I was in the Navy for just about 6 years and got out as an HT2. A little over 2 yrs later I'm thinking about going back into active duty, but looking at a different rating. I scored a 99 on my original ASVAB and the recruiter I've been talking with said that we can use that same score, so I've been thinking, why not get into a rating where I can use my knowledge in a bit more specialized manner. I've been looking at the IS rating as well as a few of the CT ratings. Can anyone tell me (nothing classified, obviously) what the ratings are like. I've read the Official Job Descriptions put out by the navy, but I would like some first hand explanations.
Also, does anyone have any ideas what to expect coming back into the service. I'm told that I will lose rank, obviously. An E-5 that doestn' know anything about his rating doestn' make too much sense. Anything else?
Thanks.

Check out the general forum to see what other people are experiencing trying to get back in. The quotas for prior service are almost nil.
Your best bet is to talk to a recruiter to get the straght skinny

What sort of "knowledge" are you talking about? Do you have a degree? Did you receive "specialized" OJT that would translate into a skill set needed by either IS or CT ratings? Why not try the Navy's nuclear power program with those marks? Aren't ratings suppose to be made of specialized enlisted folks (hence "A" schools/ "C" schools)?

My point is just because you scored a 99 doesn't mean that you'd be a good fit for IS or the multiple CT branches (R/I/M/N) or for that matter it might not be the best fit for your personality. I mention the concept of personality because that is kinda what the ASVAB does in a sense. It gives you questions in 9 or so different categories then combines those totals into line scores which hint at what you might be good at. In the end what tends to happen is folks with similar interest wind up with like minded coworkers... yet there is always an occasional exception.

A 99 would allow you at chance at pretty much any rating IF there is a opening. Again let me offer you this one word of advice "RESEARCH", make a list of what interests you have then try to find a job that lines up with that list.

You can find a lot of open source data on CT and IS jobs from this site. Good luck with whatever choice you make shipmate.

cheers,
CTR1(Cross rater)

ASVAB SCORE: 32