CTN CAREER PATH
CTNs are Cryptologic Technician Network. The CTN rate consists of three technical disciplines which support Computer Network Operations:
Computer Network Defense (CND), Computer Network Exploitation (CNE), and Computer Network Attack (CNA). Each discipline is equal in
importance. Currently, 80% of CTN billets are Shore and 20% are Outus/Sea Billets. Sea Billets are primarily through Direct Support Missions or
Fleet Staff IO Planners.
YEARS OF CAREER AVERAGE COMMISSIONING SEA/SHORE TYPICAL CAREER PATH
SERVICE MILESTONES TIME TO OR OTHER ROTATION DEVELOPMENT
PROMOTE SPECIAL
PROGRAMS
26-30 CTNCM 21.4 Yrs CMC 36/72 CONUS Shore Tour (36
months).
NIOC/NCDOC/DEVGRU/SUP
PACT CMC/SEL, Fleet Staff
CNO Planner, TECHAD, Detailer,
23-26 CTNCM 21.4 Yrs CMC/CSC 36/72 CONUS Shore Tour (36
CTNCS 19.0 36/72 Months)
CTNC 15.3 36/72 NIOC/NCDOC/DEVGRU/SUP
PACT, DIRSUP.
CMC/SEL, DEPT LCPO, CNO
Planner, TECHAD, Detailer, CID
Model Manager, Rate Training
Lead
20-23 CTNCM 21.4 Yrs LDO/CWO/CMC/CSC 36/72 Fleet Staff, CONUS or
CTNCS 19.0 36/72 OUTUS Shore Tour (36
CTNC 15.3 36/72 months) Fleet Staff CNO or IO
Planner;
NIOC/NCDOC/DEVGRU/SUP
PACT SEL, DEPT LCPO;
TECHAD, CID Model
Manager, Rating Detailer, Rate
Training Lead, Exam Writer,
DNA Course Manager, CTN A
School Manager.
Schools: Senior Enlisted
Academy
16-20 CTNCS 19.0 Yrs 36/72 CONUS/OUTUS or Sea Tour
CTNC 15.3 STA-21/LDO/CWO/CSC 36/72 (36 Months) Fleet Staff LCPO,
CTN1 7.7 36/72 CNO or IO Planner;
NIOC/NCDOC/DEVGRU/SUP
PACT SEL or LCPO;
TECHAD, CID Model
Manager, Rating Detailer, Rate
Training Lead, Exam Writer,
DNA Course Manager, CTN A
School Manager.
Schools: Senior Enlisted
Academy.
12-16 CTNC 15.3 Yrs 36/72 Shore Tour (36 months)
CTN1 7.7 36/72 NIOC/NCDOC/DEVGRU/SUP
PACT.
Staff, Instructor, Joint
Staff/Navy Staff, Dept
LCPO/LPO.
Schools: STRATCOM Joint
Network Attack Course (No
NEC), Interactive Operator
Training (NEC 9308)
CTN CAREER PATH
8-12 CTNC 15.3 Yrs 36/72 CONUS/OUTUS (36 months)
CTN1 7.7 36/72 NIOC/NCDOC/DEVGRU/SUP
CTN2 2.6 36/36 PACT.
LCPO/LPO/Team Lead
Network Operations, Interactive
Operator, Instructor,
Schools: Instructor Training,
Interactive Operator Training
(NEC 9308), STRATCOM
Joint Network Attack Course
(NO NEC)
4-8 CTN1 7.7 Yrs STA-21 36/36 Shore CONUS/OUTUS or Sea
CTN2 2.6 36/36 Tour (36 Months)
CTN3 1.7 36/36 NIOC/NCDOC/DEVGRU/SUP
PACT.
Expeditionary Network
Operator, or Testing and
Evaluation Engineer, CND,
DNE, Interactive Operator,
Interactive Operations, Forensic
Analyst, LPO, Instructor, Staff.
