How can I increase my chances of branching Cyber in the Army?

2021-05-30T08:02:08-04:00

I am a computer science major and 25B in the ARNG. What things should I be doing to better my chances of commissioning as a cyber officer in the Army via ROTC? I've done some research and found that PT scores, GPA, internships, certifications (namely Sec+), and doing well in the interview during advanced camp are all factors that are taken into consideration when being selected for branch commissioning.

Any and all advice is helpful!

Response by LTC Eugene Chu made May 30 at 2021 8:09 AM

2021-05-30T08:09:28-04:00

EDIT for SPC Private RallyPoint Member

Consider direct commission instead of ROTC. I forgot that Army had program as of 2018 to allow qualified candidates to apply. Issue is that it is for active duty and Reserves (National Guard is only hiring civilians or contractors). Link pasted below

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

Cyber Direct Commissioning Program

The US Army Cyber Direct Commissioning Program allows professionals with highly specialized computer programming, coding and analytical skills to be directly appointed as an Officer in the Army’s Cyber Corps.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2021 11:44 AM

2021-05-30T11:44:35-04:00

If you want to get into cyber, you might consider the USAF. With a CS degree they would probably make you go into that AFSC whether you wanted to or not to be frankly honest. If that's what you want you might consider that route. To me serving is a purple world today as a joint officer for the last six years. I appreciate the Army as I probably worked more for your service in the last six years as a blue suiter. In reality if the job is what you want, go where you are more likely to get it.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2021 12:48 PM

2021-05-30T12:48:40-04:00

Why not just finish your degree and direct commission?

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made May 31 at 2021 5:36 AM

2021-05-31T05:36:32-04:00

Cyber Command is under the Air Force. We are hurting for cyber officers and we've been tasked to expand. I would suggest you consider changing services.

Response by COL Jon Thompson made Jun 1 at 2021 5:19 PM

2021-06-01T17:19:59-04:00

The interview is probably key since that will be the face to face way for you to sell yourself to the branch. All of the other things you mentioned are important as well. In terms of academics, take as many classes in cyber security and if you can get industry certifications, that would also bolster your resume.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2021 9:19 AM

2021-06-07T09:19:39-04:00

I cannot speak with authority on the direct commission route, but my limited understanding is that it requires a degree AND significant industry experience. So depending on where you would be at when you graduate, it may or may not be a good choice. For ROTC, I went through this process recently and I am awaiting to head to CYBOLC. You are on point with all of the things that would help you get in the door. ROTC branching recently switched to talent based branching rather than branching using your OML ranking. Now you need to create a file with a resume and information about yourself. A carefully crafted personal statement is important. You also should be tailoring your classes (within your comp sci degree) to focus on security where you can. Certs like sec+, net+, CCNA, are always good accolades for the resume. Get familiar with Linux and spend some time learning Python if your degree doesnt have it built in. Finally, performance on the technical interview AND the personal interview is important. The interviews are seemingly the most important part. I had an information systems degree and was selected over peers that had comp sci or cyber security degrees. I am pretty sure the interviews were the reason for that.