I’m worried - Cyber Warfare

[glen]

To add to the non-military options noted above, and if guaranteed cyber warfare is the long pole in your tent (to drive home the point you won’t necessarily get that career field in the military), tied to some type of service (at least at the start of your working life, here are more federal civil service options:


Cyber Corps

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

CyberCorps Scholarship for Service (SFS)

new.nsf.gov

State by State Guide to CyberCorps Scholarship Participating Schools

Everything You Need to Know About Getting a CyberCorps SFS Scholarship It may sound like the secret agency at the center of the plot of next summer’s big sci-fi blockbuster, but CyberCorps is as real as it gets. It’s no secret, either: Uncle Sam wants you to study information assurance for your...

www.cybersecurityeducationguides.org

Now this one is for HS students, but supplied for general readership and awareness, the Stokes scholarship:

The Stokes Educational Scholarship Program | NSA Employment | Federal Jobs Blog

High school seniors studying computer science or electrical engineering can apply. The NSA pays tuition for & hires accepted students after graduation!

federaljobs.net

Great information. I recently visited an elite private school to interview several students and was surprised to learn the guidance office was unaware of these opportunities. Especially for students with medical or physical disabilities that will keep them out of the military, but who desire to serve - these are great options. As an FBI agent told me 20 years ago, “the internet is where all the criminals are now.”

 

[Capt MJ]

Great information. I recently visited an elite private school to interview several students and was surprised to learn the guidance office was unaware of these opportunities. Especially for students with medical or physical disabilities that will keep them out of the military, but who desire to serve - these are great options. As an FBI agent told me 20 years ago, “the internet is where all the criminals are now.”

I mention all those excellent Fed student programs every chance I get. If they can’t be a door-kicker, they can play a vital role supporting those who do…

 

[jbm2m]

This is correct that cyber warfare officers with top-secret clearance are in very high demand in the private sector. Which is partly the reason why at least one military branch — and maybe all of them — has extended the service obligation for this MOS beyond the standard requirements. (This is not unlike going aviation.) So if you go this path, be ready to serve longer than your peers in other MOSs.

Even shy of TS clearance, with an active Secret clearance, even if not in Cyber MOS, will have companies trying to scoop you up - your Peratons, Booz Allens, etc.

 

[JohnMcLane]

Another route is to enlist in the Reserves or National Guard, ideally in a cyber slot. Different branches of service may have different opportunities or programs.

--Advantages:
o GI Bill or Tuition Assistance. A pocket full of cash from basic and advanced training and cash from drill once a month. This should help solve your money pressures and hopefully you won't have to work any other part-time jobs. Units often have opportunities to work additional days if you desire and want some more cash. There are training qualification requirements and time in service requirements so don't enlist and expect to get your GI Bill or TA right away.
o You might even get a real cyber slot which possibly could assist you branch cyber if you choose to still pursue a commission. If not cyber maybe an electronic warfare or intel slot.
o Enlisted time can help you grow professionally and help you fine tune leadership skills.

--Disadvantages
o You have to go to basic and advanced training; this will delay your graduation.
o The best job availability may not be in the branch of service you want.
o One weekend a month working (2-3 days) and you might have to drive some distance to your unit.
o You may win an all-expense paid trip to some garden spot overseas (this could also be a great life and professional experience, too).
o If you get state tuition assistance, it may require you to stay in the guard so do your homework before using it.

Under this scenario you may or may not continue in ROTC so talk to your cadre before you talk to a recruiter to see how that would work. There's always OCS. Someone mentioned, if you leave a commissioning program you need paper that recommends you be allowed to return to a commissioning program so make sure you are a top performer in ROTC and keep a great attitude while you figure things out.

 

[OldRetSWO]

echo to the mentions of Cyber Corps

SFS

Start your cybersecurity career with the U.S. government

sfs.opm.gov

I teach at one of the universities mentioned on their site and have had a few students in it or in the process of applying for it.

It seems like a very good program.

 

[glen]

I mention all those excellent Fed student programs every chance I get. If they can’t be a door-kicker, they can play a vital role supporting those who do…

Lol…future conflicts will largely involve cyber warriors leading and door kicker’s following to pick up the pieces. Consider lessons being learned in Ukraine. I would not want to be a tanker or infantry in that war - every move watched by a satellite or drone.

 

[kinnem]

Thought this might be appropriate to post here:

Space Force needs more cyber operators for weapons, chief says

Protecting them is a primary concern for Space Operations Command, says its vice commander.

www.defenseone.com