Pursuing a Career in Cybersecurity in the Military

I'm considering a future in cybersecurity within the military. What is the process to get involved in cybersecurity jobs in the military, and are there specific paths I should consider?

Your interest in a cybersecurity career within the military is well-placed. The military offers excellent training and experience in various tech-related fields, including cybersecurity. Here is a potential path you could consider:

1. Choose a Military Branch: Each branch of the military (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and the Space Force) has its own cybersecurity department, so it's up to you to decide which branch to serve.

2. Required Education: The technical nature of cybersecurity requires a good foundational knowledge. A degree or certification in computer science, information systems, or cybersecurity is typically needed. Not all roles will require a degree, but additional education can increase the number of opportunities available to you and can help with advancement.

3. Enlistment and Basic Training: You will need to enlist in a branch of the military and complete basic training. This period trains individuals to become servicemen/women and prepares them for their military career path.

4. Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) Selection: After basic training, you'll select your MOS, which is your job in the military. Choose one related to cybersecurity. Each branch of the military has its own names and codes for their jobs: for example, in the Army, a cybersecurity job might fall under a '17' series MOS, like 17C (Cyber Operations Specialist) or 17A (Cyber Operations Officer).

5. Advanced Individual Training (AIT): Once you've selected your MOS, you'll receive specialized training for that job. Duration and location will depend on the specifics of the job.

6. Gain Experience: As you work, you will gain hands-on experience with the military’s high-tech equipment, learning from some of the field's top professionals.

7. Continuing Education and Certification: The cybersecurity field is always advancing, so be prepared for a lifetime of learning. The military often provides opportunities for continuing education and certification in the field.

It's worth noting that the military path can provide you excellent experience and strong hiring potential in the civilian workforce if you choose to leave the military in the future. However, be prepared for the commitment that the military pathway involves. This includes a commitment of time and, often, specific deployment obligations.

Before deciding on a military path, you should also consider civilian pathways into cybersecurity, such as internships, undergraduate degrees, and certification programs. You might want to do your research and possibly talk to a current military servicemember or a career counselor to understand what pathway would best fit your needs and abilities. Good luck with your future career.