Cyber in the North Dakota Army National Guard
In the cyber realm, anonymous attacks occur at near-light speed every day. Here, the Guard’s growing cyber force fights on the frontlines of this digital domain. Cyber Soldiers are trained to execute offensive cyberspace operations, conduct computer network defense, and detect malicious activity on the electromagnetic battlefield, using advanced military networks and cyber weapon systems.
Cyber Soldiers learn skills that make them immensely valuable in the civilian sector, which may include certifications in networks, security and ethical hacking. These elite Soldiers dominate the fiber-optic fight and keep cyber threats at bay.
Enlisted MOS Options
17C Cyber Operations Specialist
OVERVIEW
Cyber Operations Specialists execute defensive and offensive cyberspace operations (DCO and OCO). Cyber Operations Specialists ensure the freedom of maneuver within the cyberspace domain and deny the same to adversaries.
JOB DUTIES
- Perform cyber attacks/defenses
- Perform cyber intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance actions on specified systems and networks
- Conduct network terrain audits, penetration testing, basic digital forensics data analysis, and software threat analysis
- React to cyberspace events, employ cyberspace defense infrastructure capabilities, collect basic digital forensics data, provide incident response impact assessments and produce network security posture assessments
REQUIREMENTS
Those who wish to serve must first take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), a series of tests that helps you better understand your strengths and identify which Army National Guard jobs are best for you.
TRAINING
Job training for a Cyber Operations Specialist requires completing 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and 36 weeks of Advanced Individual Training (AIT) in Fort Gordon, GA.
Some of the skills you’ll learn are:
- Conducting defensive cyberspace operations
- Conducting offensive cyberspace operations
- Analyzing information
REQUIRED ASVAB SCORE(S)
- General Technical (GT) : 110
- Skilled Technical (ST) : 112
Learn more about the ASVAB.
HELPFUL SKILLS
- Self-discipline, confidence and intelligence
- Physical and mental fitness to perform under pressure
- Ability to make quick decisions
- Capability to bear numerous responsibilities
COMPENSATION
Total compensation includes housing, medical, food, special pay and vacation time. Learn more about total compensation.
EDUCATION BENEFITS
In the Army National Guard, qualified students can earn full-tuition, merit-based scholarships; allowances for books and fees; and an annual stipend for living expenses. Learn more about education benefits.
FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERS
The skills you learn will help prepare you for a career in certain government agencies, as well as jobs in private electronic/communication companies.
25D Telecommunications Operator-Maintainer
OVERVIEW
The Telecommunications Operator-Maintainer performs specialized computer network defense duties, including infrastructure support, incident response, auditing and managing. The Cyber Network Defender also protects against and detects unauthorized activity in the cyberspace domain and uses a variety of tools to analyze and respond to attacks.
JOB DUTIES
- Test, implement and deploy infrastructure hardware and software
- Respond to crisis or urgent situations within the network to mitigate immediate and potential cyber threats
- Use defensive measures and information collected from a variety of sources to identify, analyze and report events that occur or might occur within the network in order to protect information, information systems and networks from threats
- Provide detailed analysis reports as necessary
- Use mitigation, preparedness, and response and recovery approaches as needed
- Conduct assessments of threats and vulnerabilities
REQUIREMENTS
In order to qualify as a Telecommunications Operator-Maintainer, the successful candidate must have:
- An SSG, MOS immaterial, with at least four years of experience in IA and IT; this experience must be verified by the personnel development officer
- Top Secret security clearance
Contact your recruiter for additional requirements.
TRAINING
Job training for a Telecommunications Operator-Maintainer is conducted under the auspices of the USA Signal School at Fort Gordon, GA. Training will last 14 weeks at Fort Gordon, GA and will be both in the classroom and hands-on. Contact your commanding officer for inquiries regarding waivers.
Some of the skills you’ll learn are:
- Conducting defensive cyberspace operations
- Conducting offensive cyberspace operations
- Analyzing information
HELPFUL SKILLS
- Self-discipline, confidence and intelligence
- Physical and mental fitness to perform under pressure
- Ability to make quick decisions
- Capability to bear numerous responsibilities
REQUIRED ASVAB SCORE(S)
- General Technical (GT) : 105
- Skilled Technical (ST) : 105
Learn more about the ASVAB and see what jobs you could qualify for.
COMPENSATION
Total compensation includes housing, medical, food, special pay and vacation time. Learn more about total compensation.
EDUCATION BENEFITS
In the Army National Guard, qualified students can earn full-tuition, merit-based scholarships; allowances for books and fees; and an annual stipend for living expenses. Learn more about education benefits.
FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERS
The skills you learn will help prepare you for a career in certain government agencies, as well as jobs in private electronic/communication companies.
