Cryptologic Linguist sailors (CTL) work in the field of Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), and are responsible for the interception and exploitation of electromagnetic emissions. In other words, they use sophisticated search receivers and other specialised equipment to intercept, record, analyse and disseminate intelligence obtained from communications transmissions.

Whilst all Cryptologic Linguists receive formal language training, they do not normally perform the role of an interpreter.

As stated, the Cryptologic Linguist is responsible for performing and supervising the detection, acquisition, identification and exploitation of communications transmissions. Some of the duties that a Cryptologic Linguist sailor may perform include:

Manually tune or program radio receivers and automated systems to specified frequencies or perform frequency search missions (or both), over specific portions of the radio frequency spectrum in order to locate, identify, analyse and report on transmissions of interest.
Utilise high-tech equipment to monitor and record selected transmission in order to enable post acquisition transcription, translation and analysis.
Recognise key information during real-time, as well as post acquisition analysis. This may include the provision of a gist or overview of what is being communicated, as well as the translation of spoken or written material from one language to another.
Provide real-time indication of possible threats to the platform or unit being supported, as well as providing input to the strategic intelligence environment including analytical comments.
Produce formatted reports and summaries on items of interest, and liaise directly with relevant authorities for the dissemination of these products.
Operate other specific systems as required to support Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) tasking and reporting requirements.

All CTL sailors will receive training on:

one or more languages, as well as Morse code skills;
communications theory, including radio wave propagation;
operation of acquisition, recording, and processing equipment (including keyboard skills);
analytical techniques including problem solving;
communications networks; formats, terminology, and theory of pattern analysis (traffic analysis);
the fighting structure or the ‘order of battle’ of military forces;
procedures for processing and distributing intelligence data;
procedures for handling, distributing, and safeguarding intelligence information.

Cryptologic Category sailors are a key component of the Navy Warfare Community, and part of a highly trained and internationally respected maritime force. The ability of the Navy to conduct combat operations depends on a number of factors, with the professional skills and dedication of CTL sailors an integral part of this capability.

Whilst all CTL personnel have specialist skills, they are first and foremost sailors. As such, they are expected to take part in normal Navy activities when at sea and ashore. Some of these activities include:

responding to emergencies such as a fire or flood;
cleaning communal areas of the ship, as well as your own area;
loading supplies such as food, water and equipment; and
working outside of your normal working hours as required.

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What kind of people does the Navy want?

The selection process involves a psychological assessment to ascertain your suitability to undertake challenging aptitude based language courses that require a strong level of personal commitment and the ability to quickly comprehend and retain new information. People that generally do well in this assessment have a comprehensive understanding of the English language including grammar, and are able to work under pressure.

Do I have to get some sort of a security clearance?

Yes. The day-to-day employment of CTL sailors is of a highly sensitive nature. If the details of their employment were to be compromised, then the lives of Australian servicemen and women could be jeopardized.

For this reason, candidates for selection as CTL sailors undergo a detailed security evaluation. The security clearance procedure is necessary to ensure that only suitable persons are granted access to sensitive information. All CTL sailors must be suitable to hold a Top Secret Positive Vet (TSPV) security clearance. There can be no exceptions to this requirement.

Where will I work?

At sea you will be employed in a tactical environment and utilise your specialist skills to provide situational awareness to Commanding Officers and Warfare Teams, in the form of early warning information. This enables possible threats to be avoided or neutralised, and helps to assure a winning edge in combat.

When serving ashore, you will be either remotely supporting tactical war fighters at sea or wider ADF operations in direct support of Coalition operations. You may also be involved in Australia’s strategic intelligence collection effort.

Whilst ashore you can expect to spend time in Canberra (ACT) and Nowra (NSW), and you may also have the opportunity to work in Toowoomba (QLD), Melbourne (VIC) or other localities depending on Navy requirements. During these non-sea postings, you can expect to work in a joint environment with members of the Army and Air Force, as well as civilian personnel.

Are women employed as CTL sailors?

Certainly. Female CTL sailors are employed under identical conditions to their male colleagues, and have even been offered the opportunity to serve on submarines if they wish.

Do all CTL sailors serve on ships at sea?

Yes, all CTL sailors are required to serve at sea and can be deployed on any platform from an Armidale Class Patrol Boat (ACPB) to the new Amphibious Ship scheduled to enter service in the near future.

You may also be required to deploy on submarines; with the service on submarines and surface ships associated with the payment of substantial allowances that are additional to your normal salary. The obligation for sea service will continue throughout each stage of your career progression.

Navy | The Team Works

Cryptologic Linguist

Interested in entering the world of Signals Intelligence? The Navy is looking for motivated people to work in this highly classified environment providing intelligence support for the Australian Defence Force.

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