Should I go back in as cyber?

2020-10-07T14:31:47-04:00

I'm getting my degree in cybersecurity. I'm just curious how the environment is in the Army cyber. If id be better off sticking with civilian side of things or going back in as cyber. Thanks.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2020 2:50 PM

2020-10-07T14:50:16-04:00

Cyber is strategically a national weakness of ours. If you succeed there I suspect you will be rewarded and valued.

For example, if you were say a Managing Director for Network Security for say a well known tech firm the doorway to Direct Commission to as high as LTC based on your experience is open.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2020 2:51 PM

2020-10-07T14:51:53-04:00

If my experience at AT the last couple of years is any indication, the environment is pretty laid back. I've been an OC/T at cyber shield and every year there has been a cyber CPT who wore a furry squirrel costume for several days during AT.

Response by SFC(P) Jonathan P. made Oct 7 at 2020 4:06 PM

2020-10-07T16:06:06-04:00

This is more of a personal question as to what you want to do with your career and direction you want to go in.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2020 4:49 PM

2020-10-07T16:49:45-04:00

You will get paid much, much more as a civilian and probably have better career opportunities in cyber as a civilian. This is why it's so hard for the military to recruit because cyber as a civilian is much more attractive than in the military.

Response by CDR Kenneth Kaiser made Nov 3 at 2020 4:05 PM

2020-11-03T16:05:02-05:00

There are several things to consider. You would make more as a civilian but there are a couple of ways to have your cake and eat it too. First have you talked to the other services about cross decking into another service? I have been out so long that I don't even know if they do that anymore and also with a degree can you go to OCS? The advantage is that you get your clearance and current experience if you do it right and your advancement might be quicker. As an alternative I am not sure if you have maintained a reserve affiliation of any sort but that is another thing to consider . If you do then you have a guaranteed retirement check waiting for you when you need it. I know they have changed the age you can collect but it is nice to know you will have a guaranteed income in addition to a 401K or ROTH . Third if you do go reserve you can apply to civil service with a degree and then buy into it (you pay back social security which can get a little pricey maybe 3-4000 dollars but then at the same time you collect your retired military pay you would also be eligible for retired civil service pay.. If you go with a contractor at least stay with some sort of reserve affiliation and get the retirement. Going on active duty during times of employment downturns in the private sector can be useful too because at least you are paid and I know the Navy had Acquisition organizations that brought folks on for short of 6 months at a time. At that time you took a week off and reapplied for another 5 plus if necessary. If you do well you might be invited to go civil service as well. Just some thoughts from a real old navy guy

Response by COL Jason S made Nov 5 at 2020 10:09 AM

2020-11-05T10:09:39-05:00

Hi SPC. Recommend research 3 routes/COAs. 1. MIL coming back in after OCS and see if you can Direct Commission as a 1LT in Cyber. 2. US GOV Contracting, working for the Military Industrial Complex such as Raytheon, GDIT, etc., or 3. Civilian/Commercial like IBM, Verizon, Arrow, Amazon, etc. Obviously the CIV/Commercial will pay $$$ the highest and offer more options such as 'work from home', and you can even work $six figure jobs, NO degree, NO certification (such as CISSP). Cybersecurity is just 1 discipline (security) in the Cyber domain, so there are MANY options. Also recommend check out https://www.indeed.com/ (job search) and read the blog https://thecyberbrief.blog/ to help vector you in.

GREAT CHOICE regardless of sector, 'Cyber Domain'!

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Response by SPC Russell Carroll made May 24 at 2021 11:32 PM

2021-05-24T23:32:55-04:00

Stay in the more you know the better. When you get out more money.