17E Electronic Warfare Specialist
OVERVIEW
The Electronic Warfare Specialist advises and assists the commander on electronic warfare operations. This person makes use of electromagnetic and directed energy to control the electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) and defeat the enemy through planning, coordination, integration, and execution of electronic attack (EA), electronic protection (EP), and electronic support (ES).
JOB DUTIES
- Plan and execute electronic warfare operations
- Target adversaries’ electronic systems
- Defeat adversaries’ electronic systems
REQUIREMENTS
Those who want to serve must first take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), a series of tests that helps you better understand your strengths and identify which Army National Guard jobs are best for you.
TRAINING
Job training for an Electronic Warfare Specialist requires 28 weeks and 4 days of Advanced Individual Training at Fort Gordon, GA. Part of this time is spent in the classroom and part takes place in the field with on-the-job instruction.
Some of the skills you’ll learn are:
- Radio wave theory
- Planning and execution of electronic warfare operations
- Determining proper frequencies
HELPFUL SKILLS
- Ability to work as a team member
- Ability to perform strenuous physical activities
- Interest in computers and technology
REQUIRED ASVAB SCORE(S)
- Surveillance & Communications (SC): 100
- Electronics (EL): 100
- Skilled Technical (ST): 100
COMPENSATION
Total compensation includes housing, medical, food, special pay and vacation time.
EDUCATION BENEFITS
In the Army National Guard, qualified students can earn full-tuition, merit-based scholarships; allowances for books and fees; and an annual stipend for living expenses.
FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERS
The skills you learn will help prepare you for a career in certain government agencies, as well as jobs in private electronic/communication companies.
17Z Cyberspace And Electromagnetic Activities (Cema) Senior Sergeant
OVERVIEW
A Cyberspace and Electromagnetic Activities (CEMA) Senior Sergeant provides leadership and tactical advice to command and staff on all aspects of offensive and defensive CEMA warfare operations. They also mentor and provide leadership to subordinate Soldiers under their command.
JOB DUTIES
- Facilitates capabilities in area of operations and between services
- Develop strategic concepts and operations
- Serve as liaison with Army commands
- Serve on national strategic panels, committees and work groups
TRAINING
The path to becoming a CEMA Senior Sergeant typically begins with enlistment as a 17C, 25D or 17E, which require 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and between nine and 14 weeks of Advanced Individual Training.
HELPFUL SKILLS
- Strategic thinking abilities
- Ability to lead and work with others at a high level and with other services
- Experience and interest in CEMA at a high level
- Critical analysis abilities
FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERS
The skills used in the CEMA are highly sought-after by telecommunications, computer and software industries in government and private business.
Officer MOS Options
17A Cyber Operations Officer
OVERVIEW
Cyber branch is a maneuver branch with the mission to conduct defensive and offensive cyberspace operations (DCO and OCO). Cyber is the only branch designed to engage threats directly within the cyberspace domain. Cyber Operations Officers analyze and problem-solve cyber threats, report to commanders, and lead and mentor subordinate Soldiers.
JOB DUTIES
- Lead, plan and direct both defensive and offensive cyberspace maneuvers and effects operations in and through the cyberspace domain
- Conduct OCO by using cyber capabilities in and through cyberspace to target and neutralize threats
- Conduct DCO by protecting data, networks, net-centric capabilities and other designated systems through detection, identification and response actions to attacks against friendly networks
- Execute mission command of cyber maneuver forces during DCO and OCO missions in support of joint and combined arms operations
REQUIREMENTS
Those who wish to serve must first take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), a series of tests that helps you better understand your strengths and identify which Army National Guard jobs are best for you.
Applicants must have a Bachelor of Science or higher degree in electrical engineering, computer science, computer engineering, information systems, information assurance/cyber security or mathematics.
TRAINING
Job training for a cyber operations officer requires completing the Cyber Basic Officer Leaders Course (CBOLC). Part of this time is spent in the classroom, and part takes place in the field.
Some of the skills you’ll learn are:
- Leading a team in cyber operations
- Analyzing information
- Preparing technical products
HELPFUL SKILLS
- Self-discipline, confidence and intelligence
- Physical and mental fitness to perform under pressure
- Ability to make quick decisions
- Capability to bear numerous responsibilities
FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERS
The skills you learn will help prepare you for a career in certain government agencies as well as jobs in private electronic/communication companies.
17B Cyber And Electronic Warfare Officer
OVERVIEW
The Cyber and Electronic Warfare Officer is the principal staff officer responsible for cyber protection and integration. This officer is responsible for conducting and coordinating electronic attacks, facilitating electronic protection, and providing electronic warfare support.
