Cyber Branch

Cyber Branch – 11 Jan 2022

Cyber Branch

Introduction

Purpose of the Cyber Branch. The Cyber Branch plans, integrates, synchronizes, and executes

cyberspace and electromagnetic warfare operations. Cyberspace Operations (CO) are the employment of

cyberspace capabilities where the primary purpose is to achieve objectives in or through cyberspace. The

interrelated missions of CO are defensive cyberspace operations (DCO), offensive cyberspace operations

(OCO), and Department of Defense Information Network (DODIN) operations. Electromagnetic Warfare

(EW) operations are military actions involving the use of electromagnetic and directed energy to control the

electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) in order to support the commander’s intent and concept of operations.

EW includes electromagnetic attack, electromagnetic protect, and electromagnetic support. Cyber Officers

conduct cyberspace and EW operations, with both lethal and nonlethal ends, to enable the commander’s

ability to mass effects and gain advantages in or through the cyberspace domain and EMS battlespace, and

across other domains during multi-domain operations (MDO) in support of unified land operations (ULO)

objectives. Cyber Officers also design, develop, and deliver relevant, timely, and effective software and

hardware solutions to enable and enhance CO and EW effects at both echelons above corps (EAC) and

echelons below corps (EBC). Cyber is the only branch specifically designed to engage adversaries directly

within the cyberspace domain and the EMS battlespace through the employment of precision effects to

deny, degrade, disrupt, destroy, or manipulate adversary capabilities while simultaneously ensuring the

commander’s freedom of maneuver across all domains. Cyber Officers must be U.S. citizens, with no other

citizenships, who obtain and maintain a TOP SECRET clearance with access to Sensitive Compartmented

Information (TS/SCI) in order to be awarded and retain a Cyber Branch AOC. A favorable special

background investigation is also required. Additionally, Cyber Officers must be capable of passing a

counterintelligence scope polygraph to serve in specific positions.

Proponent information. Commandant, U.S. Army Cyber School, Fort Gordon, GA 30905-5735. For more

information, contact the Officer Division, Office of the Chief of Cyber at usarmy.gordon.cyber-coe.mbx.occ-

officers@army.mil.

Functions. Cyber Officers are experts in projecting power in and through cyberspace and the EMS, and

are proficient in all forms of decisive action: offense, defense, stability operations, and Defense Support of

Civil Authorities (DSCA). Cyber Officers must fully understand maneuver operations to ensure

synchronized, relevant, and integrated effects that enable success in ever-changing strategic, operational,

and tactical environments. The Cyber Warfare Officer is the authority for the operations and employment

of Cyber Mission Forces (CMF) and other CO elements, including planning, integrating, synchronizing,

and/or executing DCO, OCO, or DODIN operations at all echelons. The Cyber Electromagnetic Warfare

Officer (CEWO) is the commander’s subject matter expert for planning, integrating, synchronizing, and/or

executing cyberspace and EW operations at all echelons. The Cyber Capabilities Development Officer

(CCDO) is the primary lead for providing cyberspace capabilities to support and enable CO and EW

missions at all echelons. Cyber Officers serve primarily in Army, joint, interagency, and multinational (JIM)

positions to fill a variety of key positions performing the following functions and tasks:

(1)

Execute mission command of Cyber and EW units/elements in support of MDO and ULO.

(2)

Integrate cyberspace and EW operations capabilities into MDO and ULO at all echelons.

(3)

Develop doctrine, organizations, and equipment for CO and EW missions/units.

(4)

Serve in staff positions and activities requiring general cyberspace and EW operations skills and

expertise.

(5)

Serve as instructors at pre-commissioning programs, service schools, and colleges.

(6)

Design, develop, and deliver software and hardware solutions and related capabilities to enhance

cyberspace and EW operations.

(7)

Plan multi-faceted cyberspace and EW operations and campaigns against adversaries.

Branch eligibility. Officers who desire to transfer into the Cyber Branch should submit a request in

accordance with: AR 614-100, chapter 4; U.S. Army Human Resources Command’s most recent Voluntary

Transfer Incentive Program (VTIP) MILPER message; and/or all policies and procedures for the applicable

Component. Additionally, the applicant must meet the Cyber Branch requirements outlined in DA Pamphlet

611-21.

