What are the guidelines if a soldier, whose MOS is not Signal related, wants to do cybersecurity training for their civilian career?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 09 Sep 2022 10:44:42 -0400

I am trying to get some training done for InfoSec. My MOS is not Signal related or anything. I do have a Secret Security Clearance. I reached out a current employee who works at the company. He encouraged me to get some training for eMASS, DAAPM or NISPOM. I google searched and found out training and certifications are available in the STEPP website. While registering, it is asking for Supervisor's name, email and phone number. Now I am trying to do this training on my own, I have not been told my any Army related body to do this training. What is the guidelines regarding that if a soldier wants to do cybersecurity training for their civilian career? Currently serving in the National Guard. Thanks

Response by COL Randall C. made Sep 10 at 2022 8:18 AM

COL Randall C. — Sat, 10 Sep 2022 08:18:59 -0400

SPC Private RallyPoint Member, First and foremost, the training is for your Army job and responsibilities, not for your civilian job. Having said that, the military actively encourages you to learn and grow and has absolutely no problem if you derive ancillary benefit from training.

I applaud the fact that you're doing this as self-directed training. Unless you have a real hard case for a supervisor, I don't see any pushback at all. The training is free and on your own time. If you DO run into an issue, then discuss with your unit leadership.

Also, don't forget about all that free online skillsoft training that's available though Army eLearning. The Army has pumped quite a lot of money into that to give free technology training to the force. Access it at https://usarmy.skillport.com/. I can't emphasize this resource enough.

Joint Knowledge Online (https://jkodirect.jten.mil/) has thousands of online Joint courses, many relating to cybersecurity.

There are also many other free online training systems available for Army personnel - Service specific ones (like Army eLearning, ALMS, TADLP, etc) and DoD (COOL, JKO, etc).

Truly, the free online education world is your oyster ... all you have to do is open it up.

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Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Sep 10 at 2022 9:25 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Sat, 10 Sep 2022 09:25:41 -0400

As long as your supervisor feels as if you will be more well rounded, as you would be he or she should have no issue. Speak to him before you hit send and ensure he realizes you will not allow the trainjng to effect your duties rather to enhance you as a Soldier making you more valuable to the military as a hole.