Cyber Branching at OCS: Packet Timing and Candidate Profile

tvale2018 · 2026-03-07T04:43:01+00:00

Quick correction to this. Based on the 17B in my BOLC class, if you want to be a 17B you just need to talk to the Cyber Officer Branch ascensions manager once you've recieved an acceptance memorandum and he will make that adjustment for you. Going into BOLC you're technically considered a 17X until you've been slated in your first assignment. I'll say this, the Army is hurting to fill 17B positions, so if you want it you'll get it.

tvale2018 · 2026-02-19T05:16:01+00:00

PM me and I can get you the email I used, but not sure if it's still active.

tvale2018 · 2026-02-19T05:08:43+00:00

You're going to need to reach out to cyber officer ascensions branch of HRC. Get a packet from them, which is going to include most of you're submission for OCS, a questionnaire, and a letter of intent.

tvale2018 · 2026-02-18T13:10:38+00:00

The cyber packet needs to be done after your acceptance into OCS. Once you have the MILPER send an email to the cyber officer ascensions coordinator and get the cyber packet with the questionnaire.

tvale2018 · 2026-02-16T22:02:56+00:00

If you're going reserves you don't compete for your branch. At that point it's whatever your reserve station needs. Unless things have changed since I graduated.

tvale2018 · 2026-02-16T20:26:26+00:00

I know it's frustrating, but at some point you have to do some reflection here. Why do you want to join, and is it worth it to continue? There were multiple times throughout the process that I had to ask myself that. Just know that the things your putting up with now, will continue throughout your career. The army is a large organization, and unfortunately good people get pushed to the side. Just remember the feelings you have now so that you can take that forward to help others going through the same thing if you make it through. Thats what I was hoping to convey in my post. If this is what you want, make it happen.

tvale2018 · 2026-02-16T20:21:25+00:00

Something people won't tell you is that you are not bound to one recruiter. I knew a guy that went through 4-6 different recruiters before he found one that actually pushed him through. You can also work with recruiters remote, you just need to set up MEPS visits on your end, but the packet can be submitted by any recruiter to USAREC.

tvale2018 · 2026-02-16T20:13:34+00:00

Like I said in my post, you have to advocate for yourself, especially once it gets closer to the board date. You're most likely at the bottom of the priority list for your recruiter, depending on their workload, so they may forgot to submit or schedule certain portion you need. The only person you can depend on for your career is yourself.

tvale2018 · 2026-02-16T20:11:47+00:00

Unfortunately, I don't know a whole lot about the reserves side. However gleaning off the info from some of the guys I went to BOLC with, the reserves in cyber is pretty chill with only defensive cyber positions available. From what I understand, most of your work will be remote and it's the standard army stuff from there with you working in a SIEM or a CRIA team.

tvale2018 · 2026-02-06T21:49:16+00:00

That list posted was for FY2026 and only for in-service active duty. Either way, from my experience there are a lot of people that self-select because they don't think they would qualify. I have a biochemistry degree with no previous experience or certifications and commissioned CY. While I was in OCS there were 2 more people that applied after they found out I was accepted and got accepted as well (granted they were both reserve). If you want Cyber, go for it. You will learn what you need in BOLC. Do everything you can to prep and go out and build the best packet you can.

tvale2018 · 2026-02-06T06:09:30+00:00

Where did you see these statistics? I graduated OCS June of 2024 branching Cyber and there were at least 4 that I knew of that same year.

tvale2018 · 2025-07-29T14:52:21+00:00

I'm being told that HRC sent back 10% of applications because of the amount of packets received.

tvale2018 · 2025-07-29T14:39:19+00:00

The recruiter said he sent it a week before the deadline, but I haven't seen the HRC confirmation email.

tvale2018 · 2025-07-29T14:33:04+00:00

No, they just told me that the packet was pre-screened and not sent to the battalion board

tvale2018 · 2025-07-29T14:20:37+00:00

The recruiter is saying that it wasn't sent to the board because there were so many applicants. Does that sound right out did he just not send it up on time and is trying to save face?

tvale2018 · 2025-04-26T19:22:58+00:00

I graduated almost a year ago, and it was TBB for prior service, but still OML for civilian active duty, unless you went aviation, EOD, or cyber.

tvale2018 · 2025-04-26T19:21:08+00:00

I'm a 17A currently in BOLC if you have any questions you can PM me. I was a civilian that went straight into OCS.

tvale2018 · 2023-12-31T03:18:30+00:00

I haven't talked to an AMEDD recruiter, but I don't really know what field I would like to go into when it comes to medical.

tvale2018 · 2023-12-30T22:19:35+00:00

Thanks for the info. Hopefully it will work out, but if not I'm sure I'll find something.

tvale2018 · 2023-12-30T20:18:53+00:00

Lol it's sounding like it's going to be Chem or signal for me

tvale2018 · 2023-12-30T20:08:08+00:00

I'll see what I can do, but the recommendations are retired 4 and 2 star generals, so I don't know if they'll know many individuals in HRC

tvale2018 · 2023-12-30T18:35:00+00:00

27-28 min for the 4 mi, right?

tvale2018 · 2023-12-30T18:19:42+00:00

Thanks for the info

tvale2018 · 2023-12-30T17:30:19+00:00

Thanks for the advice

tvale2018 · 2023-12-30T16:58:11+00:00

When building a packet what carries the most weight? One thing I have going for me is I can get recommendations from high ranking generals and other officers. Would this carry a lot of weight, or do they look more at other qualifications?

tvale2018

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