Posted on Jun 7, 2021
Is it pointless to put in a packet for 17C reclassification if I don’t have certifications?
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So I talked to the retention NCO at my unit about re-classing from 14G to 17C. At first we realized my MOS was under-strength but that if I wanted to reclass I could go to 17C regardless of strength. (Convenient because this was the plan anyway) So as a 14G I already have a Secret clearance & I need a TS for 17C. I gave my TS memo to S2 and I’m just waiting for the next steps. I also have to pass the “ICTL” (I believe is what it’s called). Recently though I’ve been looking around and a lot of people are saying that reclassing to 17C is a lot harder than enlisting into it because they want you to have certs/experience. I wanted to know how many people could second this, and how many 17C reclass soldiers there are out there and how your experience was. However the big questions for me are...
1.)Do I need to have certs to be able to reclass to this MOS and is it pointless for me to submit a packet if I don’t have them?
Is a TS, passing ASVAB scores, and passing the ICTL enough?
2.) If I do need certs to even get a packet accepted would they be on the Army Skillshare thing, and what would those certs be?
Thankyou, can’t wait to hear from you all.
1.)Do I need to have certs to be able to reclass to this MOS and is it pointless for me to submit a packet if I don’t have them?
Is a TS, passing ASVAB scores, and passing the ICTL enough?
2.) If I do need certs to even get a packet accepted would they be on the Army Skillshare thing, and what would those certs be?
Thankyou, can’t wait to hear from you all.
Posted in these groups: 
17C: Cyber Operations Specialist
Cyber
14G: Air Defense Battle Management System Operator
Reclass
Retention
17C: Cyber Operations Specialist Cyber 14G: Air Defense Battle Management System Operator Reclass Retention
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 2
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17C is an application MOS that means you apply and if the proponent likes your application you will be accepted. I have never seen an in service Soldier request 17C and be accepted if they don't have any experience. Your TS is irrelevant because once you're accepted you apply for the TS. Your ASVAB scores are only important that they meet the bare minimum, any higher doesn't make you any more competitive.
If you don't have actual IT experience then you'll need civilian education in computer language programming and/or networking and IT to be competitive. By the time you get those, if you don't have them already, you'll be a SSG and not eligible for the MOS.
You shouldn't be eligible to request a TS until you have an acceptance memo from 17C, it should be kicked back at a higher echelon. But it's not unheard of
If you don't have actual IT experience then you'll need civilian education in computer language programming and/or networking and IT to be competitive. By the time you get those, if you don't have them already, you'll be a SSG and not eligible for the MOS.
You shouldn't be eligible to request a TS until you have an acceptance memo from 17C, it should be kicked back at a higher echelon. But it's not unheard of
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PFC (Join to see)
Gotcha thanks SFC. Well my experience in IT isn’t dense but I am intrigued by it and plan on taking that career route anyway. I’ve dabbled with C#, and work with computers as a 14G. (Which I’m sure is nothing like 17C). Hopefully I can get some more things under my belt soon to be a better look for reclassification.
And as a PFC If I were to get my SEC+, A+, and some other certs that would take me until I become a SSG?
Just trying to understand if there was a solution here or if your statement was that it would be indeed pointless to put in a packet?
And as a PFC If I were to get my SEC+, A+, and some other certs that would take me until I become a SSG?
Just trying to understand if there was a solution here or if your statement was that it would be indeed pointless to put in a packet?
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SFC (Join to see)
If you don’t have a degree in IT right now you mr best option is to get the certs from COMPTIA like A+. They are good for about three years I think until you have to renew them. If you have little to no experience in computers getting SEC+ will be difficult to pass. I would start with A+ first. PFC (Join to see)
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PFC (Join to see)
Gotcha thanks SSG, that’s about to be my course of action I’m getting that from a lot of people I’ll try to get A+ & Sec+ first maybe before I put in the packet.
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SFC (Join to see)
PFC (Join to see) I misread your rank, I thought it said SGT. Even with that, it will still take time, probably years. 17C is not set up to accept in service applicants with no experience. The in service application is geared more towards identifying and giving an opportunity to Soldiers who already have some experience and pulling them in. There is no rule of thumb or written guidance that says if you have xx certification you will be accepted. A large factor in being accepted is where your competence level is and will be expected to be at your specific time in service and grade. In other words, you can take an IET Soldier and two years later they will be fully qualified and have experience. Compare that to taking a mid to senior E4 who is applying, then won't receive a class date for up to a year, depending on TS clearance time and availability of classes, then the full almost year of AIT. You will be walking out as an E5 with zero experience. This is the same reason most 68 and 15 series jobs don't accept promotable E4 and above, there is an expectation of technical competency commensurate to your grade. If you have zero experience before the school how can you teach or supervise a new 17C right after you leave the school?
A better option might be 25D, which only accepts E5 promotable and above, you must have 6 years in service and the certification requirements are very clearly laid out.
A better option might be 25D, which only accepts E5 promotable and above, you must have 6 years in service and the certification requirements are very clearly laid out.
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I am on a similar boat. I’m debating if I should spend the money for Sec+ because I ran out of TA/CA for the year. I do have college relating to 17C, so I might just full-send it.
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1LT (Join to see)
You should be able to get reimbursed for Sec+ through Army COOL, but even if you have to pay out of pocket it's totally worth it. I would say maximize your chances of success and go after Sec+ prior to putting in your packet.
That being said, I can pretty much guarantee you they need Enlisted Soldiers in Cyber, and there may be more leeway than it might appear. Retaining Enlisted Cyber Soldiers is VERY difficult, as once you get the experience and certs you'll start feeling a significant pull towards the Federal Civilian or Contractor sides.
That being said, I can pretty much guarantee you they need Enlisted Soldiers in Cyber, and there may be more leeway than it might appear. Retaining Enlisted Cyber Soldiers is VERY difficult, as once you get the experience and certs you'll start feeling a significant pull towards the Federal Civilian or Contractor sides.
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