What advice for enlistment options will you give for someone 29 years of age with a graduate degree?

2019-05-24T14:32:16-04:00

Greetings all, I am 29 years of age and under process of enlistment in the armed forces. I would like to know what options there are for a person with a graduate degree in Information Security. What types of opportunites are available and what enlistment option can I take in consideration? Any advice will be well received and highly valued, since I do not have any kind of knowledge in the matter.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made May 24 at 2019 2:38 PM

2019-05-24T14:38:21-04:00

You should go to your local recruiter for each service. They can assess your entire profile and recommend solutions. From there you will have many options. Good luck.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2019 2:47 PM

2019-05-24T14:47:07-04:00

O...C...S

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made May 24 at 2019 2:47 PM

2019-05-24T14:47:35-04:00

https://www.moaa.org/Content/Publications-and-Media/News-Articles/2019-News-Articles/Navy-Brings-Back-Warrant-Officer-1-Rank-to-Retain-Cyber-Talent

Look at this....

Navy Brings Back Warrant Officer 1 Rank to Retain Cyber Talent

The first group of cyber-warriors enters training in September.

Response by LTC Eugene Chu made May 24 at 2019 2:47 PM

2019-05-24T14:47:35-04:00

Since you already have a graduate degree (and implied undergraduate degree), ROTC is not likely to be an option. Along with local recruiter mentioned by CSM Darieus ZaGara , you may consider applying for a direct commission for cyber since your masters is in Information Security.

https://www.goarmy.com/army-cyber/cyber-direct-commissioning-program.html

Cyber Direct Commissioning Program

System admin, web developer, programmer. Put your civilian experience to work and become an officer in the Army through the Cyber Direct Commissioning Program.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made May 24 at 2019 2:48 PM

2019-05-24T14:48:14-04:00

https://www.goarmy.com/army-cyber/cyber-direct-commissioning-program.html

And this....

Cyber Direct Commissioning Program

System admin, web developer, programmer. Put your civilian experience to work and become an officer in the Army through the Cyber Direct Commissioning Program.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made May 24 at 2019 2:48 PM

2019-05-24T14:48:37-04:00

http://www.ocsfoundation.org

You'll find this useful....

OCS Foundation

SERVICES FOR: Candidates Alumni Officer Families

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made May 24 at 2019 2:50 PM

2019-05-24T14:50:11-04:00

https://www.usphs.gov/profession/healthservices/healthinformation/default.aspx

This might interest you, though I don't know how frequently they have a need....

Health Information Management Jobs at USPHS Commissioned Corps

USPHS careers: health information management.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made May 24 at 2019 2:55 PM

2019-05-24T14:55:10-04:00

Elaborate, if you can, as to specific actual course titles you've done, with grades and GPAs if possible...also, associates? Bachelors? Majors for each, with grades, GPAs, and coursework done? Have you done the GRE genol and/or subject tests yet? GMAT also yet? Have you wanted doctoral"? Have you thought about doing an ROTC, or possibly USMC platoon leaders course (PLC), which is less well known, and can both be done as can USPHS Jr and Sr COSTEP, at grad level, while doing a PhD? I'm Senior Member IEEE, total perm disabled, I have a BSEE, BS(Math), MSEE, MS(Physics), MS(Math), and a clinical allied-health doctorate, though the license for that we shut off sevl yrs ago, I also hold an inactive Prof Engr (PE) license, which you should most definitely get, as well, it's quite useful, more so in many regards than Cisco or Microsoft certifications, though I realize those are in vogue...the more you elaborate on, the moe specific you are, hobbies, interests, reading tastes, sports esp martial arts if any, the more I and others here can suggest for you, I'll try to send more, as well, OK?

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made May 24 at 2019 2:55 PM

2019-05-24T14:55:25-04:00

http://www.afcea.org

Join this....

www.afcea.org

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made May 24 at 2019 2:55 PM

2019-05-24T14:55:37-04:00

http://www.crows.org

And this....

www.crows.org

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made May 24 at 2019 2:56 PM

2019-05-24T14:56:19-04:00

http://www.mors.org

Ops research is frequently overlooked as a STEM field that meshes quite well with info sec, the journal for MORS, called Phalanx, is quite good, trust me....

www.mors.org

Response by MAJ Matthew Arnold made May 24 at 2019 2:56 PM

2019-05-24T14:56:52-04:00

Unless you are deliberately getting away from academia and want to be a warrior, with a graduate degree, I don't think you want to enlist, even for a highly skilled MOS. I recommend that you go to Officer Candidate School and chose the specialty that is the closest to your graduate degree. Also, you should look into the possibility of a direct commission. When an individual has higher levels of education, sometimes a direct commission is possible, e.g. an RN can receive a direct commission.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made May 24 at 2019 2:56 PM

2019-05-24T14:56:57-04:00

http://www.usni.org

Join this, their Proceedings should be reqd reading for anyone wanting to go in, or already in, of any rank, it's that good, honest....

