How do you feel about the 17C Cyber Operations Specialist?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Feb 2016 10:05:29 -0500

Been doing some research and wanted to know how others feel about this occupation? Has anyone worked with one before? With this job are you pretty much stuck with the government since millions of dollars was paid for the training like SF guys? What are your thoughts.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Feb 6 at 2016 10:19 AM

CPT Jack Durish — Sat, 06 Feb 2016 10:19:45 -0500

http://www.army.mil/article/149776/Command_establishes_enlisted_pathways_to_become_a_cyber_operations_specialist/

You made me look. Obviously, I can't speak to this from your point of view. However, I can tell you that these are highly marketable skills that will be invaluable when you transition. I spent nearly 30 years in the computer biz. Towards the end of my career I was a systems and applications architect teaching and consulting on Internet portals for major multinational corporations. Security was a hot topic in every aspect of my work. The need is great. US businesses are extremely vulnerable and I'd hate to think that the military is equally vulnerable.

In my last assignment in the Army, I worked with a team that was automating a STRATCOM communications terminal. The security people were really upset that we were replacing the old iron teletype machines with a computer. They demonstrated countless ways that they could breach our security. Even though we worked in tunnels, they were able to intercept spurious signals in the most imaginative ways. We even had to remove a toilet next to the computer room because it was acting as an antenna and transmitting clear data through the sewer lines. We were heavily engaged in the Cold War in those days and their motto was "If I can do it, Ivan can do it". I suspect that 15-year olds can do "it" today

Command establishes enlisted pathways to become a cyber operations specialist

U.S. Army Human Resources Command, or HRC, has announced the personnel transition strategy and procedures for reclassification to Military Occupational Specialty 17C, or MOS 17C, cyber operations specialist, for active-duty Army enlisted personnel.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Feb 6 at 2016 10:28 AM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Sat, 06 Feb 2016 10:28:26 -0500

Oh I'm sure this will make you very marketable whether it is on the attack side which pretty well limits you to doing it for the Government or doing it Illegally but on the Defense side. All Companies need Information Security. The biggest chunk of the Military Budget has always been Information Warfare like i.e. good old NSA and that is not going to change anytime soon and with our modern society being Computer Driven, Every Company will need your help to prevent Hackers from accessing their systems.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 6 at 2016 10:51 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Feb 2016 10:51:31 -0500

Man I wish not only is it a good career in the military. Your job possibilities after the military are almost endless.

Response by SGT Christopher Premore made Feb 6 at 2016 6:10 PM

SGT Christopher Premore — Sat, 06 Feb 2016 18:10:51 -0500

I would go for it. If you are lucky enough to be stuck working the the government you will not be living in poverty that's for sure.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2016 1:00 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 13:00:19 -0500

I'm not going to lie I feel as if this is going to need a strict background check. I could be wrong but it looks like you are going to be taking those already good in computers and make them 100 times better. In some jobs there are competition to see who is the best but what is stopping these guys from playing hacker to get better or just to do it for fun. I say this and I currently am looking at switching to a cyber MOS though working as an Air Defender I am looking into defense mostly because I like the defensive side. Personally I feel as if life is more interesting in defense for me.

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2016 4:54 PM

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 16:54:57 -0500

I've been picked up by a unit and they will reclass me into this MOS. I would recommend ANY reservist/guardsman to pursue this MOS if you're in IT. You will be a prime candidate in the civilian sector.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2016 7:38 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Mar 2016 07:38:49 -0400

Go for it if you can. I went Paralegal 27D > Signal Officer 25A > Information Assurance Officer FA53 > Cyber Warfare Officer 17A. You'll learn something each time you make a switch for the better. Just remember the future of warfare is through computers.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2016 5:26 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 Apr 2016 17:26:30 -0400

My big question for someone that is currently a 17C do you guys have to come in to work at 0500 to do PT every day, or do you just show up at 0900 and do your job?