Can an NCOIC have someone removed from a unit for not attaining a civilian certification?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Feb 2020 13:50:34 -0500

My unit is currently deployed to Afghanistan, and some people don't have the CompTIA Security+ certification, which is required to be an administrator on our networks. Our NCOIC recently threatened both of them that if they didn't get the certification he'd have them sent home and moved to another unit entirely. When they asked for help obtaining vouchers to even take the exam, he offered no advice and said it was for them to figure out. My question is, is that allowed? Can you have a soldier sent home early from a rotation and kicked out of a unit for not having a civilian IT certification? Thanks for the help.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Feb 1 at 2020 2:04 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Sat, 01 Feb 2020 14:04:18 -0500

"some people don't have the CompTIA Security+ certification, which is required to be an administrator on our networks."
Are the two SM you are referencing tasked to be admins on that network?
If yes then no matter who crated the certification it is required for their duties. If they are not qualified for the duty assigned then they need to go.
That said, it is the units responsibility to provide the training (in this case the access to the certification), if known about soon enough before deployment.

As a young CPL, Id caution you on taking your co workers word alone to make your assumptions and opinions.. What you dont know is likely as much as what you do know.
Were they informed and provided training access before deployment but did not complete it?

Those that have CompTIA Security+ certification how, when, where did they complete it?
Do you KNOW they were told "offered no advice and said it was for them to figure out" Or is that what the two individuals lacking required certification telling you?

As for sending them "home" not likely a senior leader let that happen, they will be tasked to duties they are qualified for...likely duties no one wants to do, no leader wants to task good SM for.. Latrine attendant / guard/ cleaner.
DFAC guard tasked to watch local contractors cleaning grease pits.
Garbage sorter/inspector tasked with ensuring no medical waste is mixed with the regular refuse.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2020 2:12 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Feb 2020 14:12:26 -0500

Yes network admins need an IAT level 2 certification. If they don’t, then they can’t be approved network admins and must perform another function. Units are subordinate network administrators to the local network administration authority. They will not allow it. If there’s no more functions in that platoon/shop/section for those not qualified, then they need to be moved somewhere laterally or to the next higher headquarters, where someone can utilize their MOS.

Your story sounds like a bit one sided, however. My advice would be to support them by ensuring they are seeking at least the training. Free training is on skillport for Security+ 501 (the newest). And it’s worth promotion points for those junior SMs.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Feb 1 at 2020 2:47 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Sat, 01 Feb 2020 14:47:23 -0500

If that certification is required to be MOS-Q or required for official duties, then Yes. There are other civilian certifications associated with various MOSs. Especially in Signal, believe it is DoD 8570 compliance. It would ultimately be the Commander's decision.

If it is a mission requirement, then there needs to be a pathway to achieve it. Sometimes that pathway is for you to study, take the test at own expense and request reimbursement. Sometimes a unit pays for a course and examiner and puts it on the training schedule.sometimes there is DL from ATTRS or CompTIA itself. Were these two provided an opportunity but failed? Provided an opportunity but pissed away the opportunity? How did everyone else manage it? He may have been gruff if it was an FFI situation. Doesn't matter, you are going to tell me a tale that is a tapestry of maniacal senior malfeasance, cherubic innocence of these two lost lambs, etc. being told to figure it out is often part of the corrective training. I have to believe there is more to this story. Being threatened with being excommunicated may be the only way to put sufficient motivation behind these two people.

I teach A+ certification prep. You need about 6 months to do it. Not sure what the flash to bang time is for Security +. There is the very real issue of how you take the exam deployed. Don't think there is a PearsonVUE testing center in Bagram.

Did their qualification lapse? CompTIA has CE requirements to maintain the cert. A+ is good for three years but you have to meet CE requirements, or retake the exams (1001 and 1002).

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2020 3:07 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Feb 2020 15:07:43 -0500

Yes. This is no different than requiring a provider to have a state licensure and upkeep of continuing education units. If it’s required to be mission ready then yes if you aren’t mission ready you can be sent home.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2020 9:53 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Feb 2020 21:53:59 -0500

I'm not IT, but it sounds like you answered your own question.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Feb 1 at 2020 10:16 PM

SPC Erich Guenther — Sat, 01 Feb 2020 22:16:51 -0500

I would not exactly call those certification tests though I know they are commonly referred to as such. If you have a pulse and can read/study, you should pass that test on the first attempt. So I do not understand what the fear is over that requirement. The test does require some study but it's not like asking for MCSE certification or full stack Java Certification.