Top Secret achieved finally :)

DrB1986

Geeks,

Well yesterday I checked into the security office at my building in Norfolk, VA and found out I finally been cleared to a full TS which the investigation started during my time at the NMCI Hell desk for 9 long months. Anyways I plan on taking my net + (next month) and sec + (sept-oct) and was seeing if in yall's opinion will this make me more marketable especially those that work in the DoD/contactracting world?

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Xavor

DrB1986 wrote: »

...will this make me more marketable especially those that work in the DoD/contactracting world?

Yes, I know this firsthand. Having an SCI in addition is the best, but a regular TS will get you a job in the DC area.

Edit: Sec+ > Network+ for hiring due to the DoD 8570 requirements.

VikingWarlord

Being that half of what I see in the DC area calls for TS, I'd say you're in a great position. There are so many jobs for a rapidly decreasing number of people who actually hold a clearance that they usually pay a premium.

DrB1986

Xavor wrote: »

Yes, I know this firsthand. Having an SCI in addition is the best, but a regular TS will get you a job in the DC area.

Edit: Sec+ > Network+ for hiring due to the DoD 8570 requirements.

Yeah and I am currenly working on that and will have those soon, luckly my DoD contracting job with admin rights just needs me to have a A+ and MS cert, but once I have those I can easly go for a job that pays probably 50k plus and once I have my AS at least then a job maybe being a GS if I am lucky.

P.S. for net already have my cabling, ports, IPv4 and 6, OSI/DoD model and most of my protocols down, plus I can do basic subnetting

tpatt100

Telling people on the internet you got your Top Secret clearance is kinda funny lol.

Levithan

^^^^^^^^^^^ This...... I'm probably gonna get flamed for saying something but I'll go ahead anyways...

I've noticed that alot of people on this forum boast about their clearances, as if it makes them better than someone else who is in the normal job market.

I find it also somewhat puzzling how so many of these people are also talking about the net+, security+, and A+ certifications as if they're the holy grail of certs, and that people with such low levels of certification are holding positions of such considerable power and responsibility, in addition to receiving higher than average pay. In the real world, you'd get laughed at going to an interview for anything higher than help desk with these certs.

I know and realize that certification isn't the end all, but I'd like to hope that people who are working for a higher governmental authority are actually knowledgeable and really qualified to do the job that they are doing.... Am I missing something here?

/rant

Chitownjedi

tpatt100 wrote: »

Telling people on the internet you got your Top Secret clearance is kinda funny lol.

Yeah exactly lol.. I'm thinking "You failed" haha.

Chitownjedi

Levithan wrote: »

I've noticed that alot of people on this forum boast about their clearances, as if it makes them better than someone else who is in the normal job market.

What is your definition of boasting and can you provide examples?

RouteMyPacket

Levithan wrote: »

^^^^^^^^^^^ This...... I'm probably gonna get flamed for saying something but I'll go ahead anyways...

I've noticed that alot of people on this forum boast about their clearances, as if it makes them better than someone else who is in the normal job market.

I find it also somewhat puzzling how so many of these people are also talking about the net+, security+, and A+ certifications as if they're the holy grail of certs, and that people with such low levels of certification are holding positions of such considerable power and responsibility, in addition to receiving higher than average pay. In the real world, you'd get laughed at going to an interview for anything higher than help desk with these certs.

I know and realize that certification isn't the end all, but I'd like to hope that people who are working for a higher governmental authority are actually knowledgeable and really qualified to do the job that they are doing.... Am I missing something here?

/rant

It's US Gov't, competence not a requirement. Bragging about working for the US Gov't is like bragging you're the smartest kid in special ed class.

Rell24

CompTia brainwashed DOD and the US Govt into thinking CompTia was a end all be all for IT. So yes to the US Govt having Sec+ and a clearance will qualify you for most jobs.

CCNTrainee

Levithan wrote: »

^^^^^^^^^^^ This...... I'm probably gonna get flamed for saying something but I'll go ahead anyways...

I've noticed that alot of people on this forum boast about their clearances, as if it makes them better than someone else who is in the normal job market.

