West Point or Annapolis for career in cryptology/intelligence?

[Scipio_Africanus]

I'm really interested in making a career out of military intelligence/cryptology, but I'm stuck between USMA and USNA. BTW, I'm considering the service academies specifically (over OCS or ROTC), because I like the structure, discipline, atmosphere, and focus on the development of the 'whole person' at the academies.

I like how naval cryptologists can be assigned to NSA Cryptologic Centers and can serve aboard anything from a carrier to a cruiser, but I'm hesitant about USNA b/c of how limited the number of CW/Intel/SWO-CW billets are. Also, it seems like travel opportunities for Navy CWOs are less abundant than for your typical URL officer (restricted mainly to shore duty at NSA stations in Texas, Maryland, Hawaii, and Georgia). I can also see myself enjoying being a SWO if I can't get a CW billet, but that community is my first choice.

At USMA, I like how MI/Cyber is more mainstream and there are more billets available than at USNA, but I don't know a whole lot about what Army MI/Cyber is like. What are the differences between Army and Navy cryptology/intel? Is one more technical than the other? Which offers better travel opportunities? I think I read somewhere that Army MI officers can eventually end up working as defense attaches at US embassies. Is that correct? If it is, I think that would be a really cool career opportunity not available in the Navy. However, I can't see myself doing anything else in the Army besides MI/Cyber. If I couldn't do MI/Cyber, I'd rather be on a ship than in a tent; rather be a SWO than a platoon leader.

In short, I'm trying to decide between Navy and Army. Which has an intel/crypto community with the most travel, change of pace, exciting environment, technical work?

 

[TheZooElCid]

I'm considering the service academies specifically (over OCS or ROTC), because I like the structure, discipline, atmosphere, and focus on the development of the 'whole person' at the academies.

You might also consider the senior military colleges like Citadel, Tex A&M , VMI ... you will get a full serving of structure, discipline, atmosphere over a four year stay there. You also get a bit of flexibility, the down side being they can be expen$ive. Highly qualified candidates can mitigate this somewhat through scholarships both ROTC and academic.

 

[BBQ-Devil]

Don't discount USAFA.
https://www.academyadmissions.com/the-experience/academics/majors/computer-and-network-security/
https://www.airforce.com/careers/detail/intelligence-officer
https://www.airforce.com/watch-videos/rfKoOU3gTNQ

 

[THParent]

Just to be clear, Annapolis is a small fishing community on the Serverne River, off the Chesapeake Bay.
I am sorry, I just had to say that.

 

[emwvmi01]

Some good questions but you need to broaden your thinking. The vast majority of USNA graduates will be driving ships, subs or planes. Likewise, at West Point the majority of folks are leading infantry, armor and artillery Soldiers. So if you get there and don’t get crypto or MI/Cyber would you be okay being in the Army or Navy doing something else.

For Navy Crypto the community shifts back and forth between Fleet Cyber and more traditional crypto roles. You would still have ship time and if you’re happy with that diversity then no issue.

Army MI you will have opportunities to do tactical time as an intelligence officer for combat units of all flavors. You also have options in the strategic intelligence world running intelligence units which gather and analyze the various types of information.

Cyber in the Army will place you predominantly at Fort Gordon in Augusta Ga or Meade between Baltimore and Washington DC. Officer roles on teams start as very hands on and then progress to element and team lead. There will also be more tactical Cyber opportunities in the next few years. To bust a myth not even close to a majority of Cyber officers will go to advanced education after commissioning. The large majority go to the basic course at Gordon. Also, the direct commission options you hear about are really a unique option but only to lure very select talent with unique experience into the service. It is not designed for the traditional undergraduate with a CS/Cyber degree. More like the 28 year old who excels in industry for a few years and is looking to serve.

Good luck

 

[MidCakePa]

If I couldn't do MI/Cyber, I'd rather be on a ship than in a tent; rather be a SWO than a platoon leader.

I think you answered your own question right here. Your choice of SA should be driven by the military branch — the one whose mission and lifestyle best fit your wants and needs. You may have your eyes on intelligence, but ultimately the military’s needs will win out. So if you don’t get intelligence, where will you be happiest? Again, I think you’ve already answered your question.