United States Naval Institute

The U.S. Naval Institute provides an independent forum for those who seek to advance and strengthen the naval profession.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made May 24 at 2019 2:57 PM

2019-05-24T14:57:16-04:00

http://www.same.org

Join this also....

www.same.org

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made May 24 at 2019 2:57 PM

2019-05-24T14:57:27-04:00

http://www.ausa.org

And this....

Association of the United States Army

Voice for the Army – Support for the Soldier

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made May 24 at 2019 2:57 PM

2019-05-24T14:57:43-04:00

http://www.afa.org

This too....

Home

The Air Force Association is the premier professional military association dedicated to dominant air, space, and cyber power, and a strong national defense.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made May 24 at 2019 2:58 PM

2019-05-24T14:58:02-04:00

http://www.ieee.org

If you're not already in this, join....

IEEE - The world's largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing technology...

This week, we’re recognizing telecommunications #engineer Mohammed Ibrahim. Ibrahim earned two degrees in electronic and electrical engineering and a PhD in mobile communications. Ibrahim founded Celtel International in 1998, one of the first mobile phone companies serving Africa and the Middle East. Ibrahim quickly expanded his company, making it one of the largest companies providing mobile communications services in Africa at the time.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made May 24 at 2019 2:58 PM

2019-05-24T14:58:14-04:00

http://www.acm.org

And this....

Association for Computing Machinery

ACM, the world's largest educational and scientific computing society, delivers resources that advance computing as a science and a profession. ACM provides the computing field's premier Digital Library and serves its members and the computing profession with leading-edge publications, conferences, and career resources.

Response by COL David Turk made May 24 at 2019 2:58 PM

2019-05-24T14:58:34-04:00

If that is an IT specific degree, the services are searching for people like you. I’d suggest doing an internet search using “military enlistment for cyber security”.

Response by SFC J Fullerton made May 24 at 2019 2:58 PM

2019-05-24T14:58:53-04:00

Sounds like you need to make an appointment with a recruiter to get a full presentation. Also, each service has recruiting websites with links for all the enlistment programs and options in which you may qualify. I think you will find both of these resources more helpful in answering your questions than this internet forum.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made May 24 at 2019 2:59 PM

2019-05-24T14:59:30-04:00

https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/current-and-prior-service/advance-your-career/warrant-officer/flight-warrant-officers.html

This only needs high school, the age limits, I don't know, you hadn't said if you'd want pilot or navigator/weaspon systems ofcr (WSO), however, read it, OK?

Flight Warrant Officers

If you have dreamed of becoming a helicopter or fixed-wing pilot, the Army can help you turn that dream into a reality. Warrant Officers fly some of the most exciting, technologically advanced aircraft in the world.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made May 24 at 2019 3:00 PM

2019-05-24T15:00:11-04:00

http://www.omao.noaa.gov

This is the NOAA Corps 5-yr flight program, they're the smallest, very selective, often overlooked....

Office of Marine and Aviation Operations |

Learn about the NOAA Diving Program, which trains, certifies, and equips personnel to safely support underwater missions

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made May 24 at 2019 3:00 PM

2019-05-24T15:00:52-04:00

https://www.thebalancecareers.com/united-states-marine-corps-platoon-leaders-course-3332801

This is less well known....

US Marine Corps Platoon Leader Course: What You Need to Know

The Marine Corps Platoon Leaders Course (PLC) is an alternative for NROTC or OCS for college students who wish to become commissioned officers.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made May 24 at 2019 3:04 PM

2019-05-24T15:04:03-04:00

You want the real thing, that's what I gave you, trust me, I've been exactly where you wanna go, been there, done that (BTDT), I did it 4 yrs in 5 yrs out at two different companies, i assure you, I've seen just about everything you'd see, ten times over...when you've plowed through all that, I'm here whenever you'd wanna chat, OK? Also, did you do the masters on an assistantship and/or fellowship? Have you asked about trying for one for a PhD at all thus far? Believe me when I tell you, that you're masters level now would obviously save you a major headache, I joined without my MSEE, it caused me no end of aggravation getting it, you'lll also have to do professional mil educ (PME) coursework when you'd be in, not just in your own svc, but others as well, OK?

