Do I have a strong case to reclassify to 17C?

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 15:51:43 -0400

I'm an 11B stationed at Fort Campbell, I've been working towards a reclassifcation to 17C since February of this year. Currently I meet all of the pre-requisites and got a 74 (not sure how good that is) on the ISCT. I have been getting CompTIA certifications, I have A+, Net+, and am about to test for the Sec+ cert. I am also about to being attending a part-time college to start working on my Bachelor's in Computer Science. I've been around computers since I was a kid and have a pretty solid level of experience on the programming side of the house, namely C# and Python. I don't have any real-world experience in IT except for a short stint as a temp QA position when I worked through a temp-agency. I'm concerned that my packet isn't strong enough so I've been consistently working on trying to strengthen it. I have a really strong level of knowledge of Microsoft systems on the User and Admin sides and a solid level of experience in Linux.

I guess my main question to any 17Cs out there or anyone more knowledgeable on the subject. Does the information I've presented give a strong case to my candidacy? My career counselor and other avenues warrant little to no assistance in this instance as they are solely concerned in maintaining the current MToE for 11Bs. However, my Chain of Command has been very supportive.

Any help would be appreciated, thanks!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2018 4:05 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 16:05:01 -0400

Have you already submitted your packet? If not, make sure you include your transcript (doesn’t matter if it’s completed or not) and include any “documented” experience that you have.

I’d suggest that you also complete Security+ before submitting. I believe what you have may be solid enough but Security+ will definitely strengthen your packet. In the time you’re prepping for the Security+, look for some online Cyber or Network Security webinars you can register for and attend. You can use them as documentation for your packet.

The selection process isn’t as tough as you think, it’s just the thought of “is this enough” and the lack of a solid guideline to go off of that scares people away from even trying.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2018 9:21 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 21:21:59 -0400

From what it sounds like, you should have more than enough for your packet. You'd wind up getting most of those certs as a 17C so this will only help you out down the road.
The longest part for most people seems to be waiting to get their clearance for the job. As long as you don't have any issues with that you should be fine.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 14 at 2018 11:29 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Jun 2018 23:29:28 -0400

As long as you have the scores. I hear they are hurting for people

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 14 at 2018 11:30 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Jun 2018 23:30:08 -0400

I think they are teir 10 on the srb. So 80k re enlistment bonuses

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2018 8:57 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Jul 2018 08:57:23 -0400

Does it matter where you take the Security+ at? I was looking to grab a few of these Certs as I already have my packet submitted and waiting. I'm actually still waiting to take the ISCT but was wondering if there was studying material? Scared or nervous for sure.

Response by MSG David Surprenant made Nov 1 at 2018 7:58 AM

MSG David Surprenant — Thu, 01 Nov 2018 07:58:26 -0400

Some suggestions:
- Up your Linux (Unix) game.
- Look for other more challenging certifications - CE|H; any of the GIAC certifications (see SANS); others (see DoD Approved 8570 Baseline Certifications on the iase.disa.mil website; spec. Level II/III certifications).
- Experience in network assessments/pen testing would be of great value.
- In the "free stuff" department, you can use SkillPort and FedVTE to broaden your IT knowledge (although personally I loathe DL "death by PPT").
- look for alphabet agency sponsored training/education opportunities (see Norwich University).

Some hair-splitting: Sec+ is a certification. IOT obtain the certification you take a test which assesses your knowledge of the different subject areas. Some can challenge the Sec+ exam without any preparatory training. By design certifications are training agnostic - they don't care HOW you obtained the knowledge only that you can demonstrate that you have it. The different schools (both military and civilian) offering Sec+ are providing test preparation. Some sources are better than others, even across the military schoolhouse spectrum, but the methodology behind the test is always the same. That's what makes CompTIA a certification body (IAW ISO/IEC standards - see FISMA).