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!
Craig
'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.
Feb 16, 2011
himmiemom
Feb 16, 2011
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!
Feb 16, 2011
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!
Feb 16, 2011
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!!
Feb 18, 2011
EagleMom(ship 3 div 084)
there are crtainly worse places to be on hold than Pensacola!
Feb 27, 2011
Northwest Annie
Feb 27, 2011
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!
Feb 27, 2011
Northwest Annie
Feb 27, 2011
Northwest Annie
Feb 28, 2011
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.
Feb 28, 2011
Northwest Annie
Feb 28, 2011
Craig
Mar 1, 2011
himmiemom
Mar 1, 2011
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....
Mar 1, 2011
himmiemom
Mar 1, 2011
Craig
Mar 1, 2011
momoffour(Ship 11 div 119)
Mar 1, 2011
himmiemom
Mar 1, 2011
himmiemom
Mar 2, 2011
himmiemom
Mar 2, 2011
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....
Mar 3, 2011
Craig
Here is a better link, look at page 13...
http://www.persnet.navy.mil/NR/rdonlyres/A6C18B9B-9098-42AB-A347-E3...
Mar 3, 2011
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! :-)
Mar 3, 2011
Chris
Mar 9, 2011
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.
Mar 9, 2011
linxs321
Mar 9, 2011
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"....
Mar 10, 2011
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.
Mar 10, 2011
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.
Mar 11, 2011
himmiemom
Mar 11, 2011
linxs321
Mar 12, 2011
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...
Mar 25, 2011
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.
Mar 26, 2011
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:
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.
Apr 1, 2011
ge3kswagTony
Apr 1, 2011
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...
Apr 1, 2011
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....
Apr 1, 2011
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.
Apr 1, 2011
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/...
Apr 1, 2011
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)...
and more pics...
3 to a room, 3 racks, 3 wall lockers, 3 computer desk...

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.
Apr 16, 2011
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....
and more pics...
3 to a room, 3 racks, 3 wall lockers, 3 computer desk...

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.
Apr 16, 2011
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...
Apr 16, 2011
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...
Apr 16, 2011
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.
Apr 16, 2011
ekauwe
Apr 17, 2011
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
Apr 17, 2011
ekauwe
Apr 19, 2011
Craig
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
Apr 19, 2011
northchannel
Apr 20, 2011