Has anyone converted from OS to CTM?

2015-12-15T22:49:47-05:00

I am an Operations Specialist and I am going to Cryptologic Technician Maintenance "A" school in January, I was wondering if anyone had recently done this type of conversion and had any recommendations on what I should expect. Also if anyone happens to be their currently and could give some pointers on the whole check in process this would be much appreciated.

Response by SN Greg Wright made Dec 15 at 2015 10:56 PM

2015-12-15T22:56:07-05:00

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member CTM requires an SCI clearance. I didn't think OS's did. Did you have to upgrade, or will you?

As for your question, I was an Operator, so I can't specifically address it, sorry. I am, however, keenly interested in your journey, so if you feel like sharing (what you can, of course), I'd be in the peanut gallery cheering you on!

Response by PO1 Brian Austin made Dec 16 at 2015 12:21 AM

2015-12-16T00:21:38-05:00

Get ready for a lot of school and a lot of electronics.
Good luck!

Response by PO1 Dennis DeStefano made Dec 16 at 2015 1:49 PM

2015-12-16T13:49:13-05:00

I never converted but I believe you have your responses. i wish you great success as you will soon slip out of normal shipboard eyes. Hidden behind locked doors and black curtains. Fair Winds. You will do great just remember it isn't an operators position any longer you now have to fix their mess-ups.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Dec 16 at 2015 5:44 PM

2015-12-16T17:44:18-05:00

I bet you will be marketable after the Navy.

Response by PO2 Drew Dan made Dec 17 at 2015 12:12 AM

2015-12-17T00:12:06-05:00

Be ready to learn why electrons are so friggin important.

Response by CPO Bryan B. made Dec 23 at 2015 9:53 AM

2015-12-23T09:53:27-05:00

You've made a good choice for post military employment, not only for the electronics training but the SCI. I've gotta ask though, did your parents name you Annie as an homage to Woodie Allen???

Response by PO2 Michael Henry made Dec 23 at 2015 9:41 PM

2015-12-23T21:41:31-05:00

My sister just left as CTM1 after 10 years. Expect plenty of electronics and at least a TS clearance, probably TS-SCI, (5 year renewal). Also expect near god-like status as a fleet returnee, probably won't stand duty or will be a duty section leader. With your clearance and electronics training, provided you make it through because nothing is given to you, you will have job opportunities lining up for you. You will also have to get the IW pin and her chief made her get Comptia N+ certified, she also had to test for Security+. Don't expect Comptia tests as they are civilian IT cert exams. I think it was related to her shore duty job only. She won't tell me though I had a Secret clearance as a FC and I work IT now. If you need help with help with electronics training, go here: http://www.tpub.com/electronics.htm

Buy the NEETS modules on a disk. http://oneondemand.com/Navy-Electrical-Engineering-Training-Series-Manuals

Electronics Training Manuals - Integrated Publishing

Army Communications Systems Army communications systems books and other training manuals

Response by PO2 Linda Stange made Dec 29 at 2015 1:42 AM

2015-12-29T01:42:04-05:00

I went into the Navy as a CTM, so do not know the quirks of transitioning over....I do know that the job is not the same as it used to be. We fixed everything down to component level. My son was also a CTM and his job was more black box. As a CTM you were also expected to do ANY maintenance job that may come up in the early morning hours including clearing sump pumps and picking up dead skunks off the road..........so be prepared to be the go to guy. LOL

Response by PO1 David Joyce made Dec 29 at 2015 8:09 AM

2015-12-29T08:09:07-05:00

Ahoy Shipmate The CTM School still at Cory Station Pcola Right! Typically CTM are deployed with the Flag Officer! So you will be hopping from Command to Command. Its a very tight Advancement Group so be prepared! They do send CTM overseas too! As far as I know its a very Classified Rating alot of Spooks we call them! Crystals Springs MD and Embassy duty and Civilian Clothes allowances! Well keep up the Good Work out there Fair Winds and Following Seas to you all!

