Posted on Aug 7, 2016
Looking into tech career fields in the Air Force and am curious about these two jobs. Should I go 3D0X2 or 3D0X3?
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Posted in these groups: 
3D0X2: Cyber Systems Operations
3D0X3: Cyber Security (IA and COMSEC)
Training
Career Advice
Re-enlistment
3D0X2: Cyber Systems Operations 3D0X3: Cyber Security (IA and COMSEC) Training Career Advice Re-enlistment
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 7
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What is it that you like to do? Cyber Ops will get you far more hands on experience with comm systems. Cyber Surety is a bit of a misnomer, normally when people think cyber security (or as this job is named "surety") they think proxies and firewalls, network scans, WAR driving, etc. Cyber Surety is more paperwork than you may realize.
What do you enjoy doing in a job? Deciding that might help you decide, PM me if you want more info on what a typical day is like in an IA office.
-I've been a 3D0X3 since the AFSC was born, prior 3C0X1.
What do you enjoy doing in a job? Deciding that might help you decide, PM me if you want more info on what a typical day is like in an IA office.
-I've been a 3D0X3 since the AFSC was born, prior 3C0X1.
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SN Kevin Neff
I worked with both AFSC's at my last job when I was a contractor with the Air National Guard. I would say that 3DOX3 has better civilian career opportunities. But I will ALSO say that at least in the shop I worked in (it was a small shop), everybody did both jobs. So the cross training potential is definitely there.
I worked with both AFSC's at my last job when I was a contractor with the Air National Guard. I would say that 3DOX3 has better civilian career opportunities. But I will ALSO say that at least in the shop I worked in (it was a small shop), everybody did both jobs. So the cross training potential is definitely there.
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SN Kevin Neff
That sounds interesting. Their similarities are leading me to believe they may just converge them into one afsc in the future. The civilian opportunities are also something I was looking at as well.
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PO1 John Miller
SN Kevin Neff
And, you're already qualified for both jobs based on the fact you were for all intents and purposes a Submarine Radioman (yes I know they're called ET's now, LOL), especially 3DOX3. I'm sure you've had COMSEC equipment operation and repair training.
And, you're already qualified for both jobs based on the fact you were for all intents and purposes a Submarine Radioman (yes I know they're called ET's now, LOL), especially 3DOX3. I'm sure you've had COMSEC equipment operation and repair training.
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SN Kevin Neff
I did. Lol. Well that'll make re-enlisting a bit easier since my old job can translate into these.
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I'm an X3 and its cake. It's pretty technical in terms of key distribution, but other than that, you essentially ensure that the people you issue equipment to are staying in accordance to AFI and AFMAN. Does require a TS though.
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SrA (Join to see)
You can cross-train into 1B4 from almost any career field. Not sure if you're familiar with the Security+ certification, but you need to pass that for almost any cyber AFSC before you graduate tech school. For 1B4, Security+ is the first exam you take, which is no cakewalk by any means. It took me two tries to pass, but if you already have a computer/network background, it'd probably be a lot easier. Just know that Sec+ is the "easiest" test they take in 1B4.
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The Navy has IT (2791 networking) and CTN (networking). I see you have history with the Navy, so your transition wouldn't be a hard one. Though, I highly suggest using your GI bill to get a computer science degree and come in as a Naval Officer in the IP or IW community. Just my two cents from one Sailor to another.
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SN Kevin Neff
I'm working on my degree. I'm about 2 years out from it. I'm a little worried about missing the age deadline so I wanted to get back in, finish my degree then go the Officer route.
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SN Kevin Neff ,
Ultimately the decision will rely upon which one do you prefer more and how can it best serve you. Best of luck, hope you find the one that suits you best!
Ultimately the decision will rely upon which one do you prefer more and how can it best serve you. Best of luck, hope you find the one that suits you best!
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SN Kevin Neff
They both seem similar on paper, which is why I'm asking. I guess I'm trying to see if there's any minor or major differences that I should look out for before deciding on one.
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SSG Derrick L. Lewis MBA, C-HRM
SGT (Join to see) ,
Care to provide some insight and clarity to SN Kevin Neff with regards to his inquiry?
Care to provide some insight and clarity to SN Kevin Neff with regards to his inquiry?
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SGT (Join to see)
SSG Derrick L. Lewis MBA, C-HRM - I got nothing. SN Kevin Neff should talk with SN (Join to see) , SN Greg Wright , and PO2 Ed C. .
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Looking to cross train into the 3D0X3 Career Field in the Guard/Reserve. Currently a 1N1. I currently do Technical Program Management supporting customers at Pentagon, DHS and 3 Letters. The main goal is to mainly gain credibility within the Cyber Security field and gain some technical knowledge. I already have the Security +. My end goal is to leverage Cyber Security knowledge into a PM role that pays in the $200,000 range (these jobs exist in DC Metro 95 dollars an hour).
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X3 also depends on your job. Usually IA and COMSEC are separate offices. I like COMSEC more because it's more technical. IA is a bunch of paper pushing. I find it very boring.
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