12 Jobs You Can Get in the Military With a Cybersecurity Degree

There are a lot of amazing information technology jobs for active-duty military service members. Whether in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, Coast Guard, or National Guard, you can find military roles that suit your background.

Let's say you have a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity. Many roles can benefit from this knowledge. Military personnel can work as incident response specialists, cyber operations officers, and cloud security engineers with a cybersecurity degree. If you don't already have a degree, you can use military benefits for college to cover your tuition.

Below, we'll explore more military jobs you can find with a degree in cybersecurity. We also have FAQs you can review to learn more about working in cybersecurity as a military service member.

Top Military Careers for Cybersecurity Degree Holders

If you have a cybersecurity degree with relevant certifications, you can find great jobs in the military. Here are some roles to consider.

1. Cybersecurity Specialist

A cybersecurity specialist — or information security specialist — helps secure an organization's information system. Duties might include:

• deciding how to secure an IT infrastructure
• identifying vulnerabilities in software and hardware
• monitoring systems for cyber attacks

A bachelor's or master's degree in cybersecurity and certifications like Security+ and CISA could help you qualify. Building your skill set in intrusion detection and security analysis is important.

2. Cyber Operations Officer

A cyber operations officer gathers intelligence from adversary networks and systems. This role requires knowledge of:

• network mapping and other information security tools and techniques
• Windows and Linux/UNIX
• programming and scripting languages

A bachelor's degree in cybersecurity, computer science, or information systems can help you snag this role. Certifications are also helpful.

3. Penetration Tester

Penetration testers, or pen testers, are cybersecurity professionals who pinpoint security flaws in websites and other assets. Their duties include:

• researching hacking techniques
• bypassing a system's security measures
• simulating cyberattacks

Securing this role typically starts with earning a bachelor's degree in computer science, IT, or cybersecurity and information assurance. You could also benefit from certifications like CySA+, CEH, and Security+.

4. Network Security Engineer

Network security engineers design network security systems. They also protect them against malware and hackers. Duties of this role include:

• maintaining firewalls and web and email security protocols
• monitoring security issues
• investigating vulnerabilities

A bachelor's degree in computer science, network engineering, or cybersecurity could help you qualify for this role. Entry-level work experience in network administration can also help.

5. Information Assurance Officer

Information assurance officers, or information systems security officers (ISSOs), are experts who manage an organization's cybersecurity. They take on duties that include:

• monitoring of information security data sources
• overseeing information security training and awareness
• ensuring cybersecurity inspections and tests are completed

As a candidate for this role, you should understand data backup and recovery and network traffic analysis methods. Customer service and problem-solving skills are also important.

6. Incident Response Specialist

An incident response specialist, or cyber defense incident responder, is a cyber expert who responds to cyber incidents within a network environment. Duties include:

• collecting intrusion artifacts
• helping cyber defense technicians resolve cyber defense incidents
• monitoring external data sources for cyber threat conditions

These experts often need a background in threat analysis and computer network defense. Business continuity and computer forensics knowledge are also important.

7. Cyber Intelligence Analyst

Cyber intelligence analysts commonly work in military branches, like the Air Force, to interpret intelligence information received from target network communications. Duties include:

• pinpointing real-time threat warning data
• gauging the impact of the data
• sharing findings with high-level decision-makers

Military personnel in the Air Force can start this cybersecurity career with a high school diploma. They should also have an AFQT Test score of 65 or higher on the ASVAB.

8. Cyber Forensics Analyst

A cyber forensics analyst investigates computer security incidents to support vulnerability mitigation efforts. In this role, analysts perform duties like choosing methods for pinpointing network intruders and confirming intrusion details. They also examine recovered data for relevant information.

Analysts should be skilled in threat analysis and computer network defense. You should also have experience with data carving tools and anti-forensics tactics.

9. Security Operations Center Analyst

A security operations center (SOC) analyst helps monitor and analyze an organization's infrastructure. Some duties include:

• detecting and responding to cybersecurity concerns
• assessing an organization's risk level
• reviewing incident reports to determine ongoing vulnerability

This role commonly requires a bachelor's degree in IT or a related field. Certifications to consider for this role include CSA, Security+, and CISSP.

10. Cryptographic Specialist

Cryptographic specialists, or cryptographers, write and crack the encryption code for data security. Duties include the following:

• finding weaknesses in cryptography systems
• enhancing data security using encrypted solutions
• developing encryption technology like code and software

A bachelor's degree in computer science or IT could help you qualify for this role. People who want to work for the Department of Defense (DoD) might need coursework in linguistics or a foreign language.

11. Cloud Security Engineer

A cloud security engineer safeguards applications and data hosted in cloud environments. Some duties include protecting cloud workloads against cyber threats, pinpointing weaknesses, suggesting solutions, and investigating security incidents.

You might need a bachelor's degree in computer science, IT, or cybersecurity to secure this role. A background in programming and scripting languages also helps.

12. Cybersecurity Policy Advisor

A cybersecurity policy advisor, or cyber policy and strategy planner, develops cybersecurity plans. Duties include:

• creating strategies and policies to support cybersecurity initiatives
• promoting cyber policy awareness
• auditing cyber programs and projects

Securing this role requires a background in policy management and strategic planning. You should also know applicable laws and statutes.

FAQs About Military Careers for Cybersecurity Degree Holders

A bachelor's degree in cybersecurity can help you qualify for IT jobs while enlisted. It can also help you become an officer. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 18% of military members are officers, making this a prestigious position. If you have or are seeking a degree in cybersecurity, review these FAQs to learn more about this military career path.

How Is Cybersecurity Used in the Military?

Cybersecurity has a huge presence in the military. All military branches have top-secret information that must be protected. The military recruits military personnel and other cybersecurity experts to ensure this protection.

For example, the U.S. Army Cyber Command (ARCYBER) has a network of Army soldiers, civilians, and contractors who work around the clock to defend Army networks. ARCYBER tasks include integrating and conducting cyberspace operations and electronic warfare to ensure freedom for friendly forces.

Is Going Into the Military for Cybersecurity Worth It?

Whether entering the military with a cybersecurity degree or going into the military to gain cybersecurity training, your efforts are worth it. Having a cybersecurity degree upon enlistment can help you secure numerous military roles. However, service members can secure these roles without degrees if they have the right training.

For instance, enlisted soldiers with a high school diploma can join the Army Cyber Corps. This training program teaches cyber warfare, programming languages, hacking, and computer forensics. It also helps soldiers secure IT certifications. The military experience you gain could help you qualify for civilian careers in the cybersecurity field after being discharged.

Does the Military Pay for Cybersecurity Degrees?

Yes, the military can pay for college, including a cybersecurity degree. If you're an active-duty service member, you can take advantage of the Military Tuition Assistance (TA) program, which pays up to $250 per credit in tuition for active-duty service members.

The Montgomery GI Bill Active-Duty (MGIB-AD) is another option to cover the cost of your degree. It helps service members who have served at least two years on active duty pay for education and training programs.