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2015 12:41 PM

2015-12-29T12:41:42-05:00

First, Thanks for your service. Second, You are in a sensitive position, one that requires a keen sense of security. I'm sure I am not telling you anything that hasn't been stressed before. Rely on your leaders and keep this in mind L.L.S.S. Ask an old chief . Long live the best democratic republic ever created or envisioned.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2015 10:22 AM

2015-12-30T10:22:38-05:00

I'm not an "M" brancher but just some advice. Please learn and understand everything regarding the maintenance on systems. It's not like fixing a breaker in TFCC (if you were on a carrier). Stay after class for study; from my understanding the school is till around 1530-ish. Take the necessary hour or 2 hours to study and ask for help from the instructors; they are willing to help you far more than you imagine.

The check in process, is a bit different. Some CT peeps go over to NAS Pensacola for some additional school but do end up at Corry Station (I believe your school is there too). You'll have to check in with the quarterdeck, which should be the 3714 building, next to the church.

****Some of this information may have changed because I haven't been there since 2013****

You'll need to go to Student Affairs, which will set you up with your schedule or if you are needed to be in NMT until there's enough students or an available class. When I was there, I had to wait for a class and was put in NMT where you'll be cleaning (I suggest the MWR). If not, you'll muster on the grinder in the morning (like around 0600-0615)...make sure you eat breakfast early because the mess decks doesn't open till 0600 so you'll be scarfing your food to make sure you are on time. Once on the grinder, you'll march to class; do your thing that ya'll "M"s do, then you're out of school around 1530-1630; depending on what you are doing.
I don't know if the curfew aspect will affect you since you are a seasoned sailor; probably not. After school you are free to do whatever you want; just make sure you are back in time in the morning. You may be assigned to a duty section, I think that will be explained to you. Duty days are split between 5 different sections (??); you'll do either Messenger or Rover (I would assume Messenger or POOD).

It's not all bad. Get out there when you are free and explore. I suggest Palafox Dr, McGuires, Navarre Beach, Naval Air Museum on NASP just to name a few places.

Good luck to you, and welcome to the family!!! lol.

Response by PO3 Frank Opalecky made Dec 31 at 2015 10:59 PM

2015-12-31T22:59:14-05:00

Welcome to the family! The amount of "Hands on" you will be doing will be directly dependant on which C School you get. Some systems are component level troubleshooting and some are pack level return the bad board / pack to the vendor for replacement.

Response by PO1 Richard Cormier made Aug 16 at 2016 12:52 PM

2016-08-16T12:52:29-04:00

Everything has changed since I was there (1978). CTM's were the ET's with clearances. Depending on what "C" school you get or General Maintenance shop you get, will determine a lot.

NAVY was supposed to be Never Again Volunteer Yourself but I volunteered for everything that sinks, swims, and flies. Had some different duty stations and hated/loved every one of them.

The clearance is easy. Keep your nose clean, if you did something in the past, own up to it. They will find out if need be. Some areas require Polygraph, so better not to "hope they don't find out". You may not know until you are told to sit down and answer some questions for the job we want to assign you.

As for the electronics.... STUDY. Do not EVER think that the basic electronics info is worthless. People that do that can NEVER understand System/Subsystem/Unit maintenance. They need internal diagnostics to tell them everything.

If you understand the Troubleshooting (six step is what I learned and work with ever since) and the layout of TM's, there are a multitude of Corporations that can use your skills as TechWriter/Specification writer/Logistics Engineer (not Supply but Life Cycle Analysis/MTBF/MTTR ...)

Good luck.

Former CTM1

Response by PO2 Cody Spurgeon made Apr 4 at 2017 9:04 AM

2017-04-04T09:04:29-04:00

I got out as a CTM2 in 2009 after only 4 years and went straight to work as a contractor on sigint equipment. It's the best rate in the Navy in my opinion. Congrats!

Also, enjoy Pensacola and take your time to learn.