Cyber Operations Specialist
Cyber Operations Specialist
Posted on Apr 26, 2018
What advantages does each base (Belvoir, Meade, Gordon) have for 17C?
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I'm scheduled for BCT in 20 days, which I'm confident for. I'm actually looking at trying to become a platoon leader for leadership experience, since I have an end goal of being a Warrant Officer, position wise. I expect that to take years, but I enjoy having aspirations.
After AIT in Pensacol, I will, of course, have to select a base. I'm confident in getting through AIT because I have a Bachelor's in the subject, and a little bit of experience in the field, but I can't complain about getting expensive Certifications. I'm planning to do any leadership/mentoring I possibly can while I'm there.
FYI, I do understand this is just a preference I can state, and nothing is guaranteed. But I'd like to know what I'm getting into.
I understand Meade and Gordon to be the two growing bases, and I've done a lot of research. All three bases are pretty nice, and I probably would enjoy them- but I also find horror stories now and then about terrible barracks.
I'd very strongly prefer an individual bedroom. Private bathroom, or at least shared with roommate, is preferred.
Meade: I understand this to give everyone BAS, and have a high chance of BAH, with a chance of getting into Reece Crossings- which makes it sound like a great option. But there's also a chance of getting stuck in a Barrack that won't be a nice- but I should have BAS and presumably DMR, which sounds great.
Belvoir is huge, seems beautiful, and has some impressive looking photos with little to no content. Some people say it has a kitchen, which sounds nice. I don't know enough about it, unfortunately.
Gordon: I understand some barracks here are horrible, and others might be just fine. I'm pretty unclear overall, since current information is hard to get. A lot of people seems to like it as a whole, and it's a pretty good size base.
But I have no idea if different bases have different promotion opportunities. I'd like to get SGT somewhat quickly so I can start on the process of trying to become 170A Warrant Officer. I don't mind taking my time to do things right, but if I can efficiently get there quickly, I'll choose that. I understand 17C as a whole to have fairly good upwards mobility, low thousands in Enlisted expected end of 2017, total of about 19 thousand including civilians presently-ish. So hopefully there's a chance there. Any insights here are appreciated.
Side note: I thought everyone was supposed to get BAS since like 2002, and we just had to pay out of that for food on base. But it seems some people are just stuck with DFAC and don't get any BAS? Seems like BAS-and-pay is easier.
Also, do we actually get the full 300 of specialty pay, or? It just says "Up to", and I was kind of curious.
After AIT in Pensacol, I will, of course, have to select a base. I'm confident in getting through AIT because I have a Bachelor's in the subject, and a little bit of experience in the field, but I can't complain about getting expensive Certifications. I'm planning to do any leadership/mentoring I possibly can while I'm there.
FYI, I do understand this is just a preference I can state, and nothing is guaranteed. But I'd like to know what I'm getting into.
I understand Meade and Gordon to be the two growing bases, and I've done a lot of research. All three bases are pretty nice, and I probably would enjoy them- but I also find horror stories now and then about terrible barracks.
I'd very strongly prefer an individual bedroom. Private bathroom, or at least shared with roommate, is preferred.
Meade: I understand this to give everyone BAS, and have a high chance of BAH, with a chance of getting into Reece Crossings- which makes it sound like a great option. But there's also a chance of getting stuck in a Barrack that won't be a nice- but I should have BAS and presumably DMR, which sounds great.
Belvoir is huge, seems beautiful, and has some impressive looking photos with little to no content. Some people say it has a kitchen, which sounds nice. I don't know enough about it, unfortunately.
Gordon: I understand some barracks here are horrible, and others might be just fine. I'm pretty unclear overall, since current information is hard to get. A lot of people seems to like it as a whole, and it's a pretty good size base.
But I have no idea if different bases have different promotion opportunities. I'd like to get SGT somewhat quickly so I can start on the process of trying to become 170A Warrant Officer. I don't mind taking my time to do things right, but if I can efficiently get there quickly, I'll choose that. I understand 17C as a whole to have fairly good upwards mobility, low thousands in Enlisted expected end of 2017, total of about 19 thousand including civilians presently-ish. So hopefully there's a chance there. Any insights here are appreciated.
