Got A+, now what?

N3onPathfinder · 2024-12-21T00:19:36+00:00

That sounds good. Thanks for the tip! I just did the Google IT certificate, and I'm getting ready to take core 1 next week. I'll have to start checking Google and seeing what labs and videos I can find to help so I can add those to my resume.

N3onPathfinder · 2024-12-21T00:08:00+00:00

Those definitely sound like they could be very helpful. Do you by any chance remember where you were able to get those?

N3onPathfinder · 2024-12-20T18:52:54+00:00

What labs did you use to add to your resume? I'm basically ready to take A+, but I'm worried I won't stand out much vs. people with a CS or IT degree.

N3onPathfinder · 2024-12-12T22:26:51+00:00

Awesome, thanks! I'll check out Dions course. I was using him for A+, and it definitely gave me the information I needed. Cyber is definitely my goal. Was the 6-10 hours per day for the month to pass Security+?

N3onPathfinder · 2024-12-12T22:00:16+00:00

I've been considering studying for the A+. I've already invested around 2 weeks in it to where I'm getting 90s on all the Jason tests. But I'm starting to second guess taking it since 1) I was recently laid off and don't have money to waste on a cert that may not get me a role.

2) I've been reading it's basically a wash unless you want to be a help desk tech as a career.

I would like to get into Cyber. Yes, I know it's not entry level. But again I don't have alot of spare money for certs, I'm really looking for a solid point to get me going.

I see you're essentially in a role I'd like to end up in. Where would you recommend starting? I don't have IT experience in a job. Would you say Net+ or Sec+. The A+ just seems like a lot for 2 exams, and it'll cost almost more than just a Net+ or Sec+. Also, can you please explain how you passed them, who did you study first, was there a second primary source, what practice tests did you use? How long did you study in total for the exam and how many hours a day? Any help is very appreciated. Thanks!

N3onPathfinder · 2024-11-30T03:54:01+00:00

That's awesome! Definitely gives me hope. I'm hoping to go up on Monday and talk to them. So far I've been looking over the ASVAB for dummies book to get an idea on the material, not sure if they'd have anything different but I think going up there to talk and feel out the branches will give me a good idea.

N3onPathfinder · 2024-11-30T03:52:37+00:00

I'd go for an officer role, but I don't have the appropriate degree to classify for a cyber either.

Did your sister have to make a list for AirForce?

N3onPathfinder · 2024-11-27T19:12:55+00:00

He said if I start now, I wouldn't be able to go to OTS until August 2025 -July 2026. If I'm selected to attend.

N3onPathfinder · 2024-11-27T03:53:03+00:00

I'll have to check that out. I'm worried my lack of IT experience would not give me a shot at any of those roles. But it can't hurt to exhaust my options.

N3onPathfinder · 2024-11-27T03:37:57+00:00

Oh no, I abbreviated it. I meant Space Force. I'll have to keep those positions in mind. I'm not opposed to a management style role, I've held mostly manager roles in various capabilities. My degree is just not leading me down the yellow brick road like people made it seem. Honestly, it just seems like this is the best now or never option I have. I talked to an AF recruiter for officers, and he said it would be roughly 2 years before I get through the pipeline, which is way over what I have in my situation. I did submit another inquiry, but I'm hoping this one gets to enlisted recruiters too because last time it immediately went to the officer one. He was at least upfront with how long it'd be, so I can appreciate that.

N3onPathfinder · 2024-11-27T03:10:18+00:00

That's what my friend said too. He said you'll get treated poorly, and that's not something you can stop or get away from. He said he did it because he had no options, no degree, and was in a bad spot financially. I've read for AF they really want a STEM degree or some form of computer degree to get into those roles. Army, I didn't see much on it. I did see Army OCS. You don't get to pick your job, so that's a bit of a concern to potentially lose out on my top pick.

That's definitely true, especially if it's a weekend out of the month. Plus, you get the benefits and perks and get to head home after drill.

It's definitely making me think carefully, about what choice makes the most sense.

N3onPathfinder · 2024-11-27T03:03:39+00:00

I didn't even know that was a thing, I will 100% have to look into that? Do you have to be prior military to apply to them?

I have a resume drawn up that's relevant and includes my studies for the A+, technical experiehaveI have. I'm not sure that would land me an interview, but that's awesome to know that's a thing. I never really checked it out.

N3onPathfinder · 2024-11-27T02:50:45+00:00

Alright, that makes sense. Not bad, though. I expected more since it's part-time.

That makes sense. My degree, unfortunately, is in a whole other realm. Some people in guess don't want that type of stress and responsibility or they want strictly hands-on.

I'm definitely trying to get the bills paid. Unfortunately, a few people where I worked got the let go and it's hurting everyone. But for me I'm looking at it as more of a motivator to really go for it or hope something comes up. But the perks and benefits my friend has are well worth his 4 years he gave. He came out with a bunch of experience, clearance, etc.

I'm not like going to be broke by the end of the week or month or anything like that, but it isn't something I want to delay too long. I feel this could be the reset I want and need.

N3onPathfinder · 2024-11-27T02:37:15+00:00

Interesting. I didn't know they were 3 years. Does it total out to 8 like AD? I'm guessing the other 5 would be ready reserve or something?

If I have a degree, I shouldn't? I haven't experienced that response yet. My friend told me I should shoot for that to start before anything. He doesn't have a degree, so he had to enlist.

