This guide provides helpful information for those looking to join the Navy as a Cryptologic Technician – Collection (CTR) during the Fiscal Year 2025.
Some jobs come with a manual. Others? A classified clearance before you even know what you’ll be doing. As a Cryptologic Technician Collection (CTR), your mission is locked down, but here’s what we can say—you’ll intercept signals, analyze intelligence, and track threats before they strike.
You’ll feed critical data to ships, aircraft, and special warfare teams, protecting the fleet and saving lives. This job isn’t for everyone. It takes a sharp mind, a knack for spotting patterns, and a relentless drive to uncover what’s hidden.
If that sounds like you, it’s time to start your journey.
Job Description
Cryptologic Technicians – Collection (CTR) find signals, track threats, and report what matters. They scan the airwaves, pull intel from enemy communications, and keep the fleet ahead. If it’s out there, they find it.
CTR Sailors work with advanced computers, signal processing gear, and classified systems. They crack signals, map out enemy networks, and give commanders the intel they need to act. No guessing—just facts.
They work in secure rooms, sometimes alone, sometimes in tight teams. Could be on a ship, a sub, a plane, or a shore station. No two assignments are the same. One mission, one signal, can change everything.
CTRs handle classified materials. They lock down sensitive intel, making sure the wrong people never get their hands on it.
There are about 3,000 CTRs in the Navy. Over 20 years, they spend roughly 60% of their time with fleet units, 40% on shore duty. Always moving, always listening.
Specific Responsibilities
CTR work isn’t for everyone. It’s all about spotting patterns, catching things most people miss. Some of what they do:
- Find, track, and analyze global threats.
- Process and break down enemy signals.
- Provide intelligence for submarines, ships, aircraft, and special warfare teams.
- Work with classified systems to keep intel locked down.
- Support cyber and electronic warfare with real-time signal data.
If something’s out there, they’ll hear it first. And they’ll make sure the right people know.degree.
Different Roles
Analyst and Reporter
They take raw data, break it down, and pull out what matters. They listen in, track enemy networks, and pinpoint threats. Every detail, every signal—if it’s important, they report it.
- Analyze intercepted communications to find key intelligence.
- Map out enemy networks and movement patterns.
- Provide real-time intel for Electronic Attack (EA) and cyberspace missions.
- Create cryptologic reports, mission assessments, and emergency action plans.
Collection Operator
These are the ones grabbing the signals. They operate high-tech gear to intercept and decode enemy transmissions, track locations, and run operations to confuse or deceive threats.
- Intercept, track, and analyze enemy communications.
- Run deception operations to mislead adversaries.
- Manage SIGINT collection systems and special intelligence networks.
- Handle classified data, making sure it stays secure.
Cyber Analyst and Reporter
They dig into enemy digital networks, finding weak spots, tracking threats, and protecting Navy systems from attacks.
- Hunt down cyber threats and enemy digital operations.
- Support cyber missions for the Fleet, special operations, and national security.
- Analyze enemy tactics to predict their next move.
- Lock down classified cyber intel and keep it secure.
Signals Analyst
They’re the experts in breaking down waveforms, radio signals, and coded messages. They figure out how the enemy communicates and use that knowledge to disrupt their operations.
- Identify, process, and analyze radio signals.
- Break down encrypted messages, pulling out usable intel.
- Support Electronic Attack (EA) by jamming or disrupting enemy comms.
- Develop tools and techniques for cyber and signal operations.
Rank Structure
| Pay Grade | Rate | Abbreviation | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-1 | Seaman Recruit | SR | Seaman Recruit |
| E-2 | Seaman Apprentice | SA | Seaman Apprentice |
| E-3 | Seaman | SN | Seaman |
| E-4 | Cryptologic Technician Collection Third Class | CTR3 | Petty Officer Third Class |
| E-5 | Cryptologic Technician Collection Second Class | CTR2 | Petty Officer Second Class |
| E-6 | Cryptologic Technician Collection First Class | CTR1 | Petty Officer First Class |
| E-7 | Chief Cryptologic Technician Collection | CTRC | Chief Petty Officer |
| E-8 | Senior Chief Cryptologic Technician Collection | CTRCS | Senior Chief Petty Officer |
| E-9 | Master Chief Cryptologic Technician Collection | CTRCM | Master Chief Petty Officer |
Salary and Benefits
Salary for the First 6 Years
Monthly pay for Navy enlisted Sailors (E-1 to E-6) in the first six years is laid out in the January 2025 Active Duty Pay chart:
| Pay Grade | Less than 2 Years | Over 2 Years | Over 3 Years | Over 4 Years | Over 6 Years |
| E-1 | $2,108.10 | $2,108.10 | $2,108.10 | $2,108.10 | $2,108.10 |
| E-2 | $2,362.80 | $2,362.80 | $2,362.80 | $2,362.80 | $2,362.80 |
| E-3 | $2,484.60 | $2,640.60 | $2,800.80 | $2,800.80 | $2,800.80 |
| E-4 | $2,752.20 | $2,892.90 | $3,049.80 | $3,204.30 | $3,341.40 |
| E-5 | $3,001.50 | $3,203.70 | $3,358.80 | $3,517.20 | $3,763.80 |
| E-6 | $3,276.60 | $3,606.00 | $3,765.00 | $3,919.80 | $4,080.60 |
Extra Pays and Allowances
Housing Allowance (BAH):
For members living off-base. Covers rent, based on rank, location, and if they have dependents.