Schools: Instructor Training or
Interactive Operator Training
(NEC 9308)
1-4 CTN2 2.6 Yrs STA-21 36/36 1st Shore Tour (12 – 36
CTN3 1.7 Months)
NIOC/NCDOC/DECGRU/SUP
PACT. Watch Section Team
Member. Interactive
Operations, CND, DNE, or
Forensic Analyst Schools:
Interactive Operator Training
(NEC 9308)
1+/- Accession TIR Naval Academy, 36/36 Recruit Training/Student
Training, CTNSA, NROTC, BOOST CTN “A” School (Joint Cyber
CTNSN, or CTN3 Analysis Course - JCAC)
YEARS OF CAREER AVERAGE COMMISSIONING SEA/SHORE TYPICAL CAREER PATH
SERVICE MILESTONES TIME TO OR OTHER ROTATION DEVELOPMENT
PROMOTE SPECIAL
PROGRAMS
CTN CAREER PATH
1. Cryptologic Technician Networks perform a variety of duties associated with Computer Network
Operations (CNO). The Navy’s CNO forces work at the cutting edge of exploitation, attack, and
defense of global information networks. A combination of technical and analytical computer
network skills provide essential capabilities to successful Information Operations (IO) in support
of National and Maritime operations.
2. The CTN Rating was established February 2004 and the first CTN selectees were rated October
1st 2004. To meet projected billet growth the CTN Rating continues to bring in appx 140
conversions a year. Many conversions require CTN A School; however many “home grown/self
taught” have been direct converted without CTN A School. Many conversions E-3 to E7 are still
performing their 1st tour as a CTN.
3. Sea Shore Flow for CTN’s is 1 Outus/1 Conus for E4 and below, 1 Outus/2 Conus for E5-E7, and
1 Outus/3 Conus for E8. Typically, CTN’s will transfer between Navy Information Operation
Command (NIOC), Naval Computer Defense Operations Center (NCDOC), SPECWAR and
SUPPACT Commands. The rating is currently 77% manned. Conus/Outus can be difficult to
maintain due to heavy shore billet base, timing and operational priority of billets established.
CTN’s are not typically provided the opportunity to be released for special programs (RDC,
Recruiting, etc…)
4. DIRSUP - CTN’s performing DIRSUP mission may accrue extensive sea time yet may not attain
a warfare qualification. This is due to personnel augmenting different class platforms during a
DIRSUP tour, which precludes them from qualifying ESWS/EAWS/SG. PCS opportunities are
negligible; we have only 1 PCS Afloat billets at this time (1 E6). CTN’s on an operational shore
tour or with SPECWAR, DEVGRU, and JCIE may accrue extensive deployment days supporting
GWOT missions and may have the opportunity to qualify EXWS.
5. CTN NEC’s have historically reflected progressive skill sets earned as one grows from an
Apprentice, Journeyman, and to a Master level. NEC’s are: Basic Digital Network Analysis
(9305), Intermediate Digital Network Analysis (9306), Advanced Digital Network Analysis
(9307), Interactive Operator (9308), and Interactive Trainer (9309). NEC’s 9305-9307 will
eventually go away with the establishment of the new 24 week CTN A School – Joint Cyber
Analysis course (JCAC); however the NEC’s are still currently valid and tracked in the
distribution system. JCAC NEC expected to be established Jan 2011.
6. Interactive Operator and Interactive ON-NET Trainer (NEC 9308 and 9309). Due to the length
of training, CTN's with these NEC’s are required to do two consecutive tours in the program. (6
years). These tours are priority Operational shore tours. CTN’s selected to complete these
rigorous training pipelines are considered the best Network Analysts.
7. Deference should be given to Sailors achieving and excelling beyond Technical NEC’s within
their AJM expectation, mentoring and developing Sailors, expanding Mission areas, and/or
directly performing in or supporting GWOT Missions with SPECWAR, DEVGRU, and JCIE.