I find it also somewhat puzzling how so many of these people are also talking about the net+, security+, and A+ certifications as if they're the holy grail of certs, and that people with such low levels of certification are holding positions of such considerable power and responsibility, in addition to receiving higher than average pay. In the real world, you'd get laughed at going to an interview for anything higher than help desk with these certs.

I know and realize that certification isn't the end all, but I'd like to hope that people who are working for a higher governmental authority are actually knowledgeable and really qualified to do the job that they are doing.... Am I missing something here?

/rant

If you are really from Europe I will give you some lean way on your rant... anyways like others have said this has to do with the US DOD process of "clearing" people for a job.

Anyone that has done Military IT would know this as a fact, that the Enlisted are treated like Low Level tier monkeys and anything that is "advance" would be done by Contractors or GS Civilians, unless you are lucky enough to work with one that isn't selfish or you are lucky enough to work in a position that lets you expand your skill set and step up to be the go to guy. The requirements working in Public/Govt sector is also different from the real world that you talk about, since all you need to qualify for a position is a degree regardless of subject and some "well known people" to hook you up with a great referance.

RockinRobin

ibtl...

puertorico1985

Public, private, and government sectors all have their pros and cons. All sectors have bright and talented individuals, but all sectors also have their duds. I believe it is unfair to make a blanket statement to cover any particular sector.

To the OP: A TS will definitely open many doors for you especially living in the area you live in. Whether you get a civ or contracting position, just remember that they will require you to meet some of the DoD 8570 requirements, so cert up.

DrB1986

puertorico1985 wrote: »

Public, private, and government sectors all have their pros and cons. All sectors have bright and talented individuals, but all sectors also have their duds. I believe it is unfair to make a blanket statement to cover any particular sector.

To the OP: A TS will definitely open many doors for you especially living in the area you live in. Whether you get a civ or contracting position, just remember that they will require you to meet some of the DoD 8570 requirements, so cert up.

Thank you and I agree with you 100%,I been on both sides of the isle.

Anyways I read some of the comments on here and to be honest I not trying to look like some dude boasting about having a security clearance like I am some dude like I am in some special ed class lol, and I am not some incompetent individual that will stop at just CompTIA certs as well, for I just wanted to put that out there for I do plan on going for an MCSA, ITIL, and eventually CASP. I was at one of the most hardest Help Desk's in the hampton roads area working in a T2 position which was utter hell also dealing with the BS of HP where I gained my interim TS at, I just look to better myself in my field and not being just some guy with certs and a degree that just wants to make a buck.

Just saying, I dont want to be flamed on here.

zxbane

DrB1986 wrote: »

Thank you and I agree with you 100%,I been on both sides of the isle.

Anyways I read some of the comments on here and to be honest I not trying to look like some dude boasting about having a security clearance like I am some dude like I am in some special ed class lol, and I am not some incompetent individual that will stop at just CompTIA certs as well, for I just wanted to put that out there for I do plan on going for an MCSA, ITIL, and eventually CASP. I was at one of the most hardest Help Desk's in the hampton roads area working in a T2 position which was utter hell also dealing with the BS of HP where I gained my interim TS at, I just look to better myself in my field and not being just some guy with certs and a degree that just wants to make a buck.

Just saying, I dont want to be flamed on here.

You'll have to take what some people say with a grain of salt on here, some tend to constantly try to make negative comments towards others or be condescending.

DrB1986

Oh and forgot to mention I have seen many jackasses on both non-government and government jobs, it just depends on the people and environment, however some more idiots on the government side though i will say though.

DrB1986

zxbane wrote: »

You'll have to take what some people say with a grain of salt on here, some tend to constantly try to make negative comments towards others or be condescending.

Thanks and I know, half the reason other than this site I do not really go on forums on the internet, and people like that are not real men ( or women) in my opinion at least, and need to know how to debate.

colemic

zxbane wrote: »

You'll have to take what some people say with a grain of salt on here, some tend to constantly try to make negative comments towards others or be condescending.

While I would agree with that, topics in this forum are indexed by google... the security clearance officer of your org would very much frown telling the whole Interwebs that you (potentially) have access to very sensitive information, potentially making you a target for espionage, blackmail, etc.; even more so, when you start getting into some of the caveats (SCI, GG-14, etc.) where you are specifically not allowed to publicly disclose your clearance level.

