As a CT, you may work independently or as part of small, coordinated teams - ultimately under the supervision of Information Warfare Officers (four-year degree required) or Cyber Warfare Engineers (four-year degree required.

Duties could be performed in an office setting, lab-type setting, specialized maintenance shop, secure space or watch environment. Cryptologic Technician Interpretive (CTI) - CTIs serve as experts in linguistics (including Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Persian-Farsi, Russian and Spanish) and deciphering information in other languages.

Their responsibilities include: Installing, testing, troubleshooting, repairing or replacing cryptologic networks, physical security systems, electronic equipment, antennas, personal computers, auxiliary equipment, digital and optical interfaces, and data systems Configuring, monitoring and evaluating Information Operations (IO), Information Warfare (IW) systems and Information Assurance (IA) operations Cryptologic Technician Collection (CTR) - CTRs serve as experts in intercepting signals.

A high school diploma or equivalent is required to become an Enlisted Sailor in the cryptology field in the Navy. Those seeking a Cryptologic Technician position must be U.S. citizens who can meet eligibility requirements for a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information security clearance.

Their responsibilities include: Collecting, analyzing and exploiting foreign language communications of interest Transcribing, translating and interpreting foreign language materials Providing cultural and regional guidance in support of Navy, Joint Force, national and multinational needs Cryptologic Technician Technical (CTT) - CTTs serve as experts in airborne, shipborne and land-based radar signals.

TRAINING & ADVANCEMENT Upon completion of initial 7-9 week Recruit Training (known as Boot Camp), those pursuing a Cryptologic Technician role report to either Pensacola, Fla., or Monterey, Calif., to receive formal Navy schooling in their specialty area within the field of cryptology.

Enlisted Sailors in the Navy Cryptology community analyze encrypted electronic communications, jam enemy radar signals, decipher information in foreign languages and maintain state-of-the-art equipment and networks used to generate top secret intel.

CTI training - Class “A" School is broken into two phases. Their responsibilities include: Analyzing and reporting on communication signals using computers, specialized computer-assisted communications equipment, video display terminals and electronic/magnetic tape recorders Exploiting signals of interest to identify, locate and report worldwide threats Providing tactical and strategic signals intelligence, technical guidance, and information warfare support to surface, subsurface, air and special warfare units.

WORK ENVIRONMENT Cryptologic Technicians perform a variety of duties worldwide, at numerous overseas and stateside shore commands; aboard surface ships, aircraft and submarines; and with Naval Special Warfare - generally dividing time between assignments ashore and afloat.

They should have an interest in advanced electronics and technology; exceptionally good character; good speaking, writing and record-keeping skills; a good working aptitude of math; and the capability to do highly detail-oriented, highly classified work.

The schools are located in Pensacola, Fla. CTN training - Class “A” School is 26 weeks long and located in Pensacola, Fla. CTM training - Class “A” School is approximately 10 weeks in duration and located in Pensacola, Fla. CTR training - Class “A” School is approximately 22 weeks long.

Each CT role works under the oversight of Cryptologic Warfare Officers (four-year degree required) or Cyber Warfare Engineers (four-year degree required) - and potentially both. The school is located in Pensacola, Fla. Promotion opportunities are regularly available but competitive and based on performance.

It’s also important to note that specialized training received and work experience gained in the course of service can lead to valuable credentialing and occupational opportunities in related fields. EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES Beyond offering access to professional credentials and certifications, Navy technical and operational training in the field of intelligence can translate to credit hours toward a bachelor's or associate degree through the American Council on Education.

To learn more about the specific training path for any of the focus areas within the field of cryptology, locate a recruiter. There are some specific requirements that apply to electronics jobs in advanced programs such as SECF and NF. Contact a recruiter for details.

Phase One takes place at the Defense Language Institute, Monterey, Calif., and is anywhere from 27 to 64 weeks long. Class “F” School is conducted at the Regional Center for Excellence in Monterey, Calif.