Posted on Oct 31, 2019
Bobby Maddox
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I'm weighing my options between going enlisted as a 25B, or seeking commission as a Signal Officer. I really want to join the Guard but I also want to get a good bang for my buck by getting some IT Certifications as well. What IT Certifications can you get as a 25B or a Signal Officer, and which is the better option?
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SGT De'Vonte Johnson
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I’m no longer in service so I can’t speak on what the LT has mentioned about what goes into effect in January. While I was in, ALL Signal Soldiers had access to the Signal “U”niversity. This was a gateway for soldiers to log in an take mock tests for certifications like but not limited to A+, Net+, and Sec+. Before getting out, I was able to certify in CompTIA Sec+, and that was the best thing I got from the ARMY other than my DD-214. Although I’m not in IT anymore, the cert has still added some additional income. When thinking about bang for your buck, Sec+ which is pretty baseline nowadays is still a decent one to have and will pay off in the long run. If looking for a managerial role CISSP, CASP, and many others are the way to go. Don’t underestimate these certs, as testing is pretty hard, also don’t underestimate your abilities either. Now, I will say, based off of experience that enlisted folks have a much easier time getting into these types of classes than our officer counterparts. Usually this is due to some, not all, officers having taken these tests as part of their curriculum in college. But weigh your options and see what’s best for you.
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SGT Information Technology Specialist
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You hit the nail on the head with this one!
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SGT Information Technology Specialist
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Well said. ontop of that you can also use Skillport for the Army which has tons of free videos, books, and practice tests for basically any IT Related cert that is recognized in the DoD plus, it counts for promotion points every 5hrs and caps out at 80 pts check the HRC Milpers for the max.
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CPT Battalion Personnel Officer (S1)
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All Signal Soldiers will be able to get vouchers for any certificate starting this January. The army is launching a new website that will allow soldiers to receive a voucher towards civilian certifications corresponding to their career field. You will learn more and have an easier time certifying going the enlisted route because they actually do the jobs you might be looking to have as a civilian. As officers we are planners more than anything and unless we go into specific functional areas at captain, we mostly get a rough understanding of all things signal in BOLC so that we understand capabilities and planning ramifications.
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LTC Battalion Commander
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Not sure of the LTs status, but as a Guardsman, whether enlisted or officer, going to certification granting schools and receiving vouchers for professional certification is entirely up to your command and the amount of time you are willing to sacrifice. I recommend all my enlisted do A+, NET+ and SEC+ from PVT to E6. I also encourage all of my officers to do the same. My command supports this with training dollars regardless of position. If you're near Missouri I have both 25A and enlisted slots open. Officers get paid more but have greater responsibilities...most of which do not involve networks.
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LTC Battalion Commander
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Bobby Maddox Each state and each Command is different...if you want to go to a certifying course, I've not seen anyone restrict initial access. Unfortunately, I've seen several that were unprepared or unwilling to put in the time to successfully get certified despite taking the course.
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Bobby Maddox
Bobby Maddox
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Not near Missouri unfortunately. How do openings work for NG? Is it the same process where it’s determined by your class standing?LTC (Join to see)
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LTC Battalion Commander
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Bobby Maddox depends on the state. However, every state needs signal officers. You shouldn't have any issue finding and getting a slot regardless of any merit list/class standing.
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SGT Information Technology Specialist
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Hello, I can definitely help you with picking the right option. The best IT certification to get that will give you unlimited opportunities in the DoD and government contract world is the security plus! This will not only put you ahead of your peers it will also open doors at Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon and many more Government contracting companies! I got this information from a Youtube channel called GIX911. This guy is very knowledgeable!
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SGT Information Technology Specialist
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Bobby Maddox - There is a book called "Learn Windows PowerShell 3 in a Month of Lunches" Also, knowing some Python and a bit of C# will open up multiple doors in the IT Industry. I work at Lockheed and having these tools will make you a hot commodity at any Government Contracting Organization. Linux is on the rise and a lot of companies are getting away from Windows based servers and Virtual Machines. Linux is more reliable and stable with better security features.
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SGT Information Technology Specialist
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SGT (Join to see) -https://www.amazon.com/Learn-Windows-PowerShell-Month-Lunches/dp/ [login to see] /ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Learn+Windows+PowerShell+3+in+a+Month+of+Lunches&qid= [login to see] &sr=8-1
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Bobby Maddox
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SGT Information Technology Specialist
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Bobby Maddox - checkout a youtuber called GIX911! His channel has helped me tremendously! I was deployed while in and learned a lot on what I need to do being out of the military.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vY-93bAxYd8&t=6s
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