CTN

For friends and family of CTNs - Welcome to all new members!

We tend to be a quiet bunch here but, if you ask a question, someone will try to answer you.

Please limit comments to questions, answers, discussions that are in support of our Sailors. This is not the place for politics or religion.

Thank you!

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  • Craig

    12. Last, but not least, whether or not you become a member of the military, support our troops and their families. Every Thanksgiving and religious holiday that you enjoy with family and friends, please remember that there are literally thousands of soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen far from home wishing they could be with their families. Thank God for our military and the sacrifices they make every day. Without them, our country would get its @ss kicked.'

    'It is the Veteran, not the reporter who has given us the freedom of the press.

    'It is the Veteran, not the poet, who has given us the freedom of speech.

    It is the Veteran, not the campus organizer, who gives us the freedom to demonstrate.

    'It is the Military who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag.'

    (Please pass this on so I won't have to kick your @ss!) :-) 'If you can read this, thank a teacher' If you are reading it in English, thank a Veteran '

    I will add one more:

    13. If you ever see anyone either standing for or singing the national anthem in Spanish or any other foreign language, KICK THEIR @ss.
  • himmiemom

    Craig....I absolutely loved it!!!!!  I love humor and this is right up my alley!!
  • Craig

    No, it has been floating around the Veteran websites.  I like it because it tells it like it is.  People on the outside always are saying that the Marines and Navy fight.  Yea, they did in the movies, and way back in WWII after sitting in a bar getting half sh*tfaced on alcohol.  Heck, alcohol fuels all fights in bars, whether your a civilian or a military person.  

     

    How are the cool people in my book is the Marine CT's and IS's.  Those guys aren't like regular Marines, they are really a bunch of wild guys that just don't fit the mold of a Marine.  I was deployed for 8 months on the USS Tarawa lots of Marines.  Never had a problem. 

     

    All great people.  And as we Navy guys have always told them, "You know you guys (Marines) are assigned to the Department of the Navy....The womens Department!".  Man that starts the bantering again.... Woo-hoo!

     

  • sarahw1961

    Thanks for this Craig!!  I'm going to 'borrow' it when I get home!!! We could all spread this a little farther!  And there are plenty out there who could use a good @ss kicking!

  • himmiemom

    I have been talking to my son these last couple days since he arrived at Corry Station and he is "holding" right now and doesn't know when he will class up.  He was told that he may end up being at Corry Station the rest of the year!! 

     

     

  • EagleMom(ship 3 div 084)

    there are crtainly worse places to be on hold than Pensacola!

  • Northwest Annie

    Hi Everyone! My son just arrived at Correy Station on Thursday PIR'd on 2-18-11. Really excited for him. I know the waiting for classes to begin is going to be hard. Just getting used to a new routine after BC may be difficult too. Yesterday I talked to him and he'd been sick all day. Thought it was maybe something he'd eaten but sounded more like a flu bug to me. Didn't hear from him today so that must mean he's feeling better. I'm hoping it's just like BC mom philosophy....no news is good news! :-)  Any advice for the best support I can be to him going through the CTN program, which I understand is difficult. Mostly I tell him just study his tail off and do your best today and then tomorrow do your best for that day.
  • Northwest Annie

    I read somewhere that when one leaves BC for A school for CTN they would be an E2. That's what my son thought also but when people got notice or whatever it is called that they have moved up from E1 to E2 and to E3 my son was passed over. He left BC an E1. Of course he was disappointed and said he guessed he didn't pass the test or something. He's afraid to make waves (he really hates getting yelled at) so he just accepted that he was still an E1. Is this right that he could still be an E1 and have a rate of CTN? Should he ask someone about it and if yes, who? I don't want to ask him too many questions about it and make him feel worse, but if there's something he doesn't know I could pass on info to him. Thank You!

  • Northwest Annie

    Thanks clockard. It does help. :-)
  • Northwest Annie

    Thanks SusanR. I definitely understand what you're saying! :-)
  • Craig

    Annie - It's totally normal for a CTN to leave bootcamp as a E1.  He is an E2, but is shown as a E1.  He is still getting the money as a E2.  It's all about government money and who's pot of money it comes from. Those in the AEF and ATF field will have their "A" school do all the paperwork for the advancement.  It's just to make sure all extention are in-place and that all paperwork is done correctly and the cost to do that paperwork is passed on to the "A" school.   

