Hello all,
I am currently active duty. Been serving for 4 years now. I am a FC Tomahawk Tech and have been attemping to cross rate into the CTI rating for years now. Initially CTI was the reason why I showed interest in the Navy.
The problem I am running into right now is that my current rate is on the fence between manned and undermanned. In my year group specifically I am overmanned. The NEC I hold is not currently classified as a critical NEC. I did not receive an Enlistment Bonus so that isn't holding me up either. CTI and FC are both ratings that sailors seem to be locked in at the moment. I have spoke to my NCC, my CMDCM, my divisional chief, the ISC on board. I have been trying to crossrate into CTI for 2 years now, soon to be 3 years.
In the Navy I have seen a lot of people work around what seem to be show stoppers like the perdicament I am in now. I am not asking for someone to pull strings for a random FC on a forum. I am simply asking for advice from those who work in the community currently. Do you know of anyone who has been in this situation before and prevailed? If so what did he/she do? What do you suggest my next move be? At the moment I am currently just sitting like a duck. I've sent off conversion packages and they don't make it any farther than my ECM who responds "Convert out opportunities are not available at this time." Since my individual year group is overmanned through the roof I figured there has to be a way to make an exception no? Due to my current job requirements I already hold the required clearance for CTI, I also hold a DLAB score of 121, not excellent but it is decent in my opinion.
I appreciate your time, any advance would be greatly appreciated.
- FC2