Posted on Jun 1, 2018
Should I pursue a Commission or Warrant, and Cyber or Signal?
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Hello everyone, I'm looking for guidance and recommendations please.
I just graduated from college with a Bachelors in Information Technology. I'm 30 years old, about to be 31, and I've been in for 12 years. I'm trying to figure out my next step in my career and I'm currently stuck between trying to go for a Commission or drop a Warrant Packet.
I'm stuck because I want the added responsibility and experience that comes with higher leadership and to be able to help soldiers. I also love being an SME and the appeal of the more technical training I've heard that Warrants receive.
I'm also stuck because I've been in the Commnication field for most of my career, but I have a desire to enter Cybersecurity and be apart of the new field that the Army is fielding but especially would like something that will help me land a great job, hopefully working for the gov't outside of the military.
I've gotten word from a couple of people that recommended I should go Warrant but I'm still split about it. I appreciate any and all assistance and guidance that y'all can give me.
Thank you in advance.
I just graduated from college with a Bachelors in Information Technology. I'm 30 years old, about to be 31, and I've been in for 12 years. I'm trying to figure out my next step in my career and I'm currently stuck between trying to go for a Commission or drop a Warrant Packet.
I'm stuck because I want the added responsibility and experience that comes with higher leadership and to be able to help soldiers. I also love being an SME and the appeal of the more technical training I've heard that Warrants receive.
I'm also stuck because I've been in the Commnication field for most of my career, but I have a desire to enter Cybersecurity and be apart of the new field that the Army is fielding but especially would like something that will help me land a great job, hopefully working for the gov't outside of the military.
I've gotten word from a couple of people that recommended I should go Warrant but I'm still split about it. I appreciate any and all assistance and guidance that y'all can give me.
Thank you in advance.
Commission
Warrant Officers
Cyber
Signal
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 25
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Are you looking at going til 20 at this point? If so, the retirement as an O grade would be better than that of a WO. I would assume you’d spend more time doing the actual job as a WO bs an O. As an O, you’ll get caught up in other duties as well. I would also tell you, with a cyber security background, getting a job on the civilian side will be cake. A good friend of mine is from that background. Has worked for the NSA and now for the IRS. My girlfriend works for Lockheed Martin, and has said that they are always looking for cyber security folks.
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CW3 Michael Bodnar
I agree with Chief here. If you're looking for better retirement pay, O grade is the way to go. If you wish to remain technical, pursue the WO route. Another thing to keep in mind is that O grades jump around more often than Warrants - so you would be the continuity within the organization. There are some cyber warrants in my state and they are highly sought after and they have the potential to make some very good money. For the most part, what I've seen on the civilian side is that companies are more likely to hire Warrants then O grades when it comes to highly technical jobs.
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I'd have to concur with Chief Warrant 4 Haas.
I live close to the capital beltway. When I search IT jobs within 25 miles of where I live in MD, literally, thousands of jobs pop up. If you're getting out with a TS/SCI you will never be unemployed unless you do something stupid, or you want to be. With a lot of jobs here you can leave the military, search USAjobs.gov, and wind up in the same place as a civilian. There just aren't enough military personnel to cover all the jobs. The government will want you back. You get extra points for hiring with prior military, and an O rank looks good to the more political higher ups. Mustangs aren't as looked down upon anymore either.
You might think about the future too. I've seen people put in 20 to 30 as a DoD civilian, retire, practically snap their fingers, and come back as a part-time contractor (making the same amount or more) just to have something to do. Well, only if they maintain that clearance I mentioned above. Companies who sponsor are a lot fewer and farther between, but they're more likely to for a veteran with actual operational experience.
Anyway, go cyber. While signals is still important now, more and more communication is going digital. Plus, EVERYONE needs cyber warriors/security, and that isn't going away soon.
Think about where you're going to retire as well.
I live close to the capital beltway. When I search IT jobs within 25 miles of where I live in MD, literally, thousands of jobs pop up. If you're getting out with a TS/SCI you will never be unemployed unless you do something stupid, or you want to be. With a lot of jobs here you can leave the military, search USAjobs.gov, and wind up in the same place as a civilian. There just aren't enough military personnel to cover all the jobs. The government will want you back. You get extra points for hiring with prior military, and an O rank looks good to the more political higher ups. Mustangs aren't as looked down upon anymore either.
You might think about the future too. I've seen people put in 20 to 30 as a DoD civilian, retire, practically snap their fingers, and come back as a part-time contractor (making the same amount or more) just to have something to do. Well, only if they maintain that clearance I mentioned above. Companies who sponsor are a lot fewer and farther between, but they're more likely to for a veteran with actual operational experience.
Anyway, go cyber. While signals is still important now, more and more communication is going digital. Plus, EVERYONE needs cyber warriors/security, and that isn't going away soon.
Think about where you're going to retire as well.
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SGT (Join to see)
I was definitely leaning towards going the cyber route and now even more so. Thanks Barry!
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MAJ (Join to see)
No matter if you are Commissioned or Warrant, Signal or Cyber, you will have a TS investigation started. All WOs and Cyber Officers currently need a TS and the Army is currently transitioning to all Signal Officers needing TS. SCI is not automatic, but quick and easy if the job calls for it.
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Sorry for tablet, elaborate as I'd explained, hobbies, reading, interests in other sciences or serious intellectual fields, I'd be most eager to hear more, hope was all of some use, eager to chat anytime, enjoy....
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SGT (Join to see)
It's all good Sir, I hate tablets myself so more power to you and thank you for your input and resources. I' m going to go through them today and check them out, I'll also send you a message this evening because I'd really like to take you up on your offer to chat some time. Especially because it'll be easier to reply to your posts in a message. Look forward to speaking with you.
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Capt Daniel Goodman
No rush, whenever you'd want, if you want to send more, I'll try to look through it when I'd get a free moment, of course...
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