     

    His pay will soon catch up, and he will get promoted.  What will happen is his LPO or Chief will say one day, why don't you have your E2 stripes on? Go to the exchange and get them sew on.  I bet if he looks at his MyPay (https://mypay.dfas.mil/mypay.aspx) he will see he's already getting paid. 

     

    Tell him not to worry about it, in his contract he is required to be a E2.  Go here, look at para 2B, Enrollment.  http://www.bupers.navy.mil/NR/rdonlyres/0B098DCF-1709-4A05-8B34-C8C...

    In the Navy, it's ALWAYS the hurry up and wait game.  Just tell him to take a chill pill for now, if he doesn't have it within a month, then put in a request chit. 

     

  • Northwest Annie

    Thanks Craig! Really appreciate your knowledge. =)
  • Craig

    I thought you'd like those links clockard.  ~ha
  • himmiemom

    My son called last night and finally got his security badge so that means he is cleared?  We never got interviewed by the FBI or anyone else that we know.  He said they have been keeping him busy cleaning right now.  He said it may be another month before he classes up.  He is anxious to start his schooling though.
  • Craig

    Yes, he is cleared.  He can actually start his school once it become available.  I'm surprised you never heard anything from neighboors or friends.  The gossip in my neighboorhood is rampent.  Word spread fast. 

    Let me tell you, once he gets to the fleet he will miss his time in holding company.  Holding company is awesome.  Easy, no brainer work, that just makes having fun in Pensacola possible. 

    I'm actually getting ready to drive to Pensacola this coming Monday to bring my nephews car to him.  Sucks because I can't eat anything at McGuires's, but I have to take my nephew there, because that's part of being in Pensacola....

  • himmiemom

    He said that when he was interviewed before he left for Pensacola the agent was shocked at how squeaky clean he was.  This kid has never been in any kind of trouble and is as honest as they come.  When you say once he gets to the fleet, what does that mean?
  • Craig

    The "fleet" is kind-of a Navy term.  It could mean going to a ship or going to a shore station once you complete your "A" school.  Remember, most CTN go to shore stations, but not all....
  • momoffour(Ship 11 div 119)

    Glad to have you back Craig! You clear up a lot of questions, I always wondered about the term "fleet" LOL! I would hear it used when someone was not really going on a ship so it was confusing!
  • himmiemom

    Are there "specific" shore stations that the CTN's are at?  What about overseas?
  • himmiemom

    I found it clockard.  Thanks.
  • himmiemom

    Looks like the FBI is coming to my house for the "interview" for my son tomorrow @ 1pm.  They said it will take approx 15 minutes.  Here I thought I was forgotten.
  • Craig

    himmie - Go to this link and look for CTN (about the last 1/3) it will say some of the billets available....  http://www.persnet.navy.mil/ReferenceLibrary/Publications/LinkOnlin...

    Does your son have a CAC card reader?

     

    btw - When the invesitgator comes, ask him "Is that a gun in your pants or are you glad to see me"...   See now, you'll be thinking of that and you will have a smile on your face and the investigator will think your crazy!!!

    I just had to set you up....

  • Craig

  • Northwest Annie

    I'll be thinking about you today himmiemom. I was thinking maybe they didn't talk to the moms since they must already know what wonderful kids we raised. ;-)  I haven't been contacted yet so I think my son is about 1 week behind yours (PIR 2-18-11) and I will probably be contacted soon. And thanks for putting silly thoughts in our heads Craig. As if us moms don't have enough to worry about! :-)

  • Chris

    I find it odd that I'm the only FS that's joined this group >.> I have to say, it took a little while for me to read through all 83 pages of comments, but there's a lot of good info hidden in there. I leave for basic March 30, so only a few weeks away for me. Then I begin my journey as a CTN after I class up :) Although I will be quite glad when I finally leave, I've been in DEP for 8 months... still, better than some other poor folks that have been in for 12 months or more in my group.
  • Chris

    Well, I probably have more experience just browsing the web than most. Most of my high school spare time I spent "homing those web skills" if you know what I mean. I'm rather excellent at finding things most people can't, although this site wasn't that hard to find. Back in June when I signed up, I did a search on the Navy and everything I could find about basic and all the different job ratings. This site came up as did many others.