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made May 24 at 2019 3:05 PM

2019-05-24T15:05:22-04:00

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_Force_Institute_of_Technology

Read this...all senior enlisted in all svcs, thus far, i've seen for Army and USAF, can apply here for a PhD, as can warrants and commissioned from all svcs, not just USAF, I could never get it....

Air Force Institute of Technology - Wikipedia

The Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) is a graduate school and provider of professional and continuing education for the United States Armed Forces and is part of the United States Air Force. It is located in Ohio at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, near Dayton. AFIT is a component of the Air University and Air Education and Training Command.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made May 24 at 2019 3:06 PM

2019-05-24T15:06:26-04:00

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naval_Postgraduate_School

This, my unit CO, an O-6, recommended me for to do my masters, I couldn't get this one, either....

Naval Postgraduate School - Wikipedia

The Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) is a public graduate school operated by the United States Navy and located in Monterey, California. It grants master’s degrees, doctoral degrees, and certificates. Established in 1909, the school also offers research fellowship opportunities at the postdoctoral level through the National Academies’ National Research Council research associateship program.[3]

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made May 24 at 2019 3:08 PM

2019-05-24T15:08:17-04:00

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flight_test_engineer

Read this, you'd certainly be suitable to apply to the USAF and USN FTE programs, the UK and France also have such programs at their test pilot schools (TPS programs), there's also one for flight-test navigators (FTNs), if flight as a nav/WSO might interest you, possibly....

Flight test engineer - Wikipedia

The flight test engineer generally has overall responsibility for the planning of a specific flight test phase, which includes preparing the test plans in conjunction with other analytical and/or systems engineers, overseeing the buildup of the aircraft to the proper configuration, working with the flight test instrumentation engineer to ensure the sensors and recording systems are installed for required data parameters, and preparing the...

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made May 24 at 2019 3:09 PM

2019-05-24T15:09:37-04:00

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naval_flight_officer

I qualified on the med eval for htis while I was USAF, after going USAF OTS, after not finishing 3 yrs of Army ROTC, the last two on scholarship...I was never able to go intersvc, though to actually do it....

Naval flight officer - Wikipedia

A Naval Flight Officer (NFO) is a commissioned officer in the United States Navy or United States Marine Corps who specializes in airborne weapons and sensor systems. NFOs are not pilots (naval aviators) per se, but they may perform many "co-pilot" functions, depending on the type of aircraft. Until 1966, their duties were performed by both commissioned officer and senior enlisted naval aviation observers (NAO).[1]

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made May 24 at 2019 3:11 PM

2019-05-24T15:11:09-04:00

What I'm trying to do is to broaden your outlook beyond solely info sec...I realize you want it, that's why I'd suggested the cyber stuff, however, I'm trying to show you other perspectives you might not have considered and/or known about...also, does your school where you are or went for the masters and/or bachelors have ROTC and/or USMC PLC there of nearby at all? I'd just wondered....

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made May 24 at 2019 3:12 PM

2019-05-24T15:12:12-04:00

https://www.gocoastguard.com/active-duty-careers/officer-opportunities/programs/direct-commission-engineer-dce

This could also be perfect for you as well...I'd seriously think they'd have info sec engrg as a serious possibility....

Direct Commission Engineer (DCE) | GoCoastGuard.com

The direct commission engineer (DCE) program provides engineers and technologists with leadership opportunities in program management, implementing systems that enable and support Coast Guard missions. Experienced C4IT engineers are needed to advance our systems infrastructure in a rapidly modernizing organization.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made May 24 at 2019 3:13 PM

2019-05-24T15:13:55-04:00

https://www.gocoastguard.com/active-duty-careers/officer-opportunities/programs/college-student-pre-commissioning-initiative

Read this also...ask about using all of these to do your PhD, trust me, I realize you're eager to start, however, I assure you, there's nothing like being at the top of the intellectual food chain, when you go in, had I known that to begin with, I'd have done it the right way to start, on the clinical side as I'd intended....

College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative (Scholarship Program) | GoCoastGuard.com

CSPI provides college sophomores and juniors with valuable leadership, management, law enforcement, navigation and marine science skills and training, while fully funding up to two years of college. Following college graduation, CSPI students receive a guaranteed position at officer candidate school training.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made May 24 at 2019 3:14 PM

2019-05-24T15:14:47-04:00

https://www.americanrhodes.org/news-events-96.html

If you haven't considered this, you definitely should....

