Consider National Guard Cyber Role & State Technician Job as Alternative to Active Duty

Okay, here's an analysis based on the provided Reddit discussion, building upon the previous findings:

Key Skills, Tools, and Qualifications:

• Skills:

  • Cybersecurity (including specific roles like Army 17C - Cyber Operations Specialist).
  • Software Engineering (SWE) (while its direct transferability to civilian SWE roles is debated, it's a solid foundational skill).
  • IT Support/Technician skills.

• Tools: Not explicitly detailed, but implied by cyber roles (e.g., network security tools, diagnostic software).

• Qualifications:

  • Top Secret (TS) Clearance: Highly valued for future career prospects.
  • Relevant Certifications: (e.g., CompTIA Security+), often paid for by the military/Guard.
  • Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BS CS): The foundational degree the individual holds.
  • Military Experience/Training: Specific military training in cyber (e.g., 17C AIT) is crucial.
  • Skillbridge Program: A valuable transition program for exiting military members.
  • GI Bill: For future education.
  • Veterans' Preference: For future federal civilian jobs.

Screening for Better Job Opportunities & Output:

The core situation remains a 25-year-old CS graduate struggling to find a job and considering military options. The discussion reinforces two primary paths:

1. Option 1 (Reaffirming previous analysis's alternative): National Guard (Cyber Role) + State National Guard Technician

   • Job Opportunity: Enlist in a National Guard cyber-designated role (e.g., Army 17C). Then, apply for a full-time federal technician position within the state's National Guard, often with preferential hiring for Guard members.
   • Resume/Career Direction:
     • Leverage BS in CS to qualify for a technical Guard MOS/AFSC.
     • Gain military cyber training and certifications (e.g., Security+) paid for by the Guard.
     • Obtain security clearance through Guard service.
     • Apply for state NG technician roles, highlighting Guard membership, clearance, certifications, and any acquired experience.
   • Expected Benefits:
     • Pay: Approximately $80,000/year as a state NG technician (as per a commenter, aligns with technician pay scales).
     • Benefits: Standard federal employee benefits as a technician, plus part-time Guard pay, Tricare Reserve Select (health insurance), GI Bill, retirement benefits (both civilian and military), and valuable cyber experience.
     • Clearance: Potential to obtain and maintain a security clearance (e.g., Secret or Top Secret).
     • Stability: Greater geographic stability compared to active duty.
     • Considerations: Cyber roles in the Guard can be competitive; full-time technician positions may be scarce and also competitive, sometimes requiring existing time in service or specific rank. Training for roles like 17C can be long.

2. Option 2 (OP's original consideration, with more context): Active Duty Space Force or Air Force (Cyber/SWE Role)

   • Job Opportunity: Enlist in the Air Force or Space Force for a guaranteed cyber operations or software engineering related role (AFSC).
   • Resume/Career Direction:
     • Ensure the desired technical AFSC is guaranteed in the enlistment contract.
     • Successfully complete technical training.
     • Obtain a Top Secret (TS) clearance.
     • Gain 4+ years of hands-on experience.
     • Utilize Skillbridge program in the last 6 months of service to intern with a civilian company.
     • Leverage TS clearance, experience, GI Bill, and veteran status for post-military employment.
   • Expected Benefits:
     • Pay (Active Duty): Initial enlisted pay (e.g., E-3/E-4) plus housing allowance (BAH) and subsistence allowance (BAS). Total compensation can vary significantly by location but might range from $50k-$70k+ equivalent when non-taxable allowances are considered.
     • Benefits: Full military benefits including free healthcare, GI Bill, 30 days paid vacation, TS clearance.
     • Clearance: High likelihood of obtaining a TS clearance if in a relevant field.
     • Experience: Direct, hands-on experience in a cyber or SWE-related field.
     • Post-Service: Strong prospects for high-paying defense contractor or civilian government jobs, especially with a TS clearance and experience.
     • Considerations: Must be vigilant about getting the job guaranteed in the contract (recruiters may not always be forthcoming). A 2.7 GPA might make officer programs (generally preferred for degree holders) challenging to access. Military lifestyle commitment (less freedom, deployments, moving).

Overall Recommendation Based on Discussion:

The National Guard technician path remains a very strong alternative, potentially offering a "best of both worlds" scenario with civilian-comparable pay, good benefits, valuable experience/clearance, and more stability. However, its feasibility depends on the availability and competitiveness of both the initial Guard cyber slot and the subsequent technician position.

The active duty path is more straightforward in terms of getting a guaranteed role (if the contract is right) and a TS clearance, but involves a greater lifestyle change and commitment. It sets up the individual well for post-service opportunities.

The individual should carefully weigh the pros and cons of each, investigate the competitiveness of Guard cyber roles and technician positions in their state, and be extremely clear about job guarantees if pursuing active duty.