but as fairly and economically as possible.
Even commissioned officers from DLI that go with your CTI to these commands get the "sh*t" duty upon arrival. Our CTI had to go around when on quarterdeck watch with a new LTJG to do room inspections and the young officer was also put in charge of all the "sick, lame and lazy" or DWI/drug bust sailors waiting to be purged from the Navy. It's how it rolls. You actually look back and love the times spent in the Wildflower Division waiting for your slot- makes a great movie script!
Have them be positive, be strong, learn from EVERYTHING in life. Primadonnas only belong in the Metropolitan Opera or on Meet the Kardashian episodes. Love those kids or significant others, lead by example, remind them that even when it stinks, giving and then giving even more of themselves comes back 1,000 fold. We need people like your CTI during these times and they are only as good as your own attitude on the other end of the phone or text messages. Hang in there!!
Sep 26, 2017