Which branch should I consider for this?

[pixelpie9744]

I am finishing my bachelor's degree in computer engineering and possibly going into grad school for it meaning I have 2-3 years left. I want to join the reserve as an officer after college wither with ROTC or OCS. I am conflicted between the Navy cryptologic warfare officer/navy information professional officer, Army 25A Signal Officer/ Army17A cyber warfare officer, airforce cyber operations officer/ information operation officer. Basically between information technology and cyber. Which branch is best for cyber or information technology for being in the reserve? Which deploys the most and which deploys the least since I have a family to provide for. Which is best for my situation?

 

[Capt MJ]

No matter what branch of the Reserve you join, you have to be prepared to deploy per the needs of your service. There is no way anyone here can tell you, except very generally or anecdotally, how often or how long.

Research the service culture and missions. Figure out which service best suits you.

But - there are protections for the Reserve and Guard. Read everything at this link, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve:

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve > Home

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR)

www.esgr.mil

If and when you join the Reserve, discuss with any civilian employer their compensation policies and overall policy for Reserve employees. Some will pay you the difference in base salary between your civilian salary and military base salary, if civilian is more.

Do not overlook federal civilian STEM and specific cyber programs (Cyber Corps!) programs such as the links below, some of which have guarantees employment (and no military deployments!):

DoD STEM Scholarships & Grants - SMART Scholarship

The SMART Scholarship Program provides STEM students with full tuition, annual stipends, & employment with the Department of Defense (DoD) after graduation.

www.smartscholarship.org

SFS

Start your cybersecurity career with the U.S. government

sfs.opm.gov

Cybersecurity Scholarships

Scholarship recipients receive funding for cybersecurity-related degree programs, then serve in a cybersecurity role at a US government entity upon graduation.

niccs.cisa.gov