Posted on Nov 26, 2018
Is there a path I can pursue as an ROTC cadet to apply for SMDC once I meet the requirments?
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I am currently a Computer Science Engineer & Mathematics double major hoping to branch into the Cyber or Signal Corps.
Posted in these groups: 
13S: Space Operations
25A: Signal OfficerARCYBER
1C6X1: Space Systems Operations
13S: Space Operations 25A: Signal OfficerARCYBER 1C6X1: Space Systems Operations
Posted 6 y ago
Responses: 3
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Cadet PVT (Join to see) Space and Missile Defense Command SMDC is a operational/strategic command. Recommend you look at Air Defense as a branch and then consider the Space Operations Career Field Designation when you are a Captain. The two commanding generals I am thinking of from SmDC were Air Defenders with ThAAD backgrounds.
With Cyber being brand new, I don't know where that will go, it might be so short at the beginning that no one will be allowed to venture out. You could conceivably do Signal then select Soace Operations in the CFD process. Satellite communicators and Air Defenders travel in those circles later on.
With Cyber being brand new, I don't know where that will go, it might be so short at the beginning that no one will be allowed to venture out. You could conceivably do Signal then select Soace Operations in the CFD process. Satellite communicators and Air Defenders travel in those circles later on.
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LTC Jason Mackay
Cadet PVT (Join to see) - you may want to read this. https://www.rallypoint.com/command-post/how-do-i-choose-an-army-branch-a-framework
How do I choose an Army Branch?: A Framework | RallyPoint
The purpose of this article is to address one of the biggest Rally Point questions among Army ROTC Cadets: I am a with a major in , which branch should I choose? One of my goals is to help you filter through what you will get back. After all, don’t we all turn to the nameless, faceless internet trolls to determine our future? The immediate challenge is that the people responding are well intentioned but generally don’t know you from Adam....
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LTC Jason Mackay
Cadet PVT (Join to see) - this is not something you will see until you possibly a field grade. As an Air Defender, you'll go to a ADA battery or platoon of one type or another and do the company Grade development, eventually on a Battalion Staff. In Patriot in particular, there is an extensive qualification process because of how they are employed.
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LTC (Join to see)
LTC Jason Mackay Sir; (as an Air Defender) 100% concur with what you posted. JTAGS, THAAD, and AN TPY 2 (THAAD radar as stand-alone system) all work closely with, and ultimately for (C2 is complex) SMDC. I’m the S3 of an ADA BDE that has a Patriot Bn, 2 x TPY2 batteries, and will add a THAAD battery (at some point near-term).
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Cadet PVT (Join to see) I would think those majors would be the way to go without knowing more about SMDC.
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I'm a 25A and from what I've seen, you will be coveted by the Signal Corps. After Captains Career Course, if you do a fair or better job, you can look at functional area. Take some time to also earn something beyond the basic "S+" certification on top of your degrees. Certified Ethical Hacker and COMPTIAA Cybersecurity Analyst would put you ahead of your peers in competing for this. But nothing will put you to the front of the pack like a high GPA. I want to echo LTC Mackay's statement about not much mobility. You may be there with little promotion opportunity while your college classmates get promoted. But sometimes, key figures in military history have been in the same spot.
Do not under estimate the power of the warrant officers in cyber or signal. You can be a rock star or dud based on your relationship with them.
Do not under estimate the power of the warrant officers in cyber or signal. You can be a rock star or dud based on your relationship with them.
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