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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.
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Navy
CTM: Cryptologic Technician (Maintenance)
Navy CTM: Cryptologic Technician (Maintenance)
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 13
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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
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
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PO1 (Join to see)
NEETS Modules are the best thing for her and it's all unclass so she's able to take that home and study......can't stress the study part enough.
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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.
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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.
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.
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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
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CPO Cory Cook
I went to the component schools as well learning vacuum tube circuitry and theory of hole flow and electron current. Towards the end it was circuit boards and wiring harnesses. Once spent nearly 4 days behind the fire control racks (submarine) to identify where all the boards and components were tanked after a negative floating power supply hit in every rack.
Take every advantage of systems training and go everywhere you can in the world. The USA will still be here after you retire.
Take every advantage of systems training and go everywhere you can in the world. The USA will still be here after you retire.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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