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How can I work in Cybersecurity for the government or military, and is it better than working for a private company?
I'm a currently a senior in highschool, I have taken AP Networking and I am currently taking AP Cybersecurity. I learned, through the recruitment officers that came to my school, that all the major branches of military have a cybersecurity program, and I am interested in learning what training or qualifications I'd need to join. I'd also like to know if I would be better off working for a private company instead of the military or government.
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Daniel Kayode’s Answer
Both options are very good. What is important is career fulfilment. Where you decide to work solely depends on what you're planning to achieve. However, the first basic step is search for universities that offers Cybersecurity degrees. This already gives you the foundation you need to become an expert in Cybersecurity. Choose your area and enroll for certifications. Use the opportunity made available by ROTC for study finance if you choose the military path.
I believe with this, you're good to go.
I believe with this, you're good to go.
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Calvin’s Answer
Hi Jesse,
I don't want to repeat what others have said, but I want to share a recent experience. My son faced a similar decision and chose to join the Navy. It gave him the training he needed and a security clearance. When he finishes, he'll be in a great spot to work with the government. Any military branch can set you up for success if you're interested in that path.
I don't want to repeat what others have said, but I want to share a recent experience. My son faced a similar decision and chose to join the Navy. It gave him the training he needed and a security clearance. When he finishes, he'll be in a great spot to work with the government. Any military branch can set you up for success if you're interested in that path.
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Muhammad’s Answer
Many government and almost all military cybersecurity jobs require a security clearance. The easiest way to get both a security clearance and the training & experience you'd need to get those jobs is to enlist in the military, with a guarantee of the cybersecurity job you want written in your enlistment contact BEFORE you leave for boot camp (extremely important). You don't usually need qualifications or training before you enlist; they will provide you all the training you'll need for your job after you graduate boot camp. You'll get more hands on experience as an enlisted military service member than as an officer, and you'll also get education benefits that will pay for your college and contractor certifications while you're enlisted and after you leave active duty.
It is possible to get hired as a government employee or contractor position that requires a clearance, when you don't already have over. However, that's uncommon and usually only happens when a candidate has needed skills or qualifications that applicants with a clearance are lacking. And, that is almost never the case with every level positions.
It is possible to get hired as a government employee or contractor position that requires a clearance, when you don't already have over. However, that's uncommon and usually only happens when a candidate has needed skills or qualifications that applicants with a clearance are lacking. And, that is almost never the case with every level positions.
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David’s Answer
I work in cybersecurity for a private company that contracts with the military. Although I have never been in the military, many of my coworkers have, which often helps with getting a security clearance. I took a different path.
I started in a company's federal division with a public trust clearance, allowing me to handle personal information like addresses and social security numbers. After two years of hard work, I moved from a help desk role to a Windows server administrator. The company then invested in me getting a clearance, which can be costly, ranging from $20,000 to $120,000 depending on the level.
The company sponsored me for a Top Secret Clearance, which helped me enter the defense industry. I also pursued industry-recognized certifications. I began with Network+ to understand cybersecurity infrastructure, then earned Security+, CISSP, CISM, CCSP, and PenTest+. These certifications are important for certain positions or system access in the Department of Defense.
You don't need all of these certifications. I have many because I'm self-taught and enjoy learning. At a minimum, consider getting Security+. Decide what interests you: CCSP is for cloud security, PenTest+ is for ethical hacking, and eJPT is another beginner cert for red-teaming. Avoid CEH, as it isn't well respected in the cyber community. CISSP and CISM focus on cybersecurity and risk management.
To learn more about certifications, check out DoD 8140 (formerly DoD 8570). The DoD 8140 Qualification Matrix can guide you on which certifications are needed for different roles.
(https://www.cyber.mil/dod-workforce-innovation-directorate/dod8140/qualification-matrices)
For your first clearance, consider an internship, as some of my coworkers did. You can also gain experience in federal organizations to understand how large federal and military organizations operate.
Choosing the best path depends on your goals. For job stability and benefits, consider a military or government civilian role. For higher earnings, the private sector with a defense contractor might be better. Keep in mind that contractor positions are temporary, with contracts often re-bid every five years. If your company loses a contract, you can usually move to the company that wins the new bid. But it is still less stable than a government civilian position.
Get Security+ certification
Find an internship or position at a defense contractor, even if it just help desk, you will learn valuble people skills and technical troubleshooting.
I started in a company's federal division with a public trust clearance, allowing me to handle personal information like addresses and social security numbers. After two years of hard work, I moved from a help desk role to a Windows server administrator. The company then invested in me getting a clearance, which can be costly, ranging from $20,000 to $120,000 depending on the level.
The company sponsored me for a Top Secret Clearance, which helped me enter the defense industry. I also pursued industry-recognized certifications. I began with Network+ to understand cybersecurity infrastructure, then earned Security+, CISSP, CISM, CCSP, and PenTest+. These certifications are important for certain positions or system access in the Department of Defense.