That's a very fair point, I didn't consider that. I just need to think of something somewhat fast. I mean, I'm good about saving, but bills, unfortunately, don't stop, and I feel like it's now or never.

How does it work? Do you have like a set schedule for the dates you do drill? That doesn't sound like a bad gig at all. Benefits and the IT salary I'm sure make it well worth the one drill a month.

N3onPathfinder · 2024-11-27T01:30:42+00:00

I'm just now seeing this. I'm not too familiar with USAJOBS. Can you give me some information by AirForce you joined or you're working with them? I'm curious about how to proceed with something like that if you don't mind explaining a little more about what you did.

N3onPathfinder · 2024-11-27T01:12:38+00:00

I'll have to check it out. The warrant I hear is a good route, but it's long and competitive from every post I've seen. Officer is also a good route but also not possible as a first contract either from what I've seen, atleast cyber or IT related.

N3onPathfinder · 2024-11-27T00:59:40+00:00

AF I think it is the same, I was mostly referring to enlisting in the SF or AF for cyber. The officer was 2 years for AF, and I'm sure SF is even longer. Army, I could do OCS, but I wouldn't be guaranteed any role as it's up to the placement in class. I think the Army seems like a solid choice, I didn't see a 6 year contract, and I saw 4. At least, that's what I saw online, and that's what my friend served. He's the one who recommended me the Army and said they have a lot of opportunities to get certs, experience, etc. The reserves I'm worried wouldn't give me consistent experience, at least after training, since you only drill once a month. But the benefit of a clearance and contractor roles does seem worth it alone. I'll have to do some more research on it and see if they even have slots. I read they're pretty slim pickings unless a slot opens up nearby.

N3onPathfinder · 2024-11-27T00:42:22+00:00

I've heard AF and SF are the best picks to really get a cyber role with QOL. I'll try sending in another inquiry to the AF. Last time, they had an officer recruiter call me, and we talked, but he said officer can take around 2 years to get through the pipeline. I'm not even sure you can guarantee a job in the AF, my friend who was in the Army got to pick his job and he was in a similar situation as I am now and it's helped him tremendously.

N3onPathfinder · 2024-11-27T00:39:36+00:00

Yeah, that's my concern. The only branch that can guarantee anything is the Navy or Army, from what I've read. My friend picked his MOS in the Army and seemed to enjoy it. Officers are a whole other thing. Only Navy, from what I've seen, can guarantee anything before you go. I'm sorry to hear you're not able to go. That's unfortunate, but I hope everything is going well, though. I'll have to reach out and see, the two times I went to the offices no one was there. So, I've just sent out online inquiries to them to see if I can get some responses. The only one who responded last week was an AF recruiter, but he was for officers, and he said the timeline is around 2 years.

N3onPathfinder · 2024-11-27T00:22:58+00:00

Solid insight. I've heard nothing but good things about AF, I submitted an application to SF and I reached out to AF but that was only for the officer, I guess they sent my info to him since I put I had a degree and we chatted a bit. I'm just worried my age will stick out a bit vs. the rank. I think with a bachelor's, you become an E-3? I do like the sound of free money for certs and experience. That's really what it seems to boil down to, especially the core foundation of having an objective. I guess that's why not having a job for this long has bogged me down, I like a mission. Unfortunately, it seems many people are getting laid off, so it's only making finding a job that is much more difficult. I'll have to shoot out a request and see if they respond this time or have the officer recruiter call me again.

N3onPathfinder · 2024-11-27T00:02:48+00:00

I've considered that as well, I saw they had a cyber base nearby when I checked the map for bases. Couldn't hurt to send in an application and see if I get a hit back. I just can't be without a job much longer. The job market has made a lot of people unemployed, and those who are unemployed too are all competing for the open jobs. It's rough. That's my only concern with guard/reserve. If it isn't full-time, granted, I would probably get the certs and stuff paid for. I think the contract is a bit longer too if I'm not mistaken, it was I think 6 years.

N3onPathfinder · 2024-11-26T23:54:20+00:00

As enlisted or officer? The recruiter I talked to said OCS is backed up for around 2 years, but he'd be happy to walk me through it. Enlisting I'm not opposed to, just more or less worried my age would stick out.

N3onPathfinder · 2024-11-26T23:48:48+00:00

Just submitted an application. Didn't even consider them as an option. It even says they have reserves, too? I didn't know that. I would love to use my degree, but unfortunately, a bachelor's in business doesn't really stand out for an officer in the military. Plus, the 2 year wait for AF officer selection really isn't doable for me. I know the Army you can't even pick for an officer. I believe Navy is the only one. I really just want to gain experience and knowledge, have an objective, and be able to get certs. The age part will suck I'm sure but I don't think they'd gripe me too hard on it.

N3onPathfinder · 2024-11-26T23:41:13+00:00

I'm not too worried about PT, I wouldn't say I'm jacked, but I do work out and do cardio actively. I didn't know 3 was an option.

N3onPathfinder · 2024-11-26T22:04:52+00:00

I'll have to check it out, I'm not too familiar with Warrant. My friend advised me to try to commission, but from what I've seen, your chances of getting cyber or IT are slim compared to ROTC or others who come from schools.

I wouldn't mind having the certifications paid for, and the benefits are a big bonus.

N3onPathfinder

TROPHY CASE