JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- A second New Jersey Air National Guard cyber operations squadron is set for activation April 1, 2025, at the 108th Wing on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J.
The 227th Cyber Operations Squadron’s mission is to protect and defend military and state networks from cyber threats, and ensure critical infrastructure remains secure at the national and local levels.
Recruiting efforts are underway to fill more than 70 authorized openings. Open positions include cyber warfare operators, cyber defense operations specialists, maintainers, and cyber intelligence analysts. Future opportunities to commission as a warrant officer may also be on the table for eligible prior servicemembers.
Cyber Open Houses designed to share the mission and dispel misconceptions about the field are set for Feb. 21, 2025, and March 8, 2025. Separate sessions will be held each day for interested prior service and non-prior service candidates. Sign up at: https://forms.osi.apps.mil/r/jQqKuQeWvp
Anyone with or without military experience that is curious is encouraged to sign-up to attend a session.
“People who are good problem solvers and good with puzzles tend to enjoy and excel in this field said Capt. Robert Spiegel, 227th COS, unit conversion officer. “I say to the maintainer or office administrator who believe they don’t have what it takes, that it is certainly a field you can succeed in.”
Enlisted candidates must first pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery with a minimum score of 70 in electrical and score a 70 on the electrical Data Processing Test to apply. Also, every cyber position requires a top-secret clearance before attending technical school.
Training for the enlisted Cyber Warfare Operations Apprentice Course is held at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., and lasts 20 weeks then attend cyber weapon system follow-on training at Hurlbert Field, Fla. for 13 weeks. Graduates will hold the 1B4X1 Air Force Specialty Code and earn marketable industry cybersecurity certifications from CompTIA and SANS. Cyberspace Operations Officers hold the 17SX AFSC and undergo training for 22 weeks at Keesler AFB and 13 weeks in Hurlbert Field, acquiring similar certifications as well. Learn more about the different career fields and training here: Learn More.
“I’d like to emphasize that you don’t have to be in IT or be a computer whizz to succeed in cyber operations,” said Spiegel.
He invites interested members to join a Cyber Open House. Click or copy and paste the following link to reserve a spot: https://forms.osi.apps.mil/r/jQqKuQeWvp