United States National Guard

Join the frontlines of cyber warfare as a Cyber Operations Specialist in the Army National Guard. In this role, your primary responsibility will be to detect, identify, and respond to cyberattacks to ensure safety across military domains.

Your duties will include: conducting integrated and synchronized offensive cyberspace operations by targeting enemy and hostile adversary activities; conduct defense operations to protect data, networks, net-centric capabilities, and other systems; and detect, identify, and respond to attacks against friendly networks with lethal and nonlethal actions that enable commanders to gain advantages in cyberspace.

Job Duties

• Provide crucial intelligence and network support that safeguards the cyber domain
• Collect, analyze, and report digital data
• Maintain network defense tools such as routers and firewalls
• Evaluate network defense operations
• Respond to incidents in cyberspace
• Surveillance and reconnaissance actions on specified systems and networks
• Conduct network terrain audits, penetration testing, basic digital forensics, and software threat analysis

Helpful Skills

• Self-discipline, confidence, and intelligence
• Physical and mental fitness to perform under pressure
• Ability to make decisions quickly
• Capability to bear numerous responsibilities

Through your training, you will develop the skills and experience to enjoy a civilian career in government agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the National Security Agency (NSA), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), as well as jobs in global security companies.

Earn While You Learn

Instead of paying to learn these skills, get paid to learn. In the Army National Guard, you will learn these valuable job skills while earning a regular paycheck and qualifying for tuition assistance.

Job training for a Cyber Operations Specialist consists of 10 weeks of Basic Training, where you’ll learn basic Soldiering skills, and two phases of Advanced Individual Training (AIT). Phase one includes 25 weeks of training in Corry Station, Florida. Phase two lasts 20 weeks, and takes place in Fort Gordon, Georgia.

Benefits

• Paid training
• A monthly paycheck
• Montgomery GI Bill
• Federal and State tuition assistance
• Retirement benefits for part-time service
• Low-cost life insurance (up to $400,000 in coverage)
• 401(k)-type savings plan
• Student Loan Repayment Program (up to $50,000, for existing loans)
• Health care benefits available
• VA home loans
• Bonuses, if applicable
• Most non-prior service candidates will earn between $200 and $250 per drill weekend, subject to change

Requirements

• Military enlistment in the Army National Guard
• Must be at least a junior in high school, or have a high school diploma or a GED certificate
• Must be between the ages of 17 and 35
• Must be able to pass a physical exam and meet legal and moral standards
• Must meet citizenship requirements (see NATIONALGUARD.com for details)

Requires military enlistment. Programs and benefits are subject to change. Ask your Army National Guard recruiter for the most up-to-date information. Actual MOS assignment may depend on MOS availability.

Cyber Careers