Job Title: Information Technology Professional (IT/CTN/IS)
Category / Component: Enlisted Both
Overview
Information Systems Technicians, Cryptologic Technician Networks, and Intelligence Specialists keep the Fleet connected, informed, and secure by operating and defending networks, conducting cyber operations, and producing intelligence for decision makers across the Navy.
Key Responsibilities
As an Information Systems Technician, design, operate, secure, and restore networks, servers, and communication systems that support naval operations; as a Cryptologic Technician Networks specialist, conduct offensive and defensive cyber operations, investigate and track adversary activity, and help protect Navy networks and critical systems; as an Intelligence Specialist, collect and analyze information on adversaries, environments, and weather and create intelligence products and briefings for commanders.
What to Expect
High tempo, mission critical work supporting around the clock operations and watch floors; mix of help desk and user support, network and systems administration, incident response, and planned maintenance; continuous learning in cyber tools, network defense, signals analysis, and intelligence production; strict requirements for handling classified information and complying with security and information assurance standards; shift work, duty rotations, and deployments afloat and ashore.
Work Environment
Worldwide assignments ashore at information warfare and intelligence commands and afloat on ships, aircraft, or submarines; work in secure facilities, server rooms, operations centers, and shipboard communications spaces; close teamwork within information warfare and intelligence teams and with supported operational units.
Pathways, Training & Advancement
Recruit Training followed by Class A School in an information warfare specialty, such as IT or CTN at information warfare training sites and IS at intelligence training commands; advanced C schools and follow on training in areas such as cyber operations, network defense, digital forensics, signals analysis, targeting, imagery, language, and mission systems; progressive advancement based on qualifications, performance, and warfare pins such as Information Warfare and platform specific warfare designations.
Direct enlistment into IT, CTN, or IS pipelines from civilian life based on aptitude, security clearance eligibility, and Navy needs; in service conversion opportunities for qualified Sailors who meet screening criteria and community requirements; Reserve accession pathways for prior service or qualified civilian professionals when manning needs allow.
Qualifications
All Navy jobs require meeting general enlistment or commissioning standards, which typically include:
- Eligibility to serve in the United States Navy, which may involve United States citizenship or other legal residency and work status, depending on the program and current law and policy
- A high school diploma or equivalent for enlisted positions, and a bachelors or qualifying professional degree for officer positions
Meeting age limits that vary by program and are set in law and Navy policy. Some communities have more restrictive age ranges
Meeting medical, vision, and dental standards, including body composition and physical fitness requirements, with some jobs requiring more demanding standards - Meeting character and conduct standards, including background screening
- Achieving required test scores for your program, such as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery for enlisted roles or officer qualification tests for officer programs
- Eligibility for a security clearance when required for your rating or designator
- Additional qualifications can include specific skills, education, licensure, or experience that are unique to a job or community and will be reviewed with you by a recruiter.
Additional qualifications for this job may include:
United States citizenship or equivalent status as allowed by law and policy, with most billets requiring citizenship; high school diploma or equivalent; at least 17 years of age; strong interest and aptitude in computers, networks, cyber operations, and analytical work; eligibility for a security clearance at the Secret or Top Secret level depending on the billet.
Education
Education benefits are available through standard Navy programs such as Tuition Assistance, the Post-9/11 GI Bill, ACE-recommended college credit for Navy training, Navy COOL-funded certifications, USMAP apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities. Specific options depend on the Sailors status, training, and current Navy policy.
Pay, Benefits & Service
Pay, benefits, and service commitments follow standard Navy Active and/or Reserve policies for this type of role, including basic pay, allowances when eligible, health coverage, and retirement options. Exact entitlements, special pays, and service obligations depend on program, component, years of service, and current law and Navy guidance.
Incentives
Incentives such as bonuses, special pays, and loan repayment may be available at times for specific ratings or communities, but they change frequently and cannot be guaranteed. Applicants must confirm current incentives and eligibility with an official Navy recruiter or authoritative Navy source.
Notes and Disclaimers
This description is a general overview of typical duties, training, and opportunities in this community. It does not replace official Navy instructions, policies, or contracts and does not guarantee specific assignments, training, incentives, or outcomes. Actual opportunities depend on Navy needs, individual performance, screening results, and current law and policy.
