Is there a path I can pursue as an ROTC cadet to apply for SMDC once I meet the requirments?

Cadet PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 Nov 2018 21:47:21 -0500

I am currently a Computer Science Engineer & Mathematics double major hoping to branch into the Cyber or Signal Corps.

Response by SrA John Monette made Nov 26 at 2018 9:55 PM

SrA John Monette — Mon, 26 Nov 2018 21:55:55 -0500

Cadet PVT Private RallyPoint Member I would think those majors would be the way to go without knowing more about SMDC.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Nov 26 at 2018 10:57 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Mon, 26 Nov 2018 22:57:58 -0500

Cadet PVT Private RallyPoint Member 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.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2018 8:10 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Dec 2018 08:10:23 -0500

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.