The Association of American Rhodes Scholars: Military Rhodes Scholars

All active, reserve, retired and veteran military Rhodes Scholars are invited to save the date for a formal Dining-In, to be held on the eve of the Army-Navy Game, 9 December in Washington, DC. Details forthcoming but Army-Navy Game tickets are available now at StubHub.com. If you did not receive a "save the date" email, please contact Emmy Spencer Probasco at emelia.spencer@gmail.com.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made May 24 at 2019 3:15 PM

2019-05-24T15:15:53-04:00

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_House_Fellows

Gen Colin Powell did this instead of a PhD, he found it preferable, as he discusses in his autobiography, read about it, OK?

White House Fellows - Wikipedia

The White House Fellows program was established by President of the United States Lyndon B. Johnson in October 1964. The mission of the program is "to give the Fellows first hand, high-level experience with the workings of the federal government and to increase their sense of participation in national affairs". "President Johnson expected the Fellows to 'repay that privilege' when they left by 'continuing to work as private citizens on their...

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made May 24 at 2019 3:16 PM

2019-05-24T15:16:20-04:00

As I said, that should all keep you going for awhile...if you wanna chat more, just ask, OK?

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 24 at 2019 3:23 PM

2019-05-24T15:23:36-04:00

I think you should look at private and governmental agencies as well.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2019 4:22 PM

2019-05-24T16:22:22-04:00

With your background I would seriously look at the Cyber Operations. As a career field it's only going to grow and they're always looking for personnel.

https://m.goarmy.com/army-cyber/careers-in-army-cyber.m.html

Careers in Army Cyber | GoArmy.com

The cyberspace domain is one of the most critical areas of national defense. It is a field that requires the most highly trained, professional, and knowledgeable Soldiers available.

Response by SFC(P) Jonathan P. made May 24 at 2019 4:42 PM

2019-05-24T16:42:58-04:00

Hello,

I’m glad you took the time to ask on this site prior to making a final decision. I am sure many people here will be able to provide you with a ton of information.

First and for most the ASAVAB, the scores you obtain on this test will be able to provide you with a variety of job and skills you can obtain in the army. Wether it be going the officer route or enlisted. Holding a graduate degree provides you a lot of job as well.

That being said I would suggest focusing on something that you like doing especially if you have a degree in information security. Use what you know and have accomplished to become that much more better and effective. Ultimately will help you during your military career as well. Fitness is something that is stressed in the military being and maintaining a level of fitness to perform and be able to get high speed schools.

Have your recruiter provide you with your GT score and lines scores from the ASVAB and a list of all jobs you qualify for enlisted/officer side.

Take your time looking for and researching what you like to do and the growth opportunities in each one. If you do this know you will be grateful you took the time later on.

Good luck and get after it!

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made May 24 at 2019 4:49 PM

2019-05-24T16:49:20-04:00

Ah yes. Enlisted? Officer? Warrant? MOS? You do not suffer from a lack of options. I get where you're coming from, having had formal education before I enlisted.

I don't have that kind of specific advice. All I'll say is if you know what you want, then see what options meet your goals. If you're not sure, take some time to decide what it is you want out of a military experience. The answers may seem obvious to those not in your shoes, but that's not always so.

Response by MSG Frank Kapaun made May 24 at 2019 5:36 PM

2019-05-24T17:36:59-04:00

My advice would o you would be don’t do it. You’ll be sorely disappointed.

Response by CPT Brad Wilson made May 24 at 2019 8:07 PM

2019-05-24T20:07:08-04:00

I would suggest as others have a direct commission in Cyber Security.

Response by SGT Robert Wager made May 25 at 2019 1:14 AM

2019-05-25T01:14:53-04:00

Do not under any circumstances enlist without a commission. Look at the direct commission options that people are mentioning here. Do not buy anything that anyone tells you about enlisting and then getting your commission. I have seen too many soldiers get fed that line and wind up doing a 4 year enlistment and leaving the service with a bad taste about their experience.

