How difficult is it to reclass into Cyber?

SSG Michael Hathaway — Mon, 10 Nov 2014 15:12:01 -0500

I wonder how difficult it would be, as a medic, to reclass into these cyber fields. I do have experience in the civilian side IT field, with an AAS in InfoSys, and going to school for cybersecurity (but the focus there is more policy/management side versus coding). I of course plan on getting some coding classes in C++. I also hope to earn some certifications in Sec+, CEH and whatnot if I can swing it with the Ed center, but I'm not too sure if the army will cover it since I am a 68 series. Due to my degree, it was suggested by a S6 colleague that I should pursue 25B instead but the OIC stated that 25D is such a high demand MOS that I really should go that route especially since I am going to school for it.

Thoughts or suggestions anyone?

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Nov 10 at 2014 3:26 PM

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Mon, 10 Nov 2014 15:26:29 -0500

It sounds like you are on the right track, and this is a new field. If you are interested in the field, taking civilian classes towards the field already AND if you really enjoy the work/classes then I'd recommend you going for it. 25D is a new field so the updward mobility should be pretty good - check out what authorizations we will have to ensure you do have that upward mobility. For a little more on the MOS, check out this link:

http://www.armyreenlistment.com/reclass-25d.html

MOS 25D, Cyber Network Defender

Soldiers serving in MOS 25D will protect against unauthorized activity in the cyberspace domain and perform assessments of threats and vulnerabilities within the network environment.

Response by SSG(P) Lulz Sec made Dec 29 at 2014 9:54 PM

SSG(P) Lulz Sec — Mon, 29 Dec 2014 21:54:33 -0500

I went that way too. I am not, no ever was signal or intel. You can get into that field in the Army as a medic. However, the Army and ed center can't help for certs. I know, I tried, it cost me around $6,000 to get the certs I felt I needed to be competitive. I also started as 5 and that will give you time to get everything accomplished and ready for when you make 6. It is ok though, it will make for great motivation to learn and actually retain what you go through, instead of having TRADOC cram 70% into you. INFOSEC is am awesome career field Army or not and it sounds like you might go past the military with it still. Best of luck!

Response by SSG Michael Hathaway made Jan 14 at 2015 2:25 PM

SSG Michael Hathaway — Wed, 14 Jan 2015 14:25:42 -0500

Thank you all for the responses. Many thanks especially to SSG Creek and CSM Uhlig. I will tend to agree with you SSG Creek, that if I spent my own money on certs, I would be more apt to get a better outcome and/or more inclined to actually use the certs. I like TA and the Ed center, however, I see too many students using TA and just barely skating by and it pisses me off since I am here busting my butt and trying to get into honors society and what not, my 3.571 GPA may seem paltry to academia proper but I am still proud of it considering the balance of army life and being a student...studying in the field is difficult. It would be great if TA or some military fund helped with cert testing (I can always find the study materials for free at so many places) as having that help would alleviate much pressure and stress on the family finances, but I will find a way, even if its slowly. Thanks again for the feedback.

Update: After visiting a ed counselor in Vilsec, I was able to knock out 12 credits for the BS in Cyber and get them replaced with classes that will actually count towards my MS in cyber, so excited for that!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2015 6:59 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 Jan 2015 06:59:25 -0500

You should try 35Q or 25D... both are a viable option for reclass! I think you'd have a really good chance with 35Q... You'll never know until you try!

Response by SSG Ed Mikus made Jun 4 at 2015 8:19 PM

SSG Ed Mikus — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 20:19:29 -0400

the cert we covered on week 1, (SANS 401) was a summary of my entire BS in Cyber Security, it is tough, but it is do able if you desire it. Be very familiar with VMware, Linux, and of course the command lines for windows and Linux. Also study python.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2015 11:00 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 20 Dec 2015 23:00:09 -0500

Do everything you can. I thought it would be impossible, but got in... but that required many endless nights of study for several certifications.

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2016 4:59 PM

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 16:59:21 -0500

I know I'm late on this, I emailed the 7th Signal Theater and they got back with me within a week an pointed me to a unit that is taking in 25D's and 17C's. It is a reserve unit out of Washington State.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2016 10:13 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 10:13:30 -0400

Not difficult at all. Get your packet together and submit it, the worst thing that can happen is they can possibly say no. If you don't submit the answer will always be no. If you plan on doing 25D I would forget about doing C++ and do Python. I graduate from 25D school in 2 days, submitting your packet will be well worth it.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2016 10:16 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 10:16:13 -0400

For SEC+ and CEH the Signal University at your installation would have those classes and certification exams for the low price of free.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 14 at 2016 6:57 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 14 Jun 2016 18:57:31 -0400

I would imagine you would have to have 25D MOS along with the following certifications. Network+, Security+, A+, CCNA, CCIS and Certified Ethical Hacker. That is what I would look for in a security guy in this day and age.

Response by MAJ Patrick Hairston CISSP, AWS Certified Cloud Architect made Jul 27 at 2017 10:08 AM

MAJ Patrick Hairston CISSP, AWS Certified Cloud Architect — Thu, 27 Jul 2017 10:08:47 -0400

You cant go wrong with Cyber. It's that new hotness. I've been in cyber since I retired and I love it.

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 7 at 2017 5:38 PM

SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Dec 2017 17:38:48 -0500

The only thing stopping you from achieving your goals and dreams is yourself! Go for it and study hard and keep working hard and you can do anything!