Cryptology

It takes a self-confident individual with an aptitude in math, science or languages to be a CTI. The training is thorough and among the best possible foreign language instruction available. For those that get a qualifying score on the DLAB, opportunities are endless — studying among the top language instructors in the country and possibly attending an overseas university for immersion training. CTIs can even earn up to a Master of Science in Intelligence from the Joint Military Intelligence College.

1. Boot Camp
2. Naval Technical Training Center Detachment - Monterey, CA. Language assignments are made here based on DLAB score, previous language experience, class availability, and personal preference.
3. Head Start Training - Monterey, CA. Two-week preparation class. The first week focuses on English grammar rules, since training in foreign language grammar is based on the same rules or how they differ. The second week emphasizes the basics of the assigned foreign language such as alphabet and numbers.
4. Phase I Training - Defense Language Institute (DLI) in Monterey, CA. Training is conducted for 25–63 weeks depending on the language selected. Students are immersed in their language as instructors teach and speak the language to their students, increasingly as the class moves forward. Foreign language instruction includes vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure, reading, speaking and listening. The final exam for DLI graduation is the Defense Language Proficiency Test in reading, listening and speaking. Students should be proficient enough to live in a foreign country using their language specialty every day.
5. While in Monterey, CA, students complete Navy Military Training.
6. Phase II Training - Goodfellow Air Force Base in San Angelo, TX. Training extends from 4–19 weeks, depending on language specialty. Here, students learn the cryptologic application of their new language skills. Instruction is computer-based on a varying schedule; 8-hour days or 8-hour evenings. Students can expect to spend half of their time on each schedule.
7. Operational Command - Upon completion of Phase II, most Sailors report to an operational command. As necessary, training continues for the specific mission assigned. Sailors may cross-train to other missions within one command but will continue to use their foreign language skills.
8. Special Warfare and Additional Training - Depending on specialization, some Sailors will receive additional classroom training. This training is in preparation for aircrew or surface/subsurface direct support missions. Sailors selected for aircrew training attend the four-week Naval Aircrewman Candidate School in Pensacola, FL and the two-week Survival Evasion Resistance and Escape (SERE) School in Brunswick, ME or San Diego, CA. Certain specializations require training on Lockheed-Martin EP-3E Aries II aircraft. Selected Special Warfare candidates attend the 9-week Special Warfare Combat Crewmember (SWCC) School at the Naval Special Warfare Command in Coronado, CA and SERE School in San Diego, CA. Training includes qualification as a Combat Crewmember, Army Airborne School, language and weapons training.

Among the popular aspects of the CTI field is the diverse choice of duty. CTIs can serve on virtually any type of ship or in an aircrew community. Men have the opportunity to work on submarines or in Special Warfare communities. Daily assignments vary from language to language, mission to mission.

Typically, those with sea duty — while not deployed — are assigned to the Maritime Cryptologic Information Center. There, they gather and report tactical and strategic information to deployed units to protect U.S. interests and offer strategies to high-level decision-makers. Deployments can last from 1 week to 6 months. Length of deployment is determined by available manpower, schedules, missions, language and geopolitical situation.

Sailors with shore duty are assigned a mission in their language specialty and generally work 8-hour shifts on a rotating schedule of days and nights. Time off is generous. CTI Sailors may also get a break from operations to attend on-site or off-site language training. Whether duty is sea or shore-based, CTI Sailors will have plenty of free time for sports, hobbies and social life.