Response by SFC Michael Krogmann made May 25 at 2019 1:27 AM

2019-05-25T01:27:05-04:00

If there is a way to go commissioned, do it. I passed up the opportunity to commission from enlisted and now that I am retiring, I regret it.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2019 7:16 AM

2019-05-25T07:16:14-04:00

If you don't do ROTC/OCS you're a bloody fool. Put your degree to work where it can be of best use. If you want to be huahhuah still, compete for an 11A slot and come join me; I've got a grad degree as a 2LT, too.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2019 8:59 AM

2019-05-25T08:59:36-04:00

It all depends on your reason for joining.
If you want to serve in your field and Student Loans are not an issue, I would look at a direct commission. (Generally, if you go straight commission you do not get SLRP, but may be eligible for tuition assistance)
If you need SLRP/ a BONUS/ and tuition assistance then go Enlisted.
If you want to maintain a job and serve locally, go RESERVE. If you want to dedicate your time fully, go ACTIVE.
Just remember, NO JOB IS GUARANTEED. however the ARMY is the only branch that allows you to pick your job before you enlist.
Even if you direct commission, you are not guaranteed a slot in cyber. Message me and I can tell you how to get a slot in cyber.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2019 5:22 AM

2019-05-26T05:22:10-04:00

best advice i can offer is if you have that 110 GT score go officer or warrent

Response by MAJ Patrick Hairston CISSP, AWS Certified Cloud Architect made May 26 at 2019 12:05 PM

2019-05-26T12:05:23-04:00

Try to get into Army cyber. Once you get in, go Airborne, Air Assault and pathfinder. Also go to ranger school. Then join the 82nd Airborne Division to round out your bad ass profile.
It's what I would do....

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2019 1:12 PM

2019-05-26T13:12:44-04:00

With your degree in IS you should look at enlisting as a 25D cyber network defender, if you're looking to enlist. Their bonuses are well above everyone else in the Army and their promotions are very fast. If you're thinking about commissioning I'd suggest either a direct commission into Cyber if you meet the prerequisites, or joining as a 25D and then applying to be a Cyber Warrant.
In the Army, being a Warrant officer is really the sweet spot for people looking to do a technical job. You get the officer pay, you get to keep doing the job, and you're the technical expert in your field.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2019 12:14 AM

2019-05-27T00:14:50-04:00

Chose either a Commo Warrant or Officer. Personally I liked my Commo Warrants they were an unbelievable asset.

Response by MAJ Jim Woods made Jul 6 at 2019 9:19 PM

2019-07-06T21:19:12-04:00

Apply for a Direct Commission or OCS.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2019 12:32 PM

2019-07-07T12:32:25-04:00

How is your credit? Do you have a clear background? I ask because you might need to apply for a clearance to get any kind of info security job.

Response by MAJ Patrick Hairston CISSP, AWS Certified Cloud Architect made Jul 7 at 2019 9:36 PM

2019-07-07T21:36:06-04:00

You want to be a soldier or a computer geek? If you want to be a cyber geek, go to USAJOBS.gov, type in cyber and get a job. But if you want to be a soldier who happens to have cyber skills, go to the Army recruiter (no other choice, IMHO), ask for the cyber MOS. Get some schools in your contract. I recommend Airborne, Air assault, ranger, pathfinder and then possibly SOF. You will be Rambo with wireshark and the baddest Mo' Fo on the planet. How do I know? Because that's what I used to be :). Good luck.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2019 9:03 AM

2019-07-08T09:03:37-04:00

My first question to you is: why are you considering Enlistment over Commissioning?
As a person with a minimum of a BA degree you are eligible to apply for commission. If you are in need of Student Loan Repayment, then I understand, as SLRP is not often given to newly commissioned officers.
Be weary of any recruiter that tells you you can go cyber. It's a very low density MOS, hard to get into and you MUST have the passing ASVAB scores and qualify for a TSC clearance.
A direct commission into cyber/ information security is unlikely unless you can get a memorandum from a unit willing to give you that slot. You have to go to OCS and your branch is determined there.
Are you looking to go Active or Reserve?
You are more likely to get the aforementioned memorandum in the Reserve and be guaranteed a slot that way.
What benefits are you looking for? Are you in this for 8 and done or are you looking for a career.

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made Jul 8 at 2019 9:22 AM

2019-07-08T09:22:22-04:00

Go qm

Response by SGT James Murphy made Jul 8 at 2019 1:22 PM

2019-07-08T13:22:24-04:00

You may want to think outside the box a little. There are other organizations. Start with DARPA, CIA, and etc.

Response by Lt Col Paul Maxwell made Aug 4 at 2019 5:03 PM

2019-08-04T17:03:46-04:00

And if the first service you talk to doesn’t offer to consider direct commission options ... DEFINITELY TALK TO OTHERS. ARMY-NAVY-USAF- USCG. All will have different programs and needs. And if you have Grad degree in cyber Security field and the URGE TO SERVE, can also explore joining NSA/NIA/FBI/SECRET SERVICE. ALL have obvious needs for cyber expertise.