Am I competitive for Direct Commission?

WO1 Jose R. — Fri, 10 Jun 2022 17:31:03 -0400

I was just reminded the other day about the Direct Commission program. One of the MOSs fields is Cyber Officer. I really want to try for it but at the same time want to be realistic in my expectations. Here is some of my background:

I have been in for 14 years (15 this September) - I was a 68E Dental until 2020.

Currently hold both a Masters and Bachelors In IT Security Management.

I have 5 certifications (GCCC, GSLC, GCED, GCIH and Security+) with AWS pending test date.

I am currently a 25D Cyber Defender and have been for 2 years.

I have worked as a freelance contractor for a small company for 3 years as their Cyber/ jack of all trades IT guy. I had also started a self employed business where I dabbled in computer repair and software related fixes. This was a 5 year stint.

Knowing that Direct commission is exceptionally competitive, would I be possibly considered or should I stay put and continue my enlisted path? Thank you.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2022 10:18 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Jun 2022 22:18:51 -0400

WO1 Jose R. Your background is impressive. What do you have to lose? Go for it and let us know when you receive a Direct Commission. Good luck.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Jun 10 at 2022 10:21 PM

MAJ Byron Oyler — Fri, 10 Jun 2022 22:21:42 -0400

You will not lose anything in your current enlisted path if you try to commission and fail. You will not commission if you do not try. Reality in life is the successful have far more failures in life than the unsuccessful as we keep trying until we succeed.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2022 11:28 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Jun 2022 23:28:38 -0400

It's my impression Cyber is desperate. The few MilPers I've read for direct commission for Active Duty even allowed a window of opportunity to Direct Commission up to Full COL.

That screams desperation to me.

I'm not saying it would be easy, but I suspect a Chief Operating Officer of Google, or Apple, etc... could snag that Full COL if they wanted, but I doubt they will offer themselves up.

I think you have a better chance than you think you do. On paper you seem to have the cyber check boxes, but aside from that, remember who in the civilian sector can match the ARMY side of it and get through MEPS and the ACFT?

Cyber Credentials + MEPS check off = Direct Commission
Cyber + MEPS rejection does NOT = Direct Commission

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 11 at 2022 5:59 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Jun 2022 17:59:57 -0400

Hell, SSG...I say go for it. The worst the Board can say is No. Do it do it and make it happen.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2022 12:35 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Jun 2022 00:35:22 -0400

Would 100% recommend! I DC’d into medical as an E5 and later switched to MI. The worst they can say is “No” and the only regret you should have is not trying. Best of luck!

Response by Cpl Vic Burk made Jun 12 at 2022 1:02 PM

Cpl Vic Burk — Sun, 12 Jun 2022 13:02:04 -0400

You won't know unless you try. What would be worse is saying years down the line, "I should have applied." Best of luck to you.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2022 3:33 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Jun 2022 15:33:55 -0400

If you do not try for it the answer is NO. If you do it could be yes.

Response by WO1 Jose R. made Jun 13 at 2022 5:28 AM

WO1 Jose R. — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 05:28:22 -0400

Thank you all for your suggestions, input, and works of wisdom/encouragement.

I went ahead and submitted my application and will post a follow-up up once received.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Jun 13 at 2022 7:22 AM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 07:22:34 -0400

GO for it! You will never know unless you try and you will always regret not trying.