I've been reading up on the posts around here, but I have a few questions. I'm an ET3 at the moment, but am about to take the DLAB to cross-rate. If, and that's a big if, I pass the test, how long does it usually take for the cross-rate paperwork to go though? Is there anything I can do to help me chances? Also, I'm up for orders right now with 7 months til my PRD. Is there likely to be a conflict with new orders and trying to cross-rate? If so, any suggestions? Any info would be very helpful, I don't have a lot of resources here as I'm a bit worried about reprisal for "sneaking out of my rate" as one of my higher ups so eloquently put it
Hey, I think I can help you out. I was in an IDENTICAL situation. In fact, I'm also an ET3. I don't know about you but I was also looking forward to getting out of the Navy because I just couldn't/can't make rank as an ET. I am stationed overseas in Italy and picked up the language pretty quickly...so I thought about trying to crossrate to CTI. I took the DLAB last September (I was just barely in my nine month window to PSC out of here) and got my results back within a couple of weeks. I spoke with the Senior Chief at the CTI conversion desk and was told they wouldn't even consider my package if I didn't get at least a 110 on the DLAB. I got a little over that, a 119. As soon as I got the results I initiated my package. I informed my COC beforehand obviously and did catch a little hell from fellow ETs but my Divo, my DH and my MC we more than on board, which helped. I pushed through though, ignoring the "trader"s from my coworkers. If it's something that you really want, as I did, I suggest you do the same. They are not in charge or your future, YOU ARE! I got my CCC (because I was getting NO support from my LPO/LCPO) to write me up a 1306 to crossrate and ran it. I didn't get it back until JANUARY!! That's because the ETs spent 3 months trying to convince me to change my mind!! They're a proud bunch! In the meantime though I just kept my head up and finished out my package (which includes an SF86 if you don't already have a TS/SCI). All the requirements can be found on www.npc.navy.mil under CareerInfo,EnlistedCareerProgression,RatingConversions,ActiveDutyRatingConversions. I turned my entire package in (via fax) to the CTI conversion desk in Jan. and got my orders in March....and I (FINALLY) leave for DLI next month. (Yes, almost a year later!!) But in the meantime I've been able to take two ET rating exams....if that makes you feel better. If you're worried about waiting until the last minute and then if you don't get accepted into the rating losing out on good ET orders, this is what I suggest: (I'm not sure if this is entirely kosher but it's what I did) I took ET orders before I even put in my package...received hard copy orders after my package was put in. When I got accepted into the CTI rating my ET orders were cancelled. Simple as that. Hopefully I have given you good info. GOOD LUCK ET3!!
It only took me a couple months and I'm expecting orders in a day or two now and that was with the CTCM taking a month's leave before looking over my package. The only really difficult part is the SF86. But I also have the advantage of being a DK so my paperwork tends to move faster.
I don't know about you but I was also looking forward to getting out of the Navy because I just couldn't/can't make rank as an ET. I am stationed overseas in Italy and picked up the language pretty quickly...so I thought about trying to crossrate to CTI. I took the DLAB last September (I was just barely in my nine month window to PSC out of here) and got my results back within a couple of weeks. I spoke with the Senior Chief at the CTI conversion desk and was told they wouldn't even consider my package if I didn't get at least a 110 on the DLAB. I got a little over that, a 119. As soon as I got the results I initiated my package. I informed my COC beforehand obviously and did catch a little hell from fellow ETs but my Divo, my DH and my MC we more than on board, which helped. I pushed through though, ignoring the "trader"s from my coworkers. If it's something that you really want, as I did, I suggest you do the same. They are not in charge or your future, YOU ARE! I got my CCC (because I was getting NO support from my LPO/LCPO) to write me up a 1306 to crossrate and ran it. I didn't get it back until JANUARY!! That's because the ETs spent 3 months trying to convince me to change my mind!! They're a proud bunch! In the meantime though I just kept my head up and finished out my package (which includes an SF86 if you don't already have a TS/SCI). All the requirements can be found on www.npc.navy.mil under CareerInfo,EnlistedCareerProgression,RatingConversions,ActiveDutyRatingConversions. I turned my entire package in (via fax) to the CTI conversion desk in Jan. and got my orders in March....and I (FINALLY) leave for DLI next month. (Yes, almost a year later!!) But in the meantime I've been able to take two ET rating exams....if that makes you feel better. If you're worried about waiting until the last minute and then if you don't get accepted into the rating losing out on good ET orders, this is what I suggest: (I'm not sure if this is entirely kosher but it's what I did) I took ET orders before I even put in my package...received hard copy orders after my package was put in. When I got accepted into the CTI rating my ET orders were cancelled. Simple as that. Hopefully I have given you good info. GOOD LUCK ET3!! 
