Arbel, ASVAB Test Expert at JobTestPrep.
Have a question? Contact me at: ask_the_team@jobtestprep.comSteps to Getting into Air Force Cybersecurity
In contrast to the Army, stepping into the realm of cybersecurity in the Air Force requires you to establish yourself as an Airman first. If you're not enlisted yet, the most you can do is express your interest to your recruiter. From there, they can guide you onto a path that might lead you to a cybersecurity role. Nevertheless, keep in mind that ultimately, it's the Air Force that makes the placement decision. Therefore, maintaining your performance on the ASVAB and EDPT is crucial as you move forward.
How to Get Started with Air Force Cyber security
If you have an interest in technology but are unsure where to begin, try the following steps to begin your cyber journey:
Reading: One thing that people take for granted is the power of reading. Here you can learn the latest in the technology, which positions appeal to you, and much more. You can accomplish this through online means such as websites, blogs, and magazines.
Mentor: Once you have chosen your field of expertise, find a leading expert in the industry. You can do this by contacting civilian companies or by finding specific professionals. Share your story and ask if they can advise you. You never know if someone is willing to help until you ask.
Certifications: Don’t put it off, begin learning now and obtain a certification. Remember, once you joined the military, your schooling will be intense. Any course you may take will surely give you the needed edge.
Requirements to Join the Air Force
In order to get into Air Force cybersecurity, you must meet the following requirements:
✔ US Air Force Airman in any AFSC or Cyber Transport Systems Pipeline with the ability to succeed as a CWO (Cyber Warfare Operators) Pipeline
✔ High school diploma or GED with 15 college credits
✔ Between ages 17 to 39
✔ Ability to lift 40 pounds
✔ Previous knowledge of computer operating systems, software applications, protocols, addressing, and hardware
✔ At least a 60 on EDPT (Electronic Data Processing Test)
✔ At least a 64 on your ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery)
✔ Eligibility for top secret SCI (Sensitive Compartmented Information) clearance
✔ 8.5 weeks of basic training education
Passing ASVAB and EDPT
Before you join the Air Force, you will be asked to take two tests. In order to get into cybersecurity, you must score a 64 on your ASVAB and a minimum of 60 on your EDPT.
The ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) is the first test you will encounter during your recruitment. The purpose is to narrow down the long list of Air Force jobs to see which one will be best suited to you and the military.
Go to our Free ASVAB Practice Test page for free sample questions and explanations.
EDPT (Electronic Data Processing Test) meanwhile is a more concentrated technical test. It will show your potential as an IT personnel.
Learn more about Joining the U.S. Air Force on the page Air Force ASVAB.
Understand your ASVAB score with our ASVAB Scores guide.
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These days, the cyber security area is more important than ever and just keeps growing and improving. It is a crucial and mandatory part of each company nowadays due to all the cyber threats around. The popularity of entering this role has never been higher.
In order to crush the competition and ensure you can get into your cyber security position, you are more than welcome to start practicing using our prep pack.
A Brief Update
As of 2019, civilians can no longer join as a cyber warfare operator. Many original rules, such as retraining AFSC candidates have changed. Today, the USAF hand selects Airmen from the cyber transport system who show promise in succeeding in CWO – Cyber Warfare Operators.
Tech School
There are various technical schools you can attend on the way to a cyber defense operations job. You should know the length of time in each academy varies depending on which job you land. Also, the Air Force breaks downtime into units called “blocks”.
Dolan Hall: After basic, Dolan Hall is likely the first step you will take. Here you will learn very basic cyber technology information. This includes topics such as how computers function and, since you are in the Air Force, airport-related data. Primarily, you will learn memory-based information. This may be tricky if you are a tech-based person. Know, however, that you are not alone. You will have your classmates to share the hardships with. When you are struggling, try creating a study chatgroup, flashcards, Quizlet, ProProfs, etc. Remember you are in this together!
Thompson Hall: Thompson Hall is considered a higher educational place compared to Dolan. But, again, your level of learning and amount of time in each hall depends on which job you are slated for. It’s probable that you will learn about encryption, servers, virtual machines – accessing a second computer through your computer. No matter where you end-up, you will most likely dabble in the latter. In fact, most airmen find that they will spend an entire block to virtual machines.
Workshops: From time to time, you will be pulled out of your block to take a related workshop. Tread carefully here. Some instructors are lenient while others will make you retake the entire block before you can advance to the next level.
Air Force Cyber Security Positions
Each position in the Air Force has an AFSC (Air Force Specialty Code). Inside each code, you will note there’s an “x”. This “x” represents an additional number that will tell you which skill level you have. For example, if you are still in training, you may begin with the number 1, if you are experienced, your number might go up to 6, etc. Below is a breakdown of some of the divisions:
⦿ AFSC 1B4X1: If you enter this division, know that you will be split into two separate jobs: Offensive Cyber Operations (OCO) and Defensive Cyber Operations (DCO)
⦿ 3D: Cyberspace Support which is broken down as follows:
⦿ 3D0x1: Knowledge Operations Management
⦿ 3D0x2: Cyber Systems Operations or 3D033 Cyber careers field
⦿ 3D0X3: Cyber Surety[17] which includes COMSEC, EMSEC, and COMPUSEC
⦿ 3D190: Cyberspace Support Superintendent which, in 2015, has merged with 3D090
⦿ 17CX: Cyberspace Operations Commander
⦿ 17DX: Cyberspace Operations
⦿ 17SX: Cyberspace Warfare Operations Officer
⦿ 1B: Cyber Warfare
⦿ 1B4X1: Cyber Warfare Operations
Note: Each of these jobs varies. Your day-to-day will change depending on where you are placed and what your new base specializes in. Some of the popular locations include the Pentagon, Peterson Air Force Base, MacDill Air Force Base, and Lackland Air Force Base.
Specific Cyber Duties
Remember, even if you know your position, you will not fully know your duties until you are in your assigned base. But, of course, you are curious. Specific AFSC duties can entail providing core services such as designing, configuring, installing, and managing data for operating systems and server application levels; providing and utilizing IP addresses, domain name servers, storage area network, and electronic messages; managing and securing public key infrastructures such as PKI technologies; helping users and working with system settings using GPO; creating antivirus software; patching operating systems, and creating surety fixes; creating, testing, and maintaining local restoral and contingency operations; and much more!
Transferring to the US Army
While you have access to many different cybersecurity and cyber defense operations jobs in the Air Force, there is no guarantee of getting a job in this field. However, if you enter the Army, the MOS 17C is promised to new recruits as long as they pass their training education. If you have not enlisted, consider the Army. If you have, however, and can’t make your way to the cybersecurity or the cyber defense operations division, you can ask for a transfer. It’s important to know that this is not an easy task. It can take years to reach your goal.
The first thing you must do is ask for an early release, with the intent of transferring. Then contact the Army to see if you are needed. The best place to be is finding that your current division does not need you and the branch you want to transfer to does. Note though, if you are in the Air Force, Army recruiters are legally not permitted to talk to you. Thus, this is a tricky road that can prove frustrating. But, with the right ambition, it is possible.
Do you want to join Cybersecurity units at the Army? Read more about it on the Army Cybersecurity page.
Careers After the Military
Even if you do not obtain your cyber dream job, know that if you are able to secure any position in a similar field and continue to educate yourself in cybersecurity, you can land yourself with a 6 figure salary after finishing your service.
Also, some United States Air Force jobs work with civilians. This will present opportunities to secure a job before your service is complete. Thus, keep your eyes peeled for future steps!
Want to Start a Career in The Air Force Cyber Security?
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