I am reclassifying to 25B Information Technology Specialist very soon. Can anyone tell me what the schooling will be about?

2016-07-30T02:13:22-04:00

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 30 at 2016 2:15 AM

2016-07-30T02:15:26-04:00

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_technology_specialist

Information technology specialist - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Information Technology Specialist or lnformation Systems Operator-Analyst is a Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) in the United States Army. Information Technology Specialists have the responsibility of maintaining, processing and troubleshooting military computer systems and operations.[1][2]

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 30 at 2016 7:18 AM

2016-07-30T07:18:15-04:00

They will teach you the fundamentals of A, Net, and Security+, including a series of other things. I went through as a 25A, 53B, and 17A and 25B Soldiers told me that was their key areas of study. In working with several that came out of training and it is critical that you really study A, Net, and Security+ as much as you can. If you study prior going to school, I think it will pay dividends; due to you being less stressed in trying to understand the basics for the first time. I would recommend finding copies of CBT Nugget Videos and picking up several top books on Amazon. If your experienced and have these certifications; you'll be much better off. Get Sec+ before you graduate and even better before the school. It will handicap your job for certain admin rights down the road. If you have the money and want to take any of these certs prior; I would really suggest. The schools will have free vouchers at times, but you have to jump through hoops at times to get them. I say I paid for 1/3 of my certifications for personal advancement at times. Best of luck!

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 30 at 2016 7:50 AM

2016-07-30T07:50:14-04:00

You'll learn basic CPN operations, like Cisco Routers and Switches and basic Windows Administration control. If you have a basic understanding about data flow, AIT will be easy!

Response by CPL(P) Kevin Koch made Aug 1 at 2016 11:34 AM

2016-08-01T11:34:25-04:00

Been about 10 years since I went through the school, however it is a quick overview of a lot of things. You will learn the basics of A+, Network+ and Security+ to start with. These are the classes you really want to do well in because it will all be useful when you get to your unit. They also taught some switch/router configuration, Solaris install, config and use. Also covered Windows installation (XP at the time, but currently using Win7 and starting the Win10 push in a few) Also covered Windows Server and Outlook installation and configuration. A lot will be overview and not going that detailed into it (though at the time you will think it is a lot of detail). Also covered was building your own network cables.

Once you graduate, you will go to whatever unit. Remember you can go to a Signal Battalion where you will be working field networks or you can go to any other Battalion where you would be in their S6 shop. I enjoyed the S6 shop more than a Signal Battalion. A Sig Battalion the work is repetitive and mind numbing. Most of the time you're working on your field equipment and whatever else. If you are in an S6 shop, it's more like a civilian job at a help desk. However, you will then need to get 2 IT certifications in order to be a DoD network/systems administrator. Security+ (will really pull back the layers of the onion they just peeled in AIT with you) and an environmental certification (Windows7, Server 2012R2, SQL Server). I would recommend Windows 10 configuration for that one. If you're at a Signal Battalion, you are not required (at least not when I was in) to have the certifications so it's harder to get the Army to pay for you to get them. If you get out, the certifications are going to be your 2nd most marketable asset you will have (next to your security clearance). Also, if you're in an S6 shop, keep track of any projects you did and what it entailed you doing. Those make great bullets for awards and also on your resume when you get out and apply for an IT job.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2016 7:36 PM

2016-08-06T19:36:37-04:00

Everyone nailed the answers and a bit more. But as a Career Counselor, I'm concerned that you were not told about promotion potential. SGT and above is slow moving. Of course is you are looking at short term, get the certs and look at the world of Cyber. Good luck!

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2016 3:07 PM

2016-08-08T15:07:00-04:00

Hi the first week or two is it basics, basically if you've never touched a computer ever this gets you up to speed, if you have touched a computer....I'm sorry it's not fun...after that you do software where you install a client OS (Windows 7) using the army Windows installer, then a domain server, and finally an exchange email server (you'll have finals in all those right after you learn them) after that it's Cisco 1 (2 weeks) then Cisco 2 (more advanced then Cisco 1, way more commands) then is CPN, you'll learn how to actually do Bravo work, and all of your instructors are civilians, way better then it sounds, then is army net where you learn all the army networks and have to put into practice ALL the skills you spent the last 18-19 weeks learning, you'll be in 4 man teams, 1. a help desk, 2. Networking 3. Domain control admin 4. And Admin. At the end you'll receive your certificate of doneness and move on to where ever the army wants you, have fun :D

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2016 12:07 PM

2016-08-09T12:07:03-04:00

Since you're already in the army, you should know about skillport. Do the security+, A+, Network+, & ICND 1-2. Pay close attention and you should do fine. Quizlet has pre-made study cards as well

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2016 1:55 AM

2016-08-16T01:55:23-04:00

It's been almost 17 years since I went to B school. The only thing I'm sure of is that Cisco and Security + are taught. I'm sure you'll get an operating system and a server class too. Very good training but very basic.

Response by SSG Billyray Musselman made Sep 3 at 2016 12:33 AM

2016-09-03T00:33:53-04:00

The schooling will be fast paced but designed for you to pass, I wouldn't stress out about it.
Later on in your career you will be competing for the rank of Sergeant which isn't easy.
I recommend taking a look at your or co workers (PPW) Promotion Point Worksheet,
and do everything you can to get your points up.

Things you should know.
Points for Sergeant are likely to drop below 500 and rarely drop below 600.
It's been a couple years since points for Staff Sergeant have dropped below 798.

Get your 300 on your PT test.
Score 40 out of 40 on weapons qualification.
Get a collage degree. Max hours
Go to 40 hour plus classes (Military ED), aka combatives, airborne, air assault. Max hours
Win to soldier of the month and go as heigh as you can for the purpose of awards. Max awards
Volunteer hours for award.
IT Certifications aka Compta, Cisco ect...
BLC aka WLC, get the distinguished honor graduate. extra points...
Skill Port, max that now, I think you need 400 hours. Someone here I'm sure will correct me if I'm wrong. ;)

Fun MOS, very knowledged and experienced based mos.

Good Luck