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CIS Specialist vs. Communications Technician?

S

SouthLancsLad

Badgeman
Hi all,

I'm currently looking at what specialisation I'd like to do in the RN, and these two are the ones currently interesting me.

Obviously I'll be getting as much information as I can from the AFCO, but would appreciate any advice from members on here about the pros and cons of each.

In particular, would either leave me in a better position to get good employment when I leave?

I'm only at the start of my research really, so any advice would be greatfully received.
 
SouthLancsLad said:
Cheeky bump :)

(Fair enough if no-one knows, I realise it's a question that only a small proportion will know the answer to).
Click to expand...

There's a major difference between the two - CIS provides the command with Comms and Information Systems, effectively managing the interface between a pusser's grey and Fleet HQ through strategic communications links and administering the IS network on board (computer network admin). CTs on the other hand have a different role that, quoting from another internet site, could be best as described as seagoing spooks, they are trained as linguists/Interpreters, signals intelligence analysts, and special signals analysts as well as other skills that people don't want publicised! They serve on ships, and submarines, as well as shoresides, both in the UK and in foreign climes.
 
FlagWagger said:
SouthLancsLad said:
Cheeky bump :)

(Fair enough if no-one knows, I realise it's a question that only a small proportion will know the answer to).
Click to expand...

There's a major difference between the two - CIS provides the command with Comms and Information Systems, effectively managing the interface between a pusser's grey and Fleet HQ through strategic communications links and administering the IS network on board (computer network admin). CTs on the other hand have a different role that, quoting from another internet site, could be best as described as seagoing spooks, they are trained as linguists/Interpreters, signals intelligence analysts, and special signals analysts as well as other skills that people don't want publicised! They serve on ships, and submarines, as well as shoresides, both in the UK and in foreign climes.
Click to expand...

Thanks a lot for that, I must have got the wrong end of the stick with what the latter involved.

Would you mind giving a link to the site you mention please?
 
I'm slightly biased here (cough cough) but would like to say a few things about the CT Branch.

Be prepared to work hard. The rewards are certainly worth the extremely long time on course. You will get to do things that most other matelots can only dream about-if you fancy a chance at shaping policy at the 2* level and above at Killick level, then it is certainly achievable-no other branch can offer that. Language courses, extremely geeky IT courses-all at your fingertips as a CT. And definitely an extremely rewarding career at your beckoning....

CIS-Good branch to join most definitely.But CIS is vastly different to CT. However, if you've got the aptitude and appetite for a demanding course that has got absolutely sweet FA to do with CIS, then I know where I'd be snapping at in order to join as soon as possible ;)

I agree with what Flagwagger said.

Whilst both branches appear similar in name, they are anything but.

The calibre of bods joining now means that you could end up doing trade training with someone who has got an honours degree-I've seen it first hand. The branch is about to undergo a restructure that should see it at the forefront of the future maritime capability....

Please bear in mind though that due to OPSEC, most aspects of the CT branch are not possibile to be discussed on an open internet forum.....

But you will enjoy it.... :D
 
the_matelot said:
I'm slightly biased here (cough cough) but would like to say a few things about the CT Branch.

Be prepared to work hard. The rewards are certainly worth the extremely long time on course. You will get to do things that most other matelots can only dream about-if you fancy a chance at shaping policy at the 2* level and above at Killick level, then it is certainly achievable-no other branch can offer that. Language courses, extremely geeky IT courses-all at your fingertips as a CT. And definitely an extremely rewarding career at your beckoning....

CIS-Good branch to join most definitely.But CIS is vastly different to CT. However, if you've got the aptitude and appetite for a demanding course that has got absolutely sweet FA to do with CIS, then I know where I'd be snapping at in order to join as soon as possible ;)

I agree with what Flagwagger said.

Whilst both branches appear similar in name, they are anything but.

The calibre of bods joining now means that you could end up doing trade training with someone who has got an honours degree-I've seen it first hand. The branch is about to undergo a restructure that should see it at the forefront of the future maritime capability....

