Cyber Operations Specialists (MOS 17C) are tasked with safeguarding Army intelligence and information.
They safeguard information by protecting digital data, maintaining security measures like firewalls, and introducing new cyber security.
Learn more about the role of an Army Cyber Operations Specialist (MOS 17C), including job duties, education, training, pay, and civilian job outlook.
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Table of Contents
Education, Qualifications, Training, and Duty Stations
Army Cyber Operations Specialists conduct defensive operations in order to protect data and networks.
Some operations are also classified as offensive, as 17C MOS may target and disrupt enemy network systems.
Related Article – Cyberspace Operations Officer: Pay, Training, And More
Education
In order to become an Army Cyber Operations Specialist, you must first meet the enlistment requirements of the U.S. Army.
Then, you need to take the Armed Serviced Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB).
The ASVAB is a series of tests that help determine what Military Occupation Specialty (MOS) is for you.
In order to become MOS 17C, you must complete a required ASVAB score of General Technical (GT): 110 and Skilled Technical (ST): 112.
Qualifications
Army Cyber Operations Specialists are experts with computers, data protection, and cyber security.
As a result, it helps to have an interest in the latest technology and network systems.
The Army also mentions that you need to have the ability to make quick decisions, multi-task, and perform well under pressure in order to succeed at MOS 17C.
It also helps to demonstrate self-discipline, confidence, and intelligence while performing job duties.
Training
All new recruits of the Army begin Basic Combat Training to learn the ropes of what it takes to exist in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Basic Combat Training, or boot camp, is 10 weeks.
Following the completion of BCT, you will transition into Advanced Individual Training (AIT).
AIT is where you begin to learn the job duties of an Army Cyber Operations Specialist (MOS 17C).
AIT for MOS 17C is incredibly extensive, with the first stint at Corry Station, Florida (training lasts 25 weeks).
Then, you spend an additional 20 weeks training in Fort Gordon, Georgia.
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Duty Stations
Those serving in the Army in MOS 17C can expect to be potentially based at one of the following duty stations, although these aren’t the only locations for this MOS:
Inside the Continental US (CONUS)
- Ft. Gordon, GA
- Ft. Huachuca, AZ
Outside the Continental US (OCONUS)
- USAG Hawaii
What does an Army Cyber Operations Specialist Do?
Army Cyber Operations Specialists employ a combination of offensive and defensive strategies for cyber warfare.
As more information and operations move to a digital environment, the role of 17C MOS is becoming increasingly important.
Safeguarding Army Intelligence
The U.S. Army depends on an Army Cyber Operations Specialist (MOS 17C) to protect its digital interests.
As a result, part of the job requires defensive operations where you protect data, networks, net-centric capabilities, and other designated systems.
In a defensive role, you are responsible for detecting, identifying, and responding to attacks against friendly networks.
The goal is to evaluate network defense operations and respond accordingly.
Specialists also use defense tools such as firewalls to protect national interests.
Offensive Strategies
Your job duties also include the need to “conduct integrated and synchronized offensive cyberspace operations by targeting enemy and hostile adversary activities and capabilities”, according to the Army.
You may perform surveillance or reconnaissance actions on specified systems and networks.
Army Cyber Operations Specialists respond to incidents in cyberspace and sometimes respond with their own offensive attacks.
A large part of working in 17C MOS requires the ability to think independently as you collect, analyze, and report digital data to superiors.
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What does an Army Cyber Operations Specialist make?
Even though Army Cyber Operations Specialists work a very sophisticated and demanding job in the U.S. Military, the pay is no different from any other MOS.
Consequently, the pay for Army Cyber Operations Specialists is dictated based on Army rank and years of service:
| Insignia | Pay Grade | Rank | Abbreviation | Minimum Monthly Pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-1 +4 months | Private | PVT | $1,917.60 | |
 | E-2 | Private Second Class | PV2 | $2,149.20 |
 | E-3 | Private First Class | PFC | $2,259.90 |
 | E-4 | Specialist | SPC | $2,503.50 |
 | E-4 | Corporal | CPL | $2,503.50 |
 | E-5 | Sergeant | SGT | $2,730.30 |
 | E-6 | Staff Sergeant | SSG | $2,980.50 |
 | E-7 | Sergeant First Class | SFC | $3,445.80 |
 | E-8 | Master Sergeant | MSG | $4,957.20 |
 | E-8 | First Sergeant | 1SG | $4,957.20 |
 | E-9 | Sergeant Major | SGM | $6,055.50 |
 | E-9 | Command Sergeant Major | CSM | $6,055.50 |
 | E-9 | Sergeant Major of the Army | SMA | $6,055.50 |
Benefits
There are multiple benefits to joining the U.S. Army in addition to your monthly paycheck:
- Medical Insurance
- Vacation Time
- Special Pay
- Retirement
- Education: Army members can earn full tuition, merit-based scholarships, allowances for books and fees, plus an annual stipend for living expenses.
- Housing: Allowances for living expenses, utilities, and maintenance.
- Food: Allowance for the on-base dining hall and access to tax-free department and grocery stores.
Job Reviews
The future for an Army Cyber Operations Specialist (MOS 17C) is exceptionally bright.
There are a ton of new job postings for cyber operations specialists across the nation.
Since the MOS is still relatively new within the U.S. Army, there are very few job reviews specific to working as an Army Cyber Operations Specialist.
Related Article – Army Cyber Network Defender (MOS 25D)
Civilian Job Opportunities
An Army Cyber Operations Specialist (MOS 17C) has multiple opportunities to find a civilian career after leaving the military.
A 17C MOS has the option of continuing to work for the U.S. government in cyber security or joining a global security company.
The Department of Homeland Security, NSA, FBI, and CIA all have a need to fill positions related to cyber security.
Additionally, Lockheed Martin Corporation and Northrop Grumman Corporation are just two examples of major companies that frequently employ military specialists after leaving the Army.
You will receive several industry-leading certifications during training for MOS 17C.
These include CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and CISCO Certified Networking Associate (CCNA).
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is AIT for cyber security?
Advanced Individual Training (AIT) for MOS 17C is scheduled in two phases: first, 25 weeks of training in Florida, then 20 weeks in Georgia.
What ASVAB scores do you need for MOS 17C cyber security?
To qualify as an MOS 17C, you need ASVAB scores of 110 in General Technical (GT) and 112 in Skilled Technical (ST).
How much does an MOS 17C make?
The pay for Army Cyber Operations Specialists is dictated based on Army rank and years of service. However, as these skills are in high demand, the Army frequently offers special pay and retention bonuses.
What jobs can 17C MOS get after the Army?
Specialists in 17C MOS have the option of continuing to work for the U.S. government in cyber security or joining a global company in a security capacity.
Summary
Becoming a Cyber Operations Specialist is an increasingly important role within the U.S. Army.
Furthermore, the civilian job outlook is extremely bright following your conclusion in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Resources:
- https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/brohttps://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/browse-career-and-job-categories/computers-and-technology/cyber-operations-specialist.html
- https://www.indeed.com/q-Cyberspace-Operations-Specialist-jobs.html
Born and raised in Woodbridge, NJ, he graduated from the New Jersey Institute Of Technology with an MBA in eCommerce.His hobbies include beach volleyball, target shooting, and lifting.
Rob is also a Commercially rated pilot and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), with over 1,500 hours of flight time.
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