Cyber Operations Help

Looking to cross train into "Cyberspace Defense Operations", Air Force Enlisted Job Descriptions

I've linked the job description and was really wondering what certifications I should focus on? I'm enrolled at AMU with my BS in Information Systems Security. I'm currently taking the Security+ exam on the 9th of April and hope to expand from their and build my IT resume.

I'm working in the computer room at our base now doing small repair work, re-imaging, email problems, etc...so at least I'm getting hands on.

I've been told to start learning Unix/Linux and programming code. I'd also think that network+ would be a good starter certificate to have along with CCNA Security or routing and switching?

I appreciate all the help!!!!

James

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Comments

nelson8403

On top of basic Linux knowledge try setting up a syslog server and firewall and get used to reading logs, CCNA Security looks like it could be helpful, perhaps go the CCENT, CCNA R&S, CCNA Security if you have time.

jshookz

nelson8403 wrote: »

On top of basic Linux knowledge try setting up a syslog server and firewall and get used to reading logs, CCNA Security looks like it could be helpful, perhaps go the CCENT, CCNA R&S, CCNA Security if you have time.

Thanks for the advice. Any advice for learning linux from scratch, books/certifications? There has to be free virtual ware out there for me to work with so I don't have to spend $295 on a linux firewall haha

tahjzhuan

edX has a free intro to Linux course. Not sure if this helps.

jshookz

tahjzhuan wrote: »

edX has a free intro to Linux course. Not sure if this helps.

Anything helps!! Thank you!

the_Grinch

https://afvec.langley.af.mil/afvec/Public/COOL/ViewAFSC.aspx?AFSC=r%2bm8D3oKsHE%3d <---That should help you out.

My other suggestion would be to study a little, but know they will teach you everything you need know in Tech School.

Where abouts in Jersey are you?

jshookz

the_Grinch wrote: »

https://afvec.langley.af.mil/afvec/Public/COOL/ViewAFSC.aspx?AFSC=r%2bm8D3oKsHE%3d <---That should help you out.

My other suggestion would be to study a little, but know they will teach you everything you need know in Tech School.

Where abouts in Jersey are you?

Thanks Grinch! I'm in Burlington County, Joint Base MDL

the_Grinch

Ah ok, I know exactly where that is. I have a friend who works out of there (also in the Air Force), he's a load master. Also, look at the Navy COOLs for CTN. That is a bit more structured and shows you the certifications that they deem necessary for promotions.

jshookz

the_Grinch wrote: »

Ah ok, I know exactly where that is. I have a friend who works out of there (also in the Air Force), he's a load master. Also, look at the Navy COOLs for CTN. That is a bit more structured and shows you the certifications that they deem necessary for promotions.

Yeah that seems to be the route I'm going towards now. Get my Sec+, Net+, CCNA R&S/CCNA Security, and take linux courses for now.

YFZblu

-TCP/IP
-Linux
-Scripting = (Python or Perl) + Bash + Powershell. If you want even more understanding, start to look at C and x86 assembly later on

Sadly, many secops groups aren't very skilled. If you seek understanding with the above topics, you'll be better off than most.

SaSkiller

Watch this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AZ5JDbsKfE

and this thread:

1B4X1 cross train : AirForce

maybe more of these:

AirForce: search results

Long story short, CCNA, Security+, GCIH, linux. Maybe others but those are the ones I have seen named.

Phileeeeeeep651

When I was active duty Navy, as an IT we were automatically enrolled in Skillport. You should see if your command has a Skillport licence and see if you can get an account. It's not the greatest but there's a lot of free material, practice exams, etc. on there for CompTIA, Cisco and more. As far as learning Linux goes download VMWare player and install a version of Linux, I like CentOS, and just play around with it.

BlackBeret

Save your money, if you change jobs they'll send you to the school. The course will include a LOT of stuff and the SANS GCIH/GCIA depending on what your follow up assignment will be. The contractors in that position require Sec+ and CEH.

mstd0n

Granted the site is currently under maintenance, FedVTE has a ton of free in-depth video series on all things IT (ccna, a+, se+, c|eh, etc.)

FedVTE | National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies (NICCS)

Luie

BlackBeret wrote: »

Save your money, if you change jobs they'll send you to the school. The course will include a LOT of stuff and the SANS GCIH/GCIA depending on what your follow up assignment will be. The contractors in that position require Sec+ and CEH.

In all honesty, this is the correct answer - if you want to learn stuff ahead of time, more power to you, and it shows good initiative. But it may have little to no impact on if you can retrain, and may or may not be useful in your next job.

Source: 12 years as AF officer, including a year as comm squadron deputy commander at JB-MDL (2006).

kurosaki00

jshookz wrote: »

Thanks for the advice. Any advice for learning linux from scratch, books/certifications? There has to be free virtual ware out there for me to work with so I don't have to spend $295 on a linux firewall haha

I really liked the Soyinka Linux Admin book. Also, play with IP tables.

jshookz

Thanks for all the replies guys!!