Please bear in mind though that due to OPSEC, most aspects of the CT branch are not possibile to be discussed on an open internet forum.....

But you will enjoy it.... :D
Click to expand...

That's certainly whetted my appetite :D

Would not having any formal computing qualifications hold me back for either? I know I've got the ability (my Dad's a computer programmer and I've taught myself various aspects) but I didn't have the opportunity to do ICT or Computing at my 6th form college.
 
SouthLancsLad said:
That's certainly whetted my appetite :D
Would not having any formal computing qualifications hold me back for either? I know I've got the ability (my Dad's a computer programmer and I've taught myself various aspects) but I didn't have the opportunity to do ICT or Computing at my 6th form college.
Click to expand...

Don't worry, you will be tested at the AFCO to determine what branchs you would be suited to dependant on your ability.
 
I went to my local AFCO for some information today, they were suggesting quite strongly that I should be looking at applying to be an Officer instead due to my A-Levels.

Any thoughts?

Also, does anyone have an opinion on these jobs compared to relevant ones in the Army?
 
Can you join up as a CT?When i was at HMS Mercury i took the CT aptitiude tests and passed them but wasnt allowed to progress any further as i hadnt been a killick,even though i passed for Killick in 80!I was told to reapply when i got my hook.I thought CT's were recruited abit like Regulators(not being branch Failures though!LOL)
 
andym said:
Can you join up as a CT?When i was at HMS Mercury i took the CT aptitiude tests and passed them but wasnt allowed to progress any further as i hadnt been a killick,even though i passed for Killick in 80!I was told to reapply when i got my hook.I thought CT's were recruited abit like Regulators(not being branch Failures though!LOL)
Click to expand...

It doesn't say anthing about not being able to join up as one on the website or in the literature they've given me, the recruiting officer didn't mention the route being closed to me either.
 
andym said:
Can you join up as a CT?When i was at HMS Mercury i took the CT aptitiude tests and passed them but wasnt allowed to progress any further as i hadnt been a killick,even though i passed for Killick in 80!I was told to reapply when i got my hook.I thought CT's were recruited abit like Regulators(not being branch Failures though!LOL)
Click to expand...

Andy,

CT's can be both direct entry and sideways entry. I took the sideways entry route. You can branch change up to killick level as long as you've got a minimum of 10 yrs service left.

If you're not good enough to be a CT, then you can always join the Failed CT branch aka EW (I'M BLOODY JOKING BEFORE THE GOLLIES GET IN A HUFF :D)

We've got guys joining the branch now with Degrees which is quite unusual-and we're not onabout crappy media studies degrees either-engineering, languages etc etc

South,

I've just had a look at the branch info sheet on the careers website-it's fairly accurate but by the very nature of the job, you're never going to get an accurate picture of what the branch does.

Even if you don't join the branch, I'd lunge at the chance to join the CIS Branch-definitely the way ahead in my opinion...
 
the_matelot said:
South,

I've just had a look at the branch info sheet on the careers website-it's fairly accurate but by the very nature of the job, you're never going to get an accurate picture of what the branch does.

Even if you don't join the branch, I'd lunge at the chance to join the CIS Branch-definitely the way ahead in my opinion...
Click to expand...

Thanks for the advice Matelot, I'm going to get some more advice from the AFCO about Officer entry but unless it grabs me I'll be applying for one of them (providing I get a good enough score in the entrance test, I think I'll be alright on it).
 
I joined up as a direct entry CT, had to do my time as a Golly on my first draft till I got my course dates to become a CT. Its the best move I ever made, have had some good times, and some long watches, but still enjoying it.
 
Well done SouthLancsLad!

According to my afco the wait time is now well over 2years! :shock:

I had a call from them this week telling me that I need to reconsider my options as due to my age by the time my place comes up I'll be over the maximum starting age. Gutted. :cry:

Thinking about it the wait time has to be at least 2 years 10 months as when I took the test I was just over 34 and the maximum age is 37.

Has anyone an opinion on which trades I should be looking at? Leaning towards AET or CIS specialist at moment.
 

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