NTTC Corry Station Marks Milestone in Network-Centric Training

By Chief William J. Feller, NTTC Corry Station Public AffairsA revolution in Navy training is under way at Naval Technical Training Center (NTTC), Corry Station as the school reached a milestone in cryptologic training. Twelve new Fleet-ready cryptologic technicians graduates became the first Cryptologic Technician Maintenance/Operator (CTM/CTO) class to use the Network-Centric Common Core curriculum.In his recent address to the Naval War College’s annual Current Strategy Forum, the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), Adm. Vern Clark, unveiled “Seapower 21” and introduced the term “FORCEnet,” which refers to Navy efforts to make the concept of network-centric warfare a reality in the Fleet.The CTM/O “A” School’s network-centric common core curriculum supports the CNO’s “Seapower 21” vision for current and future missions of the Navy. Students receive training in a myriad of topics including hardware/software lab applications and network configuration. Skills learned in class are then put to practice within a state-of-the-art integrated communications environment that relates directly to service they provide in the Fleet. The course offers 480 hours of traditional lecture and hands-on trouble-shooting in addition to the use of Automated Electronic Classrooms (AEC) that integrate web-based “Navy E-Learning,” which offers more than 950 Information Technology (IT) courses. “This is not the same ‘A’ school I went through 18 years ago,” says Senior Chief Harold "Mic" O’Connell, CTM/O course manager. “We are completely aligned with the CNO’s desire to reduce the number of ratings and Navy Enlisted Classifications (NECs) in the Navy, and this is a great start.” CTOs and CTMs previously attended separate “A” schools. In the past, the primary focus for CTOs was message processing, typing and general computer system operation. CTMs concentrated on electronic theory and equipment repair. Today’s “Network-Centric” CTM/Os are combined and learn network administrator skills and trouble-shooting techniques. CTMs receive an additional 31 days of advanced electronic training upon completion of the initial 12-week course of instruction.Leading a group of highly motivated and academically competitive Sailors, Seaman Craig Sutton earned recognition as Class Honor Graduate with a grade-point-average of 94.21. Five of his classmates also graduated with honors maintaining a grade-point-average above 90 percent. Source: NAVSEA