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Military Cyber-Operations Officers

Military Career

General Information

Description

Cyber-operations officers oversee both offensive and defensive cyberspace operations in support of the full range of military programs. Offensive operations involve the application of computer power to target the capabilities of enemies and hostile adversaries. Defensive operations involve protecting data, networks, net-centric capabilities, and other designated systems. Some cyber officers focus on offensive or defensive operations, while others integrate the two to support military operations.  

Work Environment

Cyber-operations officers work in offices or in command and control centers on land or aboard ships.

Workplace at a Glance

What you can expect to experience while on the job

  • Responsibility
  • Exposure to job hazards
  • Physical activity
  • Decision making
  • Repetitiveness
  • Level of competition
  • Time pressure

Comparable Industries

  • Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security

Related Military Careers

No Information for this section

Military Outlook

Service Branches

Jobs in this career field may be available in other service branches. Call or email a particular branch for more info.

Military Status

  • Officer
    • Managerial/professional
    • College degree required

Military Workforce

Cyber-Operations Officers in the Military

8,762

No Information for this section

Salary

Average Salary

$86,625

What makes up a military salary?

Military salaries include a lot more than just base pay.

They also offer:

  • Housing allowances
  • Subsistence allowances
  • Special and incentive pays
  • Cost-of-living allowances
  • Hazardous-duty pay
  • Bonuses

Learn more about what goes into a salary with the compensation estimator

Learn more about military insurance and retirement benefits

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Education

Most Common Education Levels

People in this career achieve this level of education.

  • Bachelor's degree 73%
  • Master's degree 13%
  • High school 4%
  • Some college 4%
  • Post baccalaureate 4%
  • Doctoral degree 0%
  • Associate's degree 0%
  • Less than high school 0%
  • Post-doctoral training 0%
  • Post-master's certificate 0%
  • First professional degree 0%
  • Post-secondary certificate 0%

Military training

Officers typically enter the Military after they have completed a four-year college degree; enlisted service members can transition to officer positions through a variety of pathways and earn a degree while serving. Cyber operations officers may have an education in computer science or a related field. Like other officers, they complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development. In addition, cyber operations officers receive specialized training, both on-the-job and in the classroom. Job-specific training content may include: Team leadershipAnalyzing informationPreparing technical productsPlanning and systems employment for DoD information networksDefensive cyberspace operationsAdvanced communication architecturesProject and contract management

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Military training

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Officers typically enter the Military after they have completed a four-year college degree; enlisted service members can transition to officer positions through a variety of pathways and earn a degree while serving. Cyber operations officers may have an education in computer science or a related field. Like other officers, they complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development. In addition, cyber operations officers receive specialized training, both on-the-job and in the classroom. Job-specific training content may include:

  • Team leadership
  • Analyzing information
  • Preparing technical products
  • Planning and systems employment for DoD information networks
  • Defensive cyberspace operations
  • Advanced communication architectures
  • Project and contract management

Knowledge

  • English Language
  • Computers and Electronics
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Administrative
  • Education and Training

Skills at a Glance

Skills helpful in this career

  • Verbal skills
  • Critical thinking & problem solving
  • Equipment operation & maintenance
  • Math & science skills
  • Technology design & control
  • Leadership
No Information for this section

Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.