
Cryptologic Technician Collection(CTR Navy Rating)
Cryptologic Technician Collection specialists operate electronic collection and signals intelligence systems. They identify, collect, and report on electronic emissions.
Overall
Quick Stats
- ✓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
Line-score options — meet any one
- PC+MK≥110
- AR+PC+MK≥164
Who This Is Best For
Best for detail-oriented individuals who enjoy pattern recognition and want a career where their work directly informs military and national security decisions. TS/SCI clearance and direct intelligence community experience make this one of the strongest post-Navy career paths available. Ideal for focused, analytical personalities.
+Pros
- ✓Strong opportunity advancement outlook
- ✓Strong civilian career transition
–Cons
- ✗Long A-school pipeline
Real Opinions
+Positive
“Fulfilling work, intelligent atmosphere, and an interesting job field that can help you learn a lot. You also gain management experience when being put into a position delegating work to other sailors.”
“You receive a Top Secret/SCI clearance, which really helps with getting a good job once you are out of the Navy.”
–Negative & Mixed
“Be prepared for shore duty boredom and watch rotations. The clearance process is also stressful and takes forever.”
“Inconsistency in the job depending on the command you are stationed at. When attached to a ship, there are minimal opportunities for practice other than when your ship is actually out to sea.”
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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
“CTR is the best signals intelligence job in the military.”
💀 Reality
Source: veteran feedbackCTR work involves long hours monitoring communications signals, much of it repetitive. The exciting analysis moments are real but infrequent. Most of the work is data processing and report writing.
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Horror Stories
Real stories people have shared about this rate. Swipe to browse.
“Navy CTs assigned to drone operations watched targets on high-resolution feeds for days, witnessing strikes in intimate detail from stateside suburbs. They cannot discuss any of it with families due to classification. Many fear that seeking mental health help will cost them their clearance.”
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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
