Would 17C be a good fit for me?

2016-01-23T03:26:34-05:00

Hello, I am currently going through a small dilemma. My goal is to become a Warrant Officer (255A/N). I hold 2 Cisco Certifications, Sec+, A+, & working on completing my bachelors in IT with Networking as a focus, I have prior IT EXP. As a 25B, the two CW2 in my S6 stated that I should look into re-classing to 17C. I’m sure I'd make SGT faster but not sure if that’s the career I want to go with.

Response by SSG Derek Scheller made Jan 23 at 2016 6:54 AM

2016-01-23T06:54:40-05:00

You need to figure out what you want to do as a career. Find your passion and what you love and go for it. If you don't love what you do your going to have a long miserable career.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2016 8:35 AM

2016-01-23T08:35:49-05:00

Don't let the ability to make rank faster affect your decision so much. Talk with NCOs within the 25 Series, 25B/D/N/S/U, and 17C for real experiences to compare against. The more, the better. You'll quickly realize Signaleers can hold the same MOS and have drastically different careers and experiences, especially us 25Us. On a personal note, though, you're on to a great start with the certs you have. I hope you have them documented on your records correctly.

Response by SSG Daniel Poulin (Retired) made Jan 24 at 2016 2:40 PM

2016-01-24T14:40:02-05:00

The difference between a 25D and 17C is that 25D is primarily defensive, whereas 17C is both defensive and offensive. Both possess a skill set comparable to the average hacker, but the 17C gets to actually employ the offensive skill set, whereas the 25D is confined to the IA regulation. You are only a PFC and have a ways to go to make warrant, but if it's fast promotion with cutting edge skills you crave, you'll have to go cyber; which MOS you chose is up to you. 17C is currently confined to CYBER billets only; this means NSA and it's field offices, whereas 25D can go anywhere there is an S6/G6/etc. Be forewarned, the 25D MOS is very under strength in its unit billets, meaning that you could get stationed somewhere you don't like, but hey, that's all part of the fun, right? There is no easy answer, and the trade off may or may not be worth it to you, but one thing is certain, 25B isn't going to see too many promotions for a while.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2016 9:44 AM

2016-01-25T09:44:03-05:00

Do you want to delve into programming, Linux, SANS certs and the like? That will be the starting point of your decision making process. If you purely enjoy networking and/or systems administration, then 17 series shouldn't be your first choice.
25D will still be a good conduit for promotion prospects but there will most likely be COMSEC during your tenure as that is part of information protection.
The truth will change though for the entirety of Cyber as we develop TTPs and lessons learned (as well as any politics involved)

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2016 9:24 AM

2016-02-02T09:24:20-05:00

If you're looking to become a 255N or 255A then go for that. Get with a signal warrant in your unit and get started. They should observe you, mentor you, and ultimately decide whether you're a viable candidate.

If you go 17C, you'll just be delaying the process. The training pipeline for 17C is long, fast paced, and pretty tough. If you pass everything, you head to Cyber Brigade, a month in Green Platoon, another 60 days of accounts and admin stuff, 3 to 5 months of follow-on training, JQR testing, validation, missions... You see where I'm going with this.

If you want to be a Warrant Officer, then be a Warrant Officer. Otherwise, be ready to put your plans on hold.

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2016 5:07 PM

2016-02-23T17:07:21-05:00

Any path you take that is related to security will help you. I was talking with a CW4 in my unit and he said there is a need for good 2LT's in NetSec and an over strength of WO's. I would shoot for 17C (what I'm reclassing into next month). I would focus on one thing (either a language or a certification). I had a problem with wanting to learn everything at once and overwhelming myself.