JOB DUTIES
- Planning and execution of electronic warfare operations
- Coordinating the attachment of specialized electronic warfare teams
- Deny, disrupt, deceive, degrade or destroy enemy electronic warfare capabilities
REQUIREMENTS
Those who want to serve must first take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, a series of tests that helps you better understand your strengths and identify which Army jobs are best for you.
TRAINING
Job training for a Cyber and Electronic Warfare Officer requires completing the Electronic Warfare Officer Qualification Course. Part of this time is spent in the classroom, and part takes place in the field.
Some of the skills you’ll learn are:
- Radio wave theory
- Planning and execution of Electronic Warfare operations
- Determining proper frequencies
HELPFUL SKILLS
- Ability to work as a team member
- Capability to bear numerous responsibilities
- Interest in computers and technology
FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERS
The skills you learn will help prepare you for a career in certain government agencies, as well as jobs in private electronic/communication companies.
Warrant Officer MOS Options
170A Cyber Operations Technician
JOB DUTIES
- Perform as the subject matter expert and advisor to the commander and staff regarding the employment of offensive and defensive cyber operations assets and personnel
- Direct, plan, administer, manage, integrate and assess cyberspace operations
- Develop policy recommendations and provide technical guidance regarding the operation and management of Army National Guard, joint intergovernmental, interagency and multi-national cyberspace assets and personnel
- Integrate cyberspace effects into warfighting functions in an effort to optimize combat effectiveness
- Protect the Department of Defense Information Network against foreign and domestic threat vectors in order to maintain network integrity and functionality
- Lead, train and mentor cyber personnel through individual and group instruction, and the establishment, direction and evaluation of standard operating procedures (SOP) and job qualification standards
MINIMUM PREREQUISITES
- Be an SGT (E5) or above.
- Be a BLC graduate.
- Hold a current IAT/IAM Level 2 certification (e.g., Security).
- Currently hold an adjudicated TS/SCI security clearance; failure to retain an adjudicated TS/SCI clearance by precludes you from attending WOBC and holding the MOS 170A (no waivers).
- Have practical experience in cyberspace operations in a cyber mission force certified work role, cyber security/computer network defense (CS/CND) or equivalent civilian experience.
Practical experience may be documented through NCO evaluation reports and award citations.
In some instances, practical experience acquired from civilian employment may be acceptable, provided the experience can be documented by employee evaluations or performance appraisals and determined to be equivalent to military experience.
- Have a minimum of three years of rated time documented in NCOERs; this is the minimum prerequisite; all NCOERs must be submitted for consideration.
Majority of NCOERs must reflect outstanding and exceptional duty performance ratings noted with “among the best” and “excellence” ratings by the rater and top (1) “successful” and “superior” ratings by the senior rater.
USAR and ARNG may request a waiver for NCOER time, but must provide civilian performance appraisals in conjunction with their NCOERs or in lieu of not having NCOERs (SPC/E4 only).
- Have a letter of recommendation (LOR) from a senior warrant officer (CW3-CW5); it is preferred that the letter comes from a senior cyber warrant officer; in the absence of an available senior 170 series cyber operations technician, the cyber proponent will accept a senior 255 or 352 series SWO LOR (CW3-CW5), as long as the recommendation is specifically written for the applicant to be a 170A (no waivers).
- Have taken the complete Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) with all categories and earned 12-grade level (12.9) scores in Reading, Total Math and Language (applicants with associate, bachelor’s or master’s degrees meet this requirement and do not have to take the TABE).
- Have completed a minimum of six semester hours of college composition (English 100 and English 101 or equivalent English courses are the only accepted college courses) from an accredited academic institution; (speech and public speaking courses do not meet this requirement, even if administered by the English department of an institution; successful completion of the CLEP College Composition examination- (not composition modular) -or an associates degree or higher is the only acceptable alternative.
Applicants with Reserve Component time must submit official documentation in order to compute the length of Active Federal Service; documentation may be a DA Form 1506 (i.e., Statement of Service), an official memorandum (on unit letterhead) signed by the unit S-1 or similar documentation (e.g., RPAM statement).
PREFERRED PREREQUISITES
- Be an ALC graduate.
- Hold an associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
NOTE 1: Although not requirements or prerequisites, technical certifications and National Cryptologic School credit also add great weight to the overall strength of the packet and should be cited in the resume and included in the packet. A few examples include CASP, CEH, CISSP, CCNA and MCSE.
NOTE 2: Applicants from other military services (Air Force, Marine Corps, and Navy) who can substantiate their qualifications with performance evaluations, awards and certificates are encouraged to apply for MOS 170A. Please contact the proponent POC below only for questions regarding any qualifications. Address all other inquiries to the Warrant Officer Recruiting Branch: wo-team@usarec.army.mil.
