DOD let you bypass boot camp if you are skilled at Cyber security

Ryan9764

I read an article where the Military let you bypass boot camp if you have skills in cyber security. I guess the military really desperate in finding people for cyber ops.I would do it but I am to crazy (literally) to join the military and they won't allow me. I can see some pros and cons about it. Pros that they get more people out in the field. Cons they won't be discipline to follow orders. They wouldn't know the standards for military. If they do let them bypass bootcamp, hopefully, they wont let them get a weapon no matter what. I just wanted get some people opinion.

boxerboy1168

Probably a quick path to the CIA and special programs units which may be a blast.

BlackBeret

You read an article where the Marine Corps was considering it, and after the blacklash they've recieved I doubt it happens. Keep in mind that ALL of the DoD components already have civilian employment positions that do not require any military experience or training. The problem they're having with filling these positions is that the pay is so low in comparison to the actual civilian market it's not worth it. I know contractors that leave for GS-13 positions and lose money because they want the extra training opportunities and stability, but for most it's better to stay working as a contractor. The NSA is doing it right by providing an additional STEM pay for those that work in the STEM fields, but it's still a PITA to try and apply and get hired on there. If the DoD components would get smart and offer the additional STEM pay they might get qualified candidates applying. Also, their "qualification" standards are garbage. "You have 20 years of military service taking out the trash, that's full-time federal experience, here's a GS-13 spot". "Oh, you've been working as a contractor for the past 6 years in the position we're hiring for? You don't have enough experience to fill the 11 spot, but if a GS-7 position opens you should reapply". Yes, I'm going to apply to a 40k job when I'm making almost 100 as a contractor... No thanks.

/end rant

kiki162

Some contracts have their limits on training money or simply don't have that budgeted in the contract. Yes, its a PITA to get hired there - or at any government agency for the most part unless you are prior or current military. Plus, the NSA likes the kids fresh out of school, thus the STEM pay.

Like BlackBeret referred to, if you have two ppl applying to the same government job, one has a few years of military experience (doesn't matter if it's in the same field) and you have another external candidate with all of the qualifications posted in the job, the military applicant will get the job regardless. Even if one person applied to a job that's open to the public (US Citizens) at a GS-13 level that required a Masters degree, but the person only had a Bachelor's + 15 years experience, nope....! I believe these hiring laws are somewhere within the 5 U.S.C. 2102 and 3319 of the US Code on that subject. Even if you DO get in, it can be good for job stability. However, unless you are really on the "front lines", doing something exciting, and working with competent people, what's the point? If you really want to "attract" top talent, they need to go beyond the "pay" and look at "continuous training" instead as a good substitute.

devilbones

boxerboy1168 wrote: »

Probably a quick path to the CIA and special programs units which may be a blast.

Probably not. They are looking for people with skills, it doesnt matter their background. Most people come from college/private sector not military. I dont think they even care if you have a clearance or not, they are going to conduct their own investigation anyway. I would say you have the same chance.

EnderWiggin

I haven't heard of skipping boot camp, but I have heard of them offering a spot as O4/E7 straight out of boot camp + officer school.

shimasensei

This is interesting...I'm assuming you just contact a recruiter to find out if you're eligible? And is this for the Marines only? How about the other branches?

the_Grinch

The Air Force talked about this for a period of time and after the backlash dropped it. Unless a fifth branch pops up you will never see the military have members who haven't been to bootcamp. Always remember you are a Soldier/Airmen/Marine/Seamen/Coastie? (this list was in no particular order) first and your job second.

Ryan9764

shimasensei wrote: »

This is interesting...I'm assuming you just contact a recruiter to find out if you're eligible? And is this for the Marines only? How about the other branches?

I think it is for any branch. I not 100% sure.

TechGuru80

More than likely the below article is what you read since that was the latest I've seen. As others have said, it's more of a proposed idea not something necessarily implemented.

Experts divided on value of Cyber National Guard | CSO Online

CCNTrainee

The Services hire Doctors and Lawyers to be Officers and don't have to attend OCS. But of course those type of billets aren't allowed to "command troops" since they were hired for their special skillset. I wouldn't be surprise this becomes a reality in the Cyber Ops realm when they are in much need of Cyber SMEs.

shimasensei

CCNTrainee wrote: »

The Services hire Doctors and Lawyers to be Officers and don't have to attend OCS. But of course those type of billets aren't allowed to "command troops" since they were hired for their special skillset. I wouldn't be surprise this becomes a reality in the Cyber Ops realm when they are in much need of Cyber SMEs.

Yup, it may actually be a good move if skilled and qualified InfoSec professionals are granted the same specialty designation as these. In addition to doctors and lawyers, If I'm not mistaken, I believe chaplains are also given this designation.

the_Grinch

Even direct commissioned officers still have to pass a physical and do PT. Shortcuts are never a good thing, if you're joining the military get in shape and get the job you want. I understand some people may have physical limitations that they were born with and there are other ways to serve. But if you happen to be overweight there are things that can be done that will allow you to be successful in the military. I've not served, but I know enough people in the military that I know that it wouldn't sit well if you have people in a unit who didn't go through the rituals everyone else has. In a combat situation it's a liability if someone isn't fit enough to keep themselves and members of their unit safe.

This is the same topic that comes up in law enforcement. At my agency we have Investigators and we have Detectives. Detectives go through the academy, carry a weapon, and have arrest authority. Investigators are sworn, but no weapon and no powers of arrest. Typically they are specialists and were hired for whatever skill they have. They can become Detectives, but have to go through the academy. As in the military, there are liabilities that have to be dealt with. Yes you might be a cyber detective, but that doesn't mean you won't serve warrants and have a suspect run from you. In situations that are fluid the last thing you want is to be concerned about whether another member of the team can keep up.