     

    I shouldn't have anything to worry about in basic though, my recruiters tell me it's gotten absurdly easy since they were in. Something about a "nicer, friendlier" boot camp, although that goes against the stereotype of boot camp. But hey, I won't be complaining. I joined up right after I graduated HS, and I've planned to go into the officer school if I like it.

  • linxs321

    Hello all! just to keep everyone up to speed; I'm about a month and a half into CTN school and for all of you waiting to go, I would seriously suggest getting into the mind set of studying!!!!
  • Craig

    Chris - You really need to join a deppers forum to get you pumped up before you go to bootcamp.  I run one called www.NavyDEP.com    The bottomline is you need to find out as much information you can, and quickly as you can.  Those deppers that know what's coming at them, never have a problem in bootcamp.  It's those that go in blindsided that are screwed and have a hard time.  However, make sure your mom and dad join this section.  We love talking to others about the Navy. 

     

    linxs - Congrats... It's all about studying.  Put in the time now, because in the fleet (field) you will finally realize what all the stuff in "A" school means.  It all comes together when you finally get to your final duty station and start doing your job.  It will give you a real good feeling....but now, just suck it up and study, study, study....  Notice I didn't say "studing".... 

  • himmiemom

    Great news this evening... My son classes up on Monday 3/14.  YEAH!!!! This wait is over and now onto another wait. 

     

    FBI interviews all went great and security is already in his hands.  Now starts the fun.

  • northchannel

    My son is in is final few weeks of school and will be going to Ft. Meade. Does anyone know how long he will probably be living on base in Maryland before he is allowed to move off-base? 

     

    Interesting linxs - our son chose Navy over college and I think he has done more studying in CTN school than he would have done in at least 2 years of college.

  • himmiemom

    clockard.....He got to Pensacola 2/15.  It went by rather quickly.  My son said he was getting antsy with waiting.
  • linxs321

    North- I'm about 5 classes from my masters and this is my third A school and can honestly say that I've studied more in this school than I did any other time in my life!
  • Craig

    All,

    Alot of CTN's is Hawaii are taking the SELRES early out.  This is a really sucky deal, and should only be used for those that were planning on getting out anyways. 

    With the economy the way it is, these sailors will be really hard up.  I personally bet is within 6 months, they will offer a cash buyout to get sailors to leave.  The reason I say this, is this was the same way they did it in the 1990's when I decided to get out.... 

     

    SELRES early out...
    http://www.military.com/news/article/navy-news/sailors-offered-earl...

    here's a link to the NAVADMIN as well
    http://www.npc.navy.mil/NR/rdonlyres/626FE53E-06C8-4C34-8A72-5F80D2...

  • Craig

    clockard - So many fresh young sailors think they can land jobs immediately once they get out.  Yes, with the SSBI they can land jobs, heck we need janitors and housekeepers to clean out building that must have an SSBI. Heck in the Ft. Meade area if you have the SSBI with a full scope poly, then you're set.  However, will you be doing CTN work?  Probably not. 

    What I'm saying is a CTN, for example, that has 3 years in still hasn't learned the ropes yet.  If a national defense company had a choice, they would pick a college grad that has a EE or CS degree.  However, if you had 6 years in, that is a totally different situation. 

    I have been preaching to my kid for years that to obtain a great job, then he needs the sheep skin (college degree).  The degree along with the experience will make him invaluable to a national defense company.  Heck, it can even be a dang AA for all that matters.  How hard is it for a sailor to get an AA? It's not.  They just need to get off their butts and do one or two course a semester.

    CTN is actually at 100% manning right now.  The next SRB will drop alot.  Thus why my kid decided to reenlist way earily.  It's all about the way our sucky economy is...  I just hope these sailors don't take this carrot.  I hope they wait for the next one, which will be the lump sum, if they are truly ready to get out.

     

  • Craig

    Karen - Welcome...  Just curious, is your son Navy, or is he a Coast Guard CTN? 

     

    I think he is saying he is in the CTN program.  In the Navy, you cannot earn the rating of CTN until you finish your "A" school.  However, if he's in the Coast Guard, then that is a totally different thing.  Maybe they give the rating to them sooner.  So the key is, is he Navy or Coast Guard?

     

    This is probably more than you wanted, but I'll post it anyways...

