What advice do you have for someone pursuing Cyber Branch, but keeps getting denied? Should I ETS or PCS?

2019-10-26T10:42:36-04:00

Hello seniors, peers, and subordinates, I have deployed to Afghanistan. I am a high speed soldier, no doubt about it. I really want to become a ethical hacker. Yaaay the US Army has just recently made a cyber branch. My friend with a bachelors and two IT certifications applied. His packet ‘Disapproved’. I am currently working on a degree and I have been frustrated at the fact I’ve tried to drop packets for multiple Things and all have been disapproved. I received a company grade article 15 when I first got here but that was two years ago. My GT is high enough as well as my PT I ask these recruiters who send up the packets why do I keep getting denied no answer. This frustrates me as a communication soldier who works harder the most of the combat engineers in his own unit. Has a technical knowledge base equal to his OWN NCO. Like what am I doing wrong? This honestly makes me want to ETS and just live a civilian life. I’m loosing hope in the US Army. I feel like my dreams will never come true if I stay in. Any advice ?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2019 11:56 AM

2019-10-26T11:56:20-04:00

We don't all get what we want in the army. That's just a fact of life. I'm not telling you to give up on your dreams, however. I have no idea why your packet is getting denied, but keep trying I guess. In the meantime, look at alternative paths in the army. If you're not willing to accept other than cyber, I'd say finish your contract honorably and get out.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Oct 26 at 2019 2:07 PM

2019-10-26T14:07:29-04:00

Cyber is one of those things that is almost more by invitation than by application. You have to prove yourself to be worthwhile. That Art 15 and your self-professed issues with communicating in English will be barriers.

When you do apply (or apply again) have an NCO who is good with grammar and word-smithing go over your packet and help you out. Also, try to find contacts actually IN the cyber community and ask what they are ACTUALLY looking for.

In the meantime, work on your IT certs. These are they best way to demonstrate your skillset on paper to aperson who has never met you ornseen you in action. Even better than an IT degree, honestly.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2019 9:54 PM

2019-10-26T21:54:15-04:00

As you start to go up the ranks you will realize that the Army values character over competence. You can teach people anything but you can't afford to put the wrong person in a sensitive position where they can do damage. You are a Soldier who got an Article 15 less than three years ago. Edward Snowden was intelligent and probably had a high GT as well. Your technical competence doesn't overcome the risk you present in one of the most sensitive positions in the Army. The primary word in the term Ethical hacker is "ethical". Ethics are about reaching the highest potential of character.

That's not to say that are completely screwed forever, the Army is one of the few organizations where you can make a mistake and overcome it down the road. If you do well and continue to perform, you will put enough time between you and your article 15 that you will be able to pursue opportunities to advance. Two years may seem like a long time to you because you're young, but to the people who are looking for the best of the best in the Army, you don't have enough history to prove that you will be a good candidate.

As for your friend who was turned down, you don't know the reasons they were rejected. Don't compare yourself to others

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 27 at 2019 11:11 AM

2019-10-27T11:11:13-04:00

Develop a Plan A, B, and C. List all the must have criteria for you to reach your life goals.