Linguist or Linguistics (Cryptologic Technicians Interpretive)
Category: Enlisted
Component: Active
Community: Information Warfare
Overview
Cryptologic Technicians Interpretive (CTI) are highly skilled linguists and intelligence professionals. They collect, translate, transcribe and analyze foreign language communications, providing critical intelligence to inform national security, tactical operations and strategic decision-making. CTIs possess deep cultural understanding alongside their language expertise, directly supporting Fleet and Joint Force commanders worldwide in diverse operational environments.
What You’ll Do
• Operate advanced radio receivers, recording devices, computer terminals and communications systems.
• Translate, interpret and transcribe foreign language communications data.
• Analyze and report highly technical intelligence for fleet commanders and national intelligence agencies.
• Work with classified material and advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning systems.
• Perform temporary duty aboard Navy surface ships and submarines, based on assignment requirements.
What to Expect
CTIs have an intellectually demanding career focused on language, analysis and classified information. Most assignments are at shore-based Centers of Excellence, with opportunities for temporary duty aboard surface and subsurface platforms.
Work Environment
CTIs normally work in office or fast-paced operational environments. Depending on the assignment, they may work independently, in small teams or as part of a larger workcenter. Some assignments may support ships, submarines or Naval Special Warfare.
Training and Advancement
After Recruit Training, CTIs complete two phases of Navy "A" School:
1. Phase I, Foreign Language Training Defense Language Institute, Monterey, California Approximately 48 - 64 weeks
Sailors receive comprehensive instruction in a primary foreign language.
2. Phase II, Cryptologic Linguistic Training Information Warfare Training Center Monterey Detachment Goodfellow, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas Approximately 13 to 19 weeks
Sailors develop technical and analytical cryptologic language skills.
CTIs also attend annual language-maintenance courses and may have opportunities for intermediate or advanced language instruction throughout their careers.
Languages
CTIs learn one of six primary languages and can earn up to $1,000 per month in foreign language proficiency pay:
• Arabic
• Chinese Mandarin
• Korean
• Persian-Farsi
• Russian
• Spanish
Education Opportunities
Phase I language training earns Sailors significant undergraduate academic credit. After completing general education requirements, Sailors may apply for an associate degree in their language of study. Advanced training may support bachelor degree opportunities.
Qualifications
Successful CTI candidates should demonstrate:
• Strong character and attention to detail
• Interest in learning foreign languages
• Above-average writing and speaking ability
• Good memory, curiosity and resourcefulness
• Interest in technology, information and analytical work
• Adaptability across different work environments
• Willingness to acquire additional skills
Applicants and their immediate family members must be U.S. citizens. Candidates must qualify for continuous access to Sensitive Compartmented Information, maintain eligibility for a Top Secret clearance and have normal hearing. CTIs must also be willing to serve aboard submarines if assigned.
Linguist or Linguistics (Cryptologic Technicians Interpretive)
Category: Enlisted
Component: Active
Community: Information Warfare
Overview
Cryptologic Technicians Interpretive (CTI) are highly skilled linguists and intelligence professionals. They collect, translate, transcribe and analyze foreign language communications, providing critical intelligence to inform national security, tactical operations and strategic decision-making. CTIs possess deep cultural understanding alongside their language expertise, directly supporting Fleet and Joint Force commanders worldwide in diverse operational environments.
What You’ll Do
• Operate advanced radio receivers, recording devices, computer terminals and communications systems.
• Translate, interpret and transcribe foreign language communications data.
• Analyze and report highly technical intelligence for fleet commanders and national intelligence agencies.
• Work with classified material and advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning systems.
• Perform temporary duty aboard Navy surface ships and submarines, based on assignment requirements.
What to Expect
CTIs have an intellectually demanding career focused on language, analysis and classified information. Most assignments are at shore-based Centers of Excellence, with opportunities for temporary duty aboard surface and subsurface platforms.
Work Environment
CTIs normally work in office or fast-paced operational environments. Depending on the assignment, they may work independently, in small teams or as part of a larger workcenter. Some assignments may support ships, submarines or Naval Special Warfare.
Training and Advancement
After Recruit Training, CTIs complete two phases of Navy "A" School:
1. Phase I, Foreign Language Training Defense Language Institute, Monterey, California Approximately 48 - 64 weeks
Sailors receive comprehensive instruction in a primary foreign language.
2. Phase II, Cryptologic Linguistic Training Information Warfare Training Center Monterey Detachment Goodfellow, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas Approximately 13 to 19 weeks
Sailors develop technical and analytical cryptologic language skills.
CTIs also attend annual language-maintenance courses and may have opportunities for intermediate or advanced language instruction throughout their careers.
Languages
CTIs learn one of six primary languages and can earn up to $1,000 per month in foreign language proficiency pay:
• Arabic
• Chinese Mandarin
• Korean
• Persian-Farsi
• Russian
• Spanish
Education Opportunities
Phase I language training earns Sailors significant undergraduate academic credit. After completing general education requirements, Sailors may apply for an associate degree in their language of study. Advanced training may support bachelor degree opportunities.
Qualifications
Successful CTI candidates should demonstrate:
• Strong character and attention to detail
• Interest in learning foreign languages
• Above-average writing and speaking ability
• Good memory, curiosity and resourcefulness
• Interest in technology, information and analytical work
• Adaptability across different work environments
• Willingness to acquire additional skills
Applicants and their immediate family members must be U.S. citizens. Candidates must qualify for continuous access to Sensitive Compartmented Information, maintain eligibility for a Top Secret clearance and have normal hearing. CTIs must also be willing to serve aboard submarines if assigned.
