JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- With a growing workforce, the 140th Cyberspace Operations Squadron is looking for leaders to join them and become cyber warfare operations officers. They are one of 12 Air National Guard cyber protection teams and are responsible for monitoring cyber-attacks to the nation's computer networks, stopping attacks, identifying hackers, and repairing the resulting damage.
“We hunt and remove bad guys from cyberspace,” said Capt. Robert Gatlin, the commander of the 140th COS operation support flight. “It’s a challenging career field, but it is so rewarding.”
Both military service members and civilians can apply for the position, but must possess a minimum bachelor of science degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or Engineering (STEM degree). However, all current Enlisted Cyberspace Operators (1B4’s) with any bachelor of science degree qualify as well.
“People who are interested must also understand that we have a high operations tempo that can be challenging,” said Gatlin. “We are always getting ready to mobilize and ensure our gear and operators are ready to go at a moment's notice.”
When an individual is selected, they will need to go through technical training to be fully qualified with the 140th COS.
“After Total Force Officer Training (TFOT), formerly Officer Training School (OTS), there's approximately six months of Undergraduate Cyber Training (UCT) at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi,” said Gatlin. “After that, you take two courses at Hurlburt Field, Florida: Cyber Warfare Operations (CWO) and Cyber Vulnerability Assessment/Hunter (CVAH).”
Currently, graduates leave UCT with Security+, and leave CWO/CVAH with SANS GIAC Network Forensic Analyst (GNFA) cybersecurity certification, said Gatlin.
“The providers of the certifications are CompTIA and SANS Institute,” said Gatlin. “These are two industry certifications that apply in both a military cyber environment as well as the private sector.”
Many members of the 140th COS have thriving careers as civilians where they can use their skills for both private companies and in military cyberspace operations, said Gatlin.
“If you do not have a background in cyber, the school can be challenging.” said Gatlin. “The level of difficulty will really depend on an individual’s experience and education in the field of cyberspace.”
For specific details on qualifications and how to apply, click the link below:
https://www.108thwing.ang.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2230479/cyber-warfare-operations-officer-positions-open