Subsistence Allowance (BAS):
Enlisted get $465.77 monthly for food.
Hazard Duty Pay:
For dangerous jobs. Pays $150-$250 per month, depending on the job.
Sea Pay:
For those assigned to ships or deployed units. Depends on rank and time at sea, from $50 to $750 a month.
Special and Incentive Pays:
Bonuses for certain roles, like air traffic control or unique skills. These can be a few hundred to thousands per year.
Source: Figures are from the Defense Finance and Accounting Service.
Benefits
- Healthcare: Active-duty personnel are eligible for free complete medical and dental treatment. Tricare programs are inexpensive for families to use.
- Housing Accomodation: Depending on location, rank, and family size, free on-base accommodation or a tax-free housing allowance (BAH) for off-base living are available.
- Food: Monthly Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) for food costs is known as the “food allowance.”
- Blended Retirement System (BRS): Conventional pensions are no longer available to active-duty personnel. Rather:
- Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): Up to 5% in government matching and automatic contributions.
- Retirement Pay: After 20 years of service, you’re eligible for monthly payments according on the BRS formula, which combines TSP savings with a calculated pension.
- Education:
- Availability of tuition assistance programs that pay for all or part of college tuition.
- Support for higher education under the post-9/11 GI Bill.
- Navy College Program to support education while on service.
- Life Insurance: Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) provides coverage up to $500,000.
- Vacation: ten or more federal holidays plus thirty days of paid vacation each year.
- Extra Benefits:
- Exchanges and commissaries provide tax-free purchasing.
- Discounted travel via military resorts, access to fitness centers, and leisure amenities.
Training and Career Opportunities
Training Path
After Boot Camp at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, you’ll move on to specialized training:
Class “A” School – Pensacola, FL (14 Weeks)
- Learn the basics: computer security, signals theory, satellite comms, digital networks.
- Train on classified intelligence gathering and analysis techniques.
- Time split between classroom (40%) and hands-on lab work (60%).
First Assignment
- Expect three-year tours on ships or P-3 aircraft in the U.S. or overseas.
- 60% of your career will be at sea, supporting real-world operations.
- Possible duty stations:
- Ships: Norfolk, VA | Mayport, FL | San Diego, CA | Everett, WA | Hawaii | Japan
- P-3 Aircraft: Misawa, Japan | Whidbey Island, WA | Fallon, NV
Advancement & Special Training
- More training available as you move up.
- Get deeper into cyber intelligence, digital forensics, and electronic warfare.
- Leadership potential? With a degree, Officer paths open up.
Post-Service Opportunities
- Your security clearance and skills set you up for cybersecurity, intelligence, and defense jobs.
- Many CTRs land careers in data analysis, network defense, and government security.
There are 3,000+ Sailors in this field. It’s competitive, but if you’ve got the skills, it’s a strong career path with big opportunities.
Qualifications to Join
You need a high school diploma or equivalent to enlist as a Navy CTR. This job isn’t for just anyone—U.S. citizenship is a must, and you’ll need to qualify for a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance.
What Makes a Strong Candidate?
- Sharp mind – Strong memory, curiosity, and adaptability for handling classified intel.
- Communication skills – Good speaking and writing ability.
- Detail-oriented – Can focus on repetitive but critical tasks without missing a beat.
- Team player – Works well in high-stakes environments with others.
- Tech-savvy – Strong arithmetic reasoning and computer skills help with data analysis.
- Strong character – You must be of good moral standing.
Testing & Screening
- ASVAB Scores (No Waivers Allowed)
- MK + PC = 110; or
- AR + MK + PC = 164
- Hearing: Must have normal hearing.
- Security Clearance:SSBI (Single Scope Background Investigation) required.
- Conducted at Recruit Training Command (RTC).
- Moral turpitude offenses are disqualifying—no criminal history.
- Former Peace Corps members are ineligible due to clearance restrictions.
Once cleared, you’re on your way to one of the most high-tech, high-impact roles in the Navy.
The enlistment qualification requirements above are current as of Fiscal Year 2025, per the Navy Personnel Command. This information is not readily available to the public. So, contact your local Navy Enlisted Recruiter for the most current requirements to join the Navy as an enlisted Sailor.
More Information
If you wish to learn more about becoming a Cryptologic Technician – Collection (CTR), contact your local Navy Enlisted Recruiter. They will provide you with more detailed information you’re unlikely to find online.
You may also be interested in the following related Navy Enlisted jobs:
