Opportunities for Cyber Jobs in the Military

I'm a high school junior fascinated by computers and cybersecurity. What kinds of cyber jobs are available in the military, and what should I do in high school to prepare for them?

There are indeed several opportunities in the military for individuals interested in cybersecurity and related pathways. Listed below are some roles offered across different branches of the military:

1. Cyber Operations Specialist (Army): This role deals with areas related to defending against cyber threats, as well as network warfare. You get to learn how to analyze an adversary's information system.

2. Cyber Defense (Navy): There are different roles within the Navy's cyber defense unit, including Cryptologic Technician Networks, which manage and operate state-of-the-art systems that track, analyze, and respond to threats.

3. Cyber Operations Officer (Air Force): As a Cyber Operations Officer, you'd lead teams in the execution of network warfare operations, and design, build and protect networks.

4. Cyber Surety (Air Force): This job involves detecting, protecting, and maintaining the security of Air Force systems.

5. Cyber Space Defense Operations (Air Force Reserves): This role involves maintaining and protecting technological systems and databases from threats.

6. Cyber Officer ( Space Force): This is a high-level position where you'd be responsible for all cyberspace operations and ensuring mission assurance.

To prepare for these roles, here's what you can do in high school:

- Take advanced computer science classes if they're available in your school. Classes that involve coding, algorithms, and networking are very valuable for future cybersecurity experts.

- If you can't access these in school, several online platforms offer courses related to cybersecurity and coding.

- Participating in relevant extracurricular activities such as coding clubs, robotics clubs, or CyberPatriot - the National Youth Cyber Defense Competition, could also give you practical experience and demonstrate your passion for this path.

- Gaining certifications like CompTIA’s Security+ or Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) could be worthwhile. You may need to be 18 to qualify for certain certifications, but researching and preparing in advance could be beneficial.

Joining the military with a cyber focus is a great pathway to a career in this ever-growing field. It's also worth noting that the military can provide excellent training and education benefits that can help you later in your career. Good luck!