Hey guys, I've got a couple broad questions relating to IT & CTx questions that I hope someone has some knowledge about. Let me start by saying I've really been considering enlistment for almost a year now. My problem is what I've heard from others, and what I just plain don't understand.

First off, a rather intelligent friend of mine enlisted to be an IS. He was sent on a sea tour, but told me all he did was sit inside ALL day for hours and do nothing but spreadsheets. I didn't think IS would be solely about spreadsheets, but he swears that's all it was. Is is possible for an IT/CTx rate to be stuck in the same position? Locked inside all day, hardly getting to see daylight, and doing something completely different than what you expected?

Secondly, I am wondering what the best chances are of being able to have a good say in where you would like to be stationed... if at all possible. I understand the needs of the Navy come first, but I'm also told some rates go some places, and others go directly to others.

Thirdly, what is the difference between IT and CTx rates? I read 'IT's break stuff and CT's fix it.' While that humorously sums it up, I was wondering what IT's do exactly, and then what more CT's do exactly. As in... does one rating just work on networks while another works solely on programming? Is there one rate that operates a specific type of system that others do not? etc. If it helps, I'm going to school for a 2 year program with an emphasis on programming.

Generally speaking, questions like those are what is holding me back at the moment. I would be really obliged if someone could answer most of those.

First of all, try using the FIND feature (third button at the top of the thread)...type in CT and IT and read the info.

As for what you are looking for regarding specifics....isn't going to happen here. Such ratings have classifications to them and a person needs a security clearance, meaning you are not going to get the information you are really looking for. Same thing with your "friend" who says he does spreadsheets, there are just some info that can't be given out.

IT isn't a long enough search string to yield any results. I tried a couple variations and couldn't get anything. I did, however, go through the first couple pages on the Intel/IT subforum and didn't find much information.

As far as my friend who was an IS... let's just say he got the hell out of the Navy as fast as he could, swore it off completely and told me personally to never enlist. Now honestly, I'm just hoping I don't enlist and get a mindset like that. All I was wondering, was how something like that could happen? Is that just commonplace or is it really different?

CT is a better search.

How you react to the work is dependent on you, your personality and how much you are driven to succeed. The military, I think more than anywhere else, is as good as you make it.

Here's links to some posts from ITs on this board.....I know a few of their posts will answer many of your questions (The first link will probably be the most help). You'll have to read through them, but I did narrow it down a bit

http://forums.military.com/eve...tType=1&u=6451977946

http://forums.military.com/eve...pe=1&u=9350035121001

(Sorry the "find" feature doesnt work well for the IT rate. The problem with having a rating with the same name as a common engilsh word.....)

Better yet, just go to the IS, IT, CT sub forum here, and there is a post "IT vs CTx" there which is only a month old. Search further, manually, in that sub-forum and you will find more.

Also, your original post SEEMS to be interchanging IT and IS. Do not confuse the two.

In plain language, I would say that IT's design, maintain, and sometimes program in high level computer language, computer systems/networks used for MANY purposes under normal security classifications. CT's do the same for systems with very high security classifications.