CTMCryptologic Technician Maintenance(CTM Navy Rating)
Maintains and repairs cryptologic equipment and systems.
Overall
Quick Stats
- ✓Vision: Corrects to 20/20
- ✓No speech impediment
Security Clearance
Top Secret / Sensitive Compartmented Information~$15K–$50K civilian sector value
Requires a Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI), including interviews with references, financial review, and a possible polygraph. The process typically takes 6–12 months and is initiated during your training pipeline.
ASVAB Requirements
AFQT Minimum
50
Line-score options — meet any one
Who This Is Best For
Best for skilled electronics troubleshooters who prefer maintenance over analysis and want a top-secret clearance. If you'd rather keep the hardware running than interpret the data it collects, this rate offers the security clearance and technical depth that open doors to high-paying defense contractor jobs.
+Pros
- ✓Strong civilian career transition
–Cons
Real Opinions
+Positive
“Best decision I made was going CTM. The clearance alone is worth it, and the skills transfer directly to six-figure civilian jobs.”
“It is a small group with a little over 800 sailors total. That keeps demand high for capable, motivated people.”
–Negative & Mixed
“Be prepared for shore duty boredom and watch rotations. The clearance process is also stressful and takes forever.”
“Due to lack of CTM opportunities ashore, it is common for apprentice and journeymen CTMs to work out of rate while on shore duty.”
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0 charsRecruiter vs Reality
What the recruiter says vs. what it's actually like.
🫡 Recruiter says
“You will work with cutting-edge cyber technology and get a top secret clearance!”
💀 Reality
Source: MyNavyRates researchThe clearance is real and valuable, but daily work can involve a lot of routine network maintenance and help-desk tickets. Cutting-edge tech varies widely by command.
🫡 Recruiter says
“CTM has the same clearance as other CTs.”
💀 Reality
Source: sailor forumsTrue, CTM holds TS/SCI, but the daily work is electronics maintenance and troubleshooting, not intelligence analysis. The clearance still has great civilian value for defense contractor jobs.
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Horror Stories
Real stories people have shared about this rate. Swipe to browse.
“Destroyers are authorized two CTM billets but many are filled by a single junior technician. If the SIGINT systems break, there is no qualified backup. They call someone on another ship — who isn't physically present. This is the standard condition across the fleet.”
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0 charsRelated Reading
Guides on picking a rate, ASVAB, bonuses, promotion, and life after the Navy.
Getting Started
How do you choose the right Navy rate for you?
Choosing a Navy rate means weighing your ASVAB scores, lifestyle preferences, civilian career goals, and willingness to deploy or go to sea. Start by identifying which ratings you qualify for, then narrow the list by what matters most to you.
Getting Started
What is the ASVAB and what scores do you need?
The ASVAB is a multi-aptitude test that determines which Navy ratings you qualify for. Your sub-test scores combine into line scores, and each rating has minimum line-score requirements. Higher scores open more options.
Career & Pay
Which Navy rates have the biggest enlistment bonuses in 2026?
Active Component (Active Duty) only. Per the CNRC GENADMIN dated 10 April 2026, the Nuclear Field carries the biggest source-rate bonus at $40,000 (FY26 ship dates) and a $75,000 EB cap. Top Special Operations and submarine ratings sit at $30,000 EBSR with a $60,000 EB cap. All other rates cap at $50,000. The Loan Repayment Program adds up to $65,000 on top, separately. Reserve component (SELRES) bonuses are governed by a different message and are not covered here.
Career & Pay