You don't need all of these certifications. I have many because I'm self-taught and enjoy learning. At a minimum, consider getting Security+. Decide what interests you: CCSP is for cloud security, PenTest+ is for ethical hacking, and eJPT is another beginner cert for red-teaming. Avoid CEH, as it isn't well respected in the cyber community. CISSP and CISM focus on cybersecurity and risk management.
To learn more about certifications, check out DoD 8140 (formerly DoD 8570). The DoD 8140 Qualification Matrix can guide you on which certifications are needed for different roles.
(https://www.cyber.mil/dod-workforce-innovation-directorate/dod8140/qualification-matrices)
For your first clearance, consider an internship, as some of my coworkers did. You can also gain experience in federal organizations to understand how large federal and military organizations operate.
Choosing the best path depends on your goals. For job stability and benefits, consider a military or government civilian role. For higher earnings, the private sector with a defense contractor might be better. Keep in mind that contractor positions are temporary, with contracts often re-bid every five years. If your company loses a contract, you can usually move to the company that wins the new bid. But it is still less stable than a government civilian position.
David recommends the following next steps:
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Kent’s Answer
Hi Jesse, it's great that you're interested in government and military cyber work. Here's a straightforward plan for you:
1. Consider Military Branches: Look into joining a military branch focused on cybersecurity, like the Air Force, Navy, or Space Force.
2. Decide on Enlistment or College: You can enlist right after high school or go to college first and join as an officer. Enlisting gets you into cyber work faster, but being an officer offers more opportunities and benefits.
3. Understand Training and Clearance: Military service provides necessary training and security clearance, all covered financially.
4. My Advice: If I could start over, I'd aim for college and then join the military as an officer. Here's how:
- Choose a university with a strong cybersecurity program.
- Ensure the school has an ROTC program to help pay for your degree.
- Committing to ROTC means serving in the military after graduation, but it sets you up for leadership roles and better retirement benefits if you stay long-term.
5. Research Schools and Programs: Look into universities with cybersecurity programs and talk to ROTC representatives to understand your options.
I hope this helps you make an informed decision.
1. Consider Military Branches: Look into joining a military branch focused on cybersecurity, like the Air Force, Navy, or Space Force.
2. Decide on Enlistment or College: You can enlist right after high school or go to college first and join as an officer. Enlisting gets you into cyber work faster, but being an officer offers more opportunities and benefits.
3. Understand Training and Clearance: Military service provides necessary training and security clearance, all covered financially.
4. My Advice: If I could start over, I'd aim for college and then join the military as an officer. Here's how:
- Choose a university with a strong cybersecurity program.
- Ensure the school has an ROTC program to help pay for your degree.
- Committing to ROTC means serving in the military after graduation, but it sets you up for leadership roles and better retirement benefits if you stay long-term.
5. Research Schools and Programs: Look into universities with cybersecurity programs and talk to ROTC representatives to understand your options.
I hope this helps you make an informed decision.
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Geoffrey L’s Answer
Serving in the military is one of the most streamlined ways to enter the IT field. I served as a 25B Information Systems Technology Specialist, a role responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, and managing military computer systems, networks, hardware, and software. This position provides essential experience in technical support, network administration, security, and programming—all of which require strong technical aptitude and, at a minimum, eligibility for a secret security clearance.
Acquiring a security clearance is extremely valuable in the civilian sector due to the high costs associated with the investigation process. A standard Tier 3 (Secret) investigation costs the government approximately $420, while a Tier 5 investigation can exceed $5,000. Because private companies often face even higher costs, holding a clearance prior to applying makes you a high-value candidate for lucrative government and civilian positions.
Additionally, the military provides key benefits to enhance your resume, without incurring the ever rising costs of pursuing higher education at a college or university. Most 25B roles require industry-recognized certifications such as Network+, Security+, and CCNA to work on government systems. As you progress, higher-level credentials like CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) and others can be earned. CISSP is widely considered the "gold standard" in the IT industry and allow soldiers to pursue high-paying careers after their service. Many also choose to work in the federal or civilian sectors concurrently by serving part-time in the Army Reserve or National Guard. Within the first three to four years of service, most soldiers in IT MOSs gain multiple years of hands-on experience and several professional certifications.
Acquiring a security clearance is extremely valuable in the civilian sector due to the high costs associated with the investigation process. A standard Tier 3 (Secret) investigation costs the government approximately $420, while a Tier 5 investigation can exceed $5,000. Because private companies often face even higher costs, holding a clearance prior to applying makes you a high-value candidate for lucrative government and civilian positions.
Additionally, the military provides key benefits to enhance your resume, without incurring the ever rising costs of pursuing higher education at a college or university. Most 25B roles require industry-recognized certifications such as Network+, Security+, and CCNA to work on government systems. As you progress, higher-level credentials like CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) and others can be earned. CISSP is widely considered the "gold standard" in the IT industry and allow soldiers to pursue high-paying careers after their service. Many also choose to work in the federal or civilian sectors concurrently by serving part-time in the Army Reserve or National Guard. Within the first three to four years of service, most soldiers in IT MOSs gain multiple years of hands-on experience and several professional certifications.