NOTE 3: Waiver requests for SPC/E4s and/or for the minimum of three NCOERs will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Such waivers will be considered if the candidate has documented comparable managerial or leadership experience in the government service and/or civilian sector.
NOTE 4: Any waiverable prerequisites not met will require a prerequisite waiver to be approved by proponent. Be advised that submitting a prerequisite waiver does not constitute automatic approval.
170B Electronic Warfare Technician
OVERVIEW
An Electronic Warfare Technician is the expert in assessing, evaluating, reporting on and responding to cyber threats. This leader strategizes and leads the direct team in the EW theater.
JOB DUTIES
- Organize, implement, monitor and evaluate EW operations, threat environment, unit maintenance and intermediate level support maintenance of EW systems
- Provide advice on technical and tactical employment of all assigned EW systems and tasked or requested non-organic EW systems to include EA, ES and EP activities
- Develop, publish and update EW Operations SOP incorporating current TTP
- Develop and integrate measures of performance and measures of effectiveness criteria to determine EW battle damage assessment, re-engagement criteria and alternate methods of engagement
- Provide input and updates to S6 for joint restricted frequency list (JRFL) validation and employment to include spectrum deconfliction and frequency management
- Implement spectrum interference reporting criteria and resolution tracking as received from higher headquarters
- Recommend the use of ES for immediate target prosecution and triggering criteria and EP measures to provide resolution
- Analyze atmospheric effects on tactical EW operations
- Evaluate the technical and tactical operations of subordinate EW sections
- Develop and implement brigade emission control (EMCON) procedures, which includes staff coordination and SOP change publishing
- Integrate proper prevention, security and safety procedures into EW operations
- Establish tactics, techniques and procedures for operations in a contested EW environment; in coordination with S2/S6, identify emerging EW threats or trends and develop mitigation measures to overcome new adversarial EW actions
- Disseminate and monitor compliance with updated CREW load sets to assigned EW entities as issued by the Electronic Warfare Cell (EWC)
- Assist with technical and tactical information in order to develop and implement Appendix 12 to Annex C of the Operations Order; provide input and refinement to the S2 for the enemy tactical EW order of battle (OB) and applicable appendices to Annex B of the operations order
- Function as the liaison for subordinate EW entities to higher headquarters EWCC for EW requests for support
- Assist with technical and tactical information in order to develop and implement the routine EW training plan for EW system operators and staff sections involved in planning EW integration; perform EW training for leaders, including the command group and key staff
- Provide EW input to the intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) synchronization meeting; operations and intelligence (O&I) working group; and targeting/planning meetings
- Prioritize EW requests and operations with subordinate units and requests for support from higher headquarters
- Serve as the key facilitator for EW and cyber electromagnetic activities (CEMA) Working Groups
- Monitor and maintain EW running estimates
- Resolve EA conflicts with the S2 in intelligence gain-loss considerations
- Update and disseminate changes to the enemy tactical EW OB to include associated targeting information and necessary intelligence generation
- Develop and mentor EW Specialists, ASI 1J and ASI 1K Soldiers
REQUIREMENTS
This is an accession rank requiring an MOS of 17E or other EW-related training or experience in other services or experience comparable to ASI 1J or 1K. Must also complete the Electronic Warfare Technician Warrant Officer Basic Course.
HELPFUL SKILLS
- Must be an expert in Electronic Warfare
- Ability to perform under pressure
- Able to manage multiple projects simultaneously
- Think critically and creatively
- Work with subordinates and commanders
FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERS
Cyber professionals who possess the skills of an EW professional are highly sought-after in the government and private sector.
170D Cyber Capabilities Developer Technician
OVERVIEW
The Cyber Capabilities Developer Technician is responsible for offensive and defensive cyberspace operations and for developing programs that defend our nation’s cybersecurity structure.
JOB DUTIES
- Provide oversight and direction to subordinate technicians and Soldiers
- Decompose projects into components that can be assigned to basic-level Cyber Capabilities Developer Technicians
- Complete assigned tasks and modules, as required and assigned
REQUIREMENTS
- Be proficient in the C and Python programming languages at an intermediate level.
- Have a basic understanding of data structures, algorithms, object-oriented programming, secure design, operating systems, x86 assembly and SQL.
- Have senior-level expertise within a specialized focus area and be responsible for the direction of a project within this specialty. The specialty areas are Unix access capabilities, Windows access capabilities, RF access capabilities, network architecture and applications, Unix persistence capabilities, Windows persistence capabilities, embedded capabilities and other areas (e.g., data science and machine learning).
FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERS
Cyber professionals who possess programming skills in these areas are highly sought-after in the government and private sector.