    The criteria for a SSBI clearance  and the coverage requirements in contained in Executive Order 12968 which is for Top Secret, Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI), and DOE “Q” access.

    Coverage includes:

    • Personal Subject Interview
    • Employment/Self-employment/Unemployment Coverage (7 years)
    • Education (3 years/verification of degree)
    • Residence (3 years)
    • Reference Contacts
    • Law Enforcement Checks (10 years)
    • Former Spouse(s) (10 years)
    • Court Records (10 years)
    • National Agency Checks
      • Access to previous Federal investigations through:
        • OPM's Security/Suitability Investigations Index (SII)
        • Defense Clearance and Investigations Index (DCII)
        • FBI Name Check
      • FBI National Criminal History Fingerprint Check
      • Credit Search of National Credit Bureaus (7 years)
      • Military Personnel Record Search (if applicable)
      • Citizenship Verification
      • Spouse/Cohabitant National Agency Checks

    The SSDI (SSDI (Single Scope Update Investigation) - An SSDI is used to update a prior SSBI completed within the last 5 years. It could be used when the subject has had a break in service since the completion date of the previous investigation.

    SSGI (Single Scope Upgrade Investigation) - An SSGI is used to upgrade a previous Background Investigation completed within the last 5 years to SSBI standards. It could be used when the subject has had movement from a lower to a higher sensitivity/risk level, and you need to provide additional coverage for that level of sensitivity.

  • ge3kswagTony

    Hey Craig and all, just another month until I leave for camp and i'm so excited. Hope everyone has been well, i havent been on since October but still remember all the good things Craig and clockard said to help me out. Thx again!!!!!!
  • Craig

    Geez Tony, where the heck have you been man?  Geez, I thought we lost you...  Thank God you're still going in Navy.  I mean you have an awesome deal going in as an E-5.  Very rare does that happen.  Actually it would have ticked me off since I spent some time helping you understanding the program....

     Talk to me man... 

  • Craig

    Karen - I can see where I got confused now...  You wrote:  My son has been E3 for almost 2 years (in CG they can't move up while there)

     

    I misunderstood CG for being Coast Guard, and what you meant was Ceremonial Gaurds.  Totally understand now....

  • ge3kswagTony

    Hey Craig, man...i spent a while going back and forth about it. I big reason if i was thinking of not doing enlisted and submitting a officer package. That's still my big dilemma. I want to be an IWO but i want to do work so enlisted is the way to go. I am glad i got in when i did becuz i hear that CTN is now at 100% manned, thats so hard to believe since i hear people drop all the time. 

     

    Also, on a personal note....i just got back on Navydep.com yesterday and saw you weren't doing well, and texted Tessie right away to make sure see and you knew my best was with you. Hope she let you know.

     

    Yes, you helped me out so much and gave me so much great advice, more than even my recruiter, heck, you are the reason E-5 is even a reality for me, so i had to make sure I didn't let the people who helped me down either.

  • Craig

    Tony - I'm glad your going enlisted 1st.  You can always submit your officer package later.  It's nothing like have an officer that actually worked in the treaches (ie an ex-enlisted) because they have seen and experieced what it's like to do things.  Nothing ticked me off more than some officer wanting you to do something thinking it would take 1/2 hour, when if they ever have done it they would realize it take 11 hours...

    All I can say Tony is go enlisted, then go officer, but always remember your roots...

     

    Yea, Tessie told me about the message.  When she 1st told me, I was wondering who the heck it was, then she read the entire text.  Yea, I had a pretty serious condition and the doctors were all hovering me.  But I'm really good now. 

     

    Tony, you will be promoted extremely quick in the Navy.  By going in as an E-5 you will probably beat this guy as being promoted.  This guy in now an officer in Ft. Meade.  Remember, he made E7 in 5year/5 months...  You just keep working the system, and keep pinging away.  You will go far....

    http://www.soundpublishing.com/index.php/navigator/printerfriendly/...

  • Craig

    Karen - Just curious what pictures you are talking about that clockard posted... 

    Per the room size, here is some photos...Some of the barracks have been modified, but most are like this.  They are 3702, 3704,3707,3708,3709,3710...

     

    Here are some pictures of the barrack rooms at Corry (ie not Correy)...

     

     

    Delete Comment

    and more pics...

    3 to a room, 3 racks, 3 wall lockers, 3 computer desk...

