What's a Military Information Assurance Manager Do?

I'm exploring career options in the military that involve tech or cybersecurity. Does anyone know what a typical day looks like for a military information assurance manager, or what the path to this position might be?

An Information Assurance Manager in the military has crucial responsibilities dealing with securing and protecting sensitive national security information and technology. This role falls under the broad umbrella of cybersecurity in the military sector.

A typical day in the life of an Information Assurance Manager might involve:

- Revising and implementing information assurance policies and procedures

- Regularly auditing systems and practices to ensure compliance with policies

- Managing and planning responses to security incidents

- Conducting risk assessments and then developing risk mitigation strategies based on those assessments

- Training personnel on information assurance best practices and security protocols

The path to becoming an Information Assurance Manager in the military usually requires a combination of education, specialized training, and professional experience. Here are general steps:

1. Earn a Bachelor's Degree: It's common for individuals in this field to have a bachelor's degree in disciplines like computer science, information technology, cybersecurity, or related fields.

2. Field Experience: Once you have the degree, you should start gaining experience in the field, potentially in roles like a Systems Administrator or Network Administrator, in the civilian sector or enlisted in the military.

3. Military Training: If you're starting out in the military, you'll undergo basic training and then attend specialized training focused on IT and security protocols.

4. Advanced Degrees and Certifications: Many Information Assurance Managers hold further certifications like Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Information Security Manager (CISM). An advanced degree, like a master's in cybersecurity, can also be of benefit, though it likely isn't necessary to start in the field.

5. Ascend the Ranks: In the military, you'll need to work your way up through the ranks to reach this managerial role. This is typically achieved through a combination of field experience, specialized training, and demonstrating leadership ability.

Remember that this is just a general guide - specific requirements can vary depending on the particular branch of the military or specific job role, so you should verify with a military career advisor or recruitment officer to get actual prerequisites for the job role within the military.