Don't forget the first rule of fight club!

Xavor

With regard to CASP, be careful. Although the DoD 8570 says several certifications such as the CASP/CISSP are interchangeable, sites can stipulate specific certifications. For example I have friends who are employed at locations which only recognize Security+ and CISSP. I was told they specifically do not accept CASP for positions which require CISSP. In the end, half of certifications is passing HR barriers to get the interview.

I'm sure the SANS folks can chime in with their experiences.

zxbane

colemic wrote: »

While I would agree with that, topics in this forum are indexed by google... the security clearance officer of your org would very much frown telling the whole Interwebs that you (potentially) have access to very sensitive information, potentially making you a target for espionage, blackmail, etc.; even more so, when you start getting into some of the caveats (SCI, GG-14, etc.) where you are specifically not allowed to publicly disclose your clearance level.

Don't forget the first rule of fight club!

Colemic, I agree, talking about your clearance isn't the best idea.

My comment was more so directed towards RouteMyPacket and his negative or condescending attitude in many posts (as can be seen in his post history and I am sure I am not the only one to notice) He no doubt brings plenty of knowledge regarding networking/IT to the forums but his attitude rubs a lot of people the wrong way I am sure. His negative comment relating to working for the government is one of them, and that is coming from someone who is by no means the biggest fan of the government either.

Drethyl

How well on average would a government job pay for it desktop support would you say? Most of the requirements I see are basically comptia security+ there is no mention of a degree.

spiderjericho

It depends. You have to take location, cost of living, clearance level, the organization, it's mission, levels of availability, etc.

The organization I work at pays crap because the winning contract was bid low due to heavy competition between the big government contractors.

Drethyl

Would $50,000 be above or below what to expect for an IT Desktop Specialist job in the navy or private business?

spiderjericho

Can't speak on Private Sector or the United States Navy, despite being part of a department of it.

$50,000 seems high on a desktop support position depending on the location. For VA/DC/MD and California, probably not due to the cost of living. I know the techs at my organization are paid crap unless you're a tier 3 or senior technician.

Best advice look at US Jobs or the big contracting companies job postings (GD, Lockheed, L3, Raytheon, etc).

The IT Guy

DrB1986 ,

I would recommend removing this thread and others like it. What is the point in advertising to the world that you have a clearance that may allow you access to sensitive information. Unless you are applying for a position that requires a certain clearance, you should keep it to yourself. Talking about the clearances themselves may be a harmless, but identifying yourself could make you a potential target for exploitation and you would never see it coming. The next time you stop by your security office, ensure you read and understand all of the non-disclosure documentation before signing the paperwork.

CCNTrainee

^^ Perfect example of Social Networking awareness!!

jibbajabba

It's the internet. People talk nonsense, could always just be a lie

Grantet, the OP doesn't just say publicly he got TS but also got other details in his profile such as SKYPE details. So yes, I'd have this removed before it's all over Google cache

Raisin

For most positions the fact that you hold a clearance isn't a big secret. You're allowed to put it on your resume and plaster it all over the internet. If a foreign power wanted to figure out who has a clearance they wouldn't need to waste time on a forum, they could just post a few fake job ads and gather resumes with much better info than what can be found on this thread.

ramrunner800

About 2 weeks ago I spoke to a recruiter looking for a TS Jr. NOC Tech, paying 38k. Mid-level was 50k. Government budgets ain't what they used to be.

Edit: This was DC Metro Area.

zxbane

Raisin wrote: »

For most positions the fact that you hold a clearance isn't a big secret. You're allowed to put it on your resume and plaster it all over the internet. If a foreign power wanted to figure out who has a clearance they wouldn't need to waste time on a forum, they could just post a few fake job ads and gather resumes with much better info than what can be found on this thread.

This is a very good point too, clearances are often listed in resumes, particularly in those associated with the DoD, DHS etc.. I've seen it countless times..

CCNTrainee

ramrunner800 wrote: »

About 2 weeks ago I spoke to a recruiter looking for a TS Jr. NOC Tech, paying 38k. Mid-level was 50k. Government budgets ain't what they used to be.

Edit: This was DC Metro Area.

Damn, that is horrible. Lol