    

     

    Delete Comment

    And here is how the normal room floors are laid out...  This is for non-modified rooms (3702,3704, 3707, 3708, 3709, 3710).  The blue is the bathrooms that are connected...  One bathroom per room. 

     

  • Craig

    Karen - Just curious what pictures you are talking about that clockard posted??.. 

    Per the room size, here is some photos...Some of the barracks have been modified, but most are like this.  They are 3702, 3704,3707,3708,3709,3710...

     

    Here are some pictures of the barrack rooms at Corry....

     

    Delete Comment

    and more pics...

    3 to a room, 3 racks, 3 wall lockers, 3 computer desk...

    

     

    Delete Comment

    And here is how the normal room floors are laid out...  This is for non-modified rooms (3702,3704, 3707, 3708, 3709, 3710).  The blue is the bathrooms that are connected...  One bathroom per room. 

  • Craig

    clockard - For some reason I can't delete the original picture post.  I click the "X" and it won't kill it.  Hopefully as the owner of this group you might be able to kill it. 

    I copied and pasted this post from the Crypto section and had corrected a mom who wrote Correy instead of Corry, so I wanted to fix it.  Thus the repost. 

    So see if you can kill it...

     

  • Craig

    Yea, I know all about the OPSEC stuff.  It's funny because I made a slide show about Great Lakes bootcamp using all the pictures the Navy released.  It actually came out really good (I think). 

    http://www.navyformoms.com/group/ctratemoms/forum/topics/boot-camp-...

     

    It's funny how you can Google Earth the entire base, and can find pictures of everything about Corry,  I think the terrorist have just an easy time doing the same thing. 

    btw:  Corry doesn't have "Do not take pictures" posted at the front gate like most bases do.  I guess it's because it's mostly a training command...

     

  • northchannel

    Craig, thanks for the posts of the rooms. Too bad I will not see them.  Son has one more exam, graduation on Friday morning and he says he is on the road to Ft. Meade by Friday p.m.

    Clockard and Craig, thanks for all the information you have provided us over the last 6 months. My son has made the comment about getting out of the heat and humidity. Little does he know that Washington, DC is just as bad as the Gulf Coast in the summer. Oh well, he'll learn the hard way.

     

    Once again, thanks for all the information.

  • ekauwe

    I was wondering if some information could be answered. I'm from Hilo, HI and my recruiter isn't updated on the CTN rate (he blames the low scores that people score in the town limits his knowledge on jobs) I scored a 92 which isn't special but respectable.  My number one job that i wanted was nuclear but after failing the colorblind test i was given choices. i chose CTN because i love computers (built several myself with various operating systems) the lack of information received about the CTN rating left me wondering if i signed up for something less than respectable. suggestions/recommendations to other posts would be extremely helpful/appreciated thanks!
  • Craig

    ekauwe - CTN is probably the best job in the Navy.  Yea, alot of people want Nuke, but once you realize the numerous hours that you are required to work, along with the quals that you must maintain, you'll come to realize that CTN is where it's all at.  The last ones off a ship are the Nuke, the 1st ones back on are the Nukes.  So while they are working their @ss off, we (the CT's) are on liberty, drinking beer, and having a great time.  I know for me, I would rather have fun and see the world by not having to "live" in the engineering spaces...

    btw: I love Hilo...  I go there quite a bit to Volcano National Park.  It's such a nice break from Oahu...

    For more info about CTN's, go here...

    http://www.navydep.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=76

     

  • ekauwe

    @craig- thanks for the quick response the information was very informative.  I'm very optimistic about the CTN rating and can't wait to go to basic. (11-22-2011 such a long ways away)
  • Craig

    Delete Comment

    Karen - I joke around alot, maybe way too much.  However, I think as a mom and having a kid that is colored blind you need to print this picture and send it to him.  He won't have an idea what it says, and he will start asking his friends to read it.  Man his friends will have a great laugh out of it...   Sorry, but I just had to post it to honor the true CTN spirit.....Alot of CTN's are colored blind.  ..~ha

     

  • northchannel

    Clockard, You are correct. I was using Washington, DC figuratively. One more exam tomorrow, graduation practice, cermony on Friday which our daughter is going to drive over from NOLA to attend.Then driving to Ft. Meade this weekend. It has been a long year for him. He PIR'd exactly a year ago. I think he is ready from something other than school.