Side note: I thought everyone was supposed to get BAS since like 2002, and we just had to pay out of that for food on base. But it seems some people are just stuck with DFAC and don't get any BAS? Seems like BAS-and-pay is easier.
Also, do we actually get the full 300 of specialty pay, or? It just says "Up to", and I was kind of curious.
17C: Cyber Operations Specialist
Fort Belvoir
Fort Meade
Fort Eisenhower
Posted 6 y ago
Responses: 11
I’ve lived around Belvoir and Gordon. The cost of living is much lower in GA than in the DC area (which included Meade & Belvoir. You’ll get over most living conditions after BCT.... you’ll see what I mean when you arrive.
Tip: you should NOT offer to be in a leadership position during Basic. Learn to be a Soldier and pass your physical training events. Before you even drop a Warrent packet, you’ll need three NCOERs and a recommendation from a highly competent Warrent Officer. You’re looking at a good five years down the road. So focus on your 50-meter target and slowly work towards the 1000-meter one.
Tip: you should NOT offer to be in a leadership position during Basic. Learn to be a Soldier and pass your physical training events. Before you even drop a Warrent packet, you’ll need three NCOERs and a recommendation from a highly competent Warrent Officer. You’re looking at a good five years down the road. So focus on your 50-meter target and slowly work towards the 1000-meter one.
- If you going through to be a 17C, Pensacola is only phase 1 of AIT. You’ll still have 6 more months to go through at Gordon for phase 2. So you can get a semi better view of Gordon up front. Right now, 50%+ of the IET soldiers are going to Gordon, with about 45% to Meade. The last 5% is being spread between the other bases.
- It’s good to have Warrant as your goal. Just know that you have to hit the ground running as soon as you get to your actual unit (not AIT). It’s going to be very competitive since it’s a small group. As they are looking for SGTs with at least 3 NCOERS (three annual reviews as a SGT)
Bottom line, don’t get caught up on which Base is better since you don’t have control over where you go. Just make the best of what you can and continue to move forward.
- It’s good to have Warrant as your goal. Just know that you have to hit the ground running as soon as you get to your actual unit (not AIT). It’s going to be very competitive since it’s a small group. As they are looking for SGTs with at least 3 NCOERS (three annual reviews as a SGT)
Bottom line, don’t get caught up on which Base is better since you don’t have control over where you go. Just make the best of what you can and continue to move forward.
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Thanks for your advice, SGT. So I'm looking at training + promotion time + three years for NCOERs. That'll be putting me close to the end of my enlistment time, for sure, hopefully I'll still have a year left and can apply. Otherwise I'll have to wait to reenlist, or something.
I won't get too caught up on it, but having some perspective on what each assignment would mean my career will be like is nice. Especially since things like Warrant seem to require a lot of preparation.
I won't get too caught up on it, but having some perspective on what each assignment would mean my career will be like is nice. Especially since things like Warrant seem to require a lot of preparation.
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If you get accepted and sent to WOBC, you’ll have to sign a brand new contract, regardless of how much time you have left on your enlisted contract.
And just come up with a battle plan with a plan b and plan c and stick to it. If you have the drive, you can make it. Army cyber is still being fleshed out so you’ll have the opportunity to shine. Just remember your battle plan, reasons for joining, and don’t stray unless it’s for the better.
And just come up with a battle plan with a plan b and plan c and stick to it. If you have the drive, you can make it. Army cyber is still being fleshed out so you’ll have the opportunity to shine. Just remember your battle plan, reasons for joining, and don’t stray unless it’s for the better.
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A lot of people say not to offer to be a leader. From my admittedly limited, and college, experience, whenever I don't offer to be a leader when I know I can do a decent job, someone else volunteers who can't. Usually reluctantly. Then I spend the rest of my time regretting that I didn't volunteer.
I'm fine with following orders, but if I'm given the choice, I'd rather try my luck at leading. Even if it makes it harder on myself, I've done research to make it easier for my platoon.