Cyber Branch – 11 Jan 2022

Officer Characteristics Required

The core competencies and essential capabilities of Cyber Officers. The Cyber Branch requires officers

to become experts at building and leading mission-focused teams of Soldiers and the Department of the

Army Civilians. They must be well-versed in all aspects of CO and EW, as well as, combined arms tactics,

techniques, and procedures in order to support MDO and ULO at all echelons. They must be mentally and

physically disciplined, possessing intrapersonal and interpersonal skills to enable them to perform as agile,

adaptive, and innovative officers in all situations.

Characteristics required of all officers. Cyber Officers are selected for their leadership potential, technical

aptitude, resilience, and ethics, accompanied by Cyber-focused passion and foundational preparation. They

are trained and educated to effectively and efficiently perform duties as a leader, planner, and trainer of CO

and EW, as well as, being a developer of associated software and hardware capabilities. They are adaptive,

innovative, self-motivated, and able to operate without direct supervision. The Cyber Branch values

inspirational leaders who possess relevant education, and who are logical, analytical, innovative,

technologically adept problem solvers.

Unique knowledge and skills of a Cyber Officer. Cyber officers must possess the following knowledge and

skills:

(1)

Mastery of knowledge related to the cyberspace domain, the EMS battlespace, and the DODIN,

including associated doctrine, policies, regulations, laws, and relevant technologies.

(2)

Refined knowledge and skills in developing CO and EW capabilities and solutions.

(3)

Strong leadership skills in CO and EW tactics, techniques, and procedures, as

well as,

knowledgeable of all types of maneuver and support operations.

(4)

Understanding and ability to execute MDMP/JPP staff processes to employ cyberspace and EW

actions and assets in support of MDO and ULO, including planning, coordinating, integrating, and assessing

CO and EW capabilities to support the combatant commander.

(5)

Able to leverage relevant Special Access Programs, special projects, and capability development

efforts in order to plan, integrate, and synchronize current, emerging, and specialized Cyber and EW

solutions into operations, as required.

(6)

Communicate technical concepts clearly with accuracy and precision in terms that enable military

commanders and civilian leaders to make decisions and assume necessary risks.

Unique attributes for Cyber Officers. The Cyber branch requires dynamic, competent, well-trained leaders

at all levels who understand MDO and ULO in order to effectively plan, integrate, synchronize, and/or

execute CO and EW. Cyber Officers must also be technologically adept, innovative, logical, analytical

problem solvers and inspirational leaders, as well as, possess the following attributes:

(1)

Spatial intelligence and visualization. Specific spatial intelligence attributes are required for Cyber

Officers in order to visualize multi-dimensional environments and understand how to optimize CO and EW

capabilities in support of strategic, operational, and tactical objectives. This includes understanding the

nuances of the three cyberspace layers (physical,

logical, and cyber-persona), as well as, all operational

domains for effectively conducting CO and EW in support of MDO and ULO.

(2)

Diligence and attention to detail. Cyber Officers must possess and demonstrate a high degree of

diligence and attention to detail, as part of a highly technical and technological career field,

to ensure timely

and effective delivery of CO and EW capabilities and effects.

(3)

Expeditionary mindset. Cyber Officers must be ready to provide CO and EW

effects anywhere in the

world, in either long or short duration, and an agile and adaptive

manner. The application of CO and EW

effects includes JIM assets that must be synchronized

in MDO and ULO.

(4)

Multi-echelon and multi-domain collaboration. Cyber Officers must be effective and efficient in multi-

echelon and multi-domain collaboration in support of joint service cyber components. Planning, integrating,

synchronizing, and executing cyberspace and EW operations often affect multiple services, agencies, and

domains, which requires strong collaborative skills.

Cyber Branch – 11 Jan 2022

Cyber Branch Officer Development

Cyber officer development – areas of concentration. Cyber Officers receive initial and advanced training

for AOCs 17A, 17B, and/or 17D. Cyber Officers should expect permeability between the 17-series AOCs in

which they are qualified, depending on the availability of positions, personnel, and training. Additionally,

successful service in key developmental positions for any 17-series AOC counts as key developmental credit

for all 17-series Cyber Officers in the same rank/grade. For Cyber Officers serving in key developmental

positions of the next higher rank/grade, that may also be used as key developmental credit in their current

rank/grade. Prior to attending the 17B CEWO Qualification Course (formerly, EW Officer Qualification

Course), Cyber Officers (starting at lieutenant) must first be qualified as AOC 17A. Cyber Officer who earn

both AOCs 17A and 17B will have opportunities to leverage those skillsets throughout their careers, while

those who earn AOC 17D will primarily serve in 17D assignments. Furthermore, Cyber Officers receiving

assignments for Cyber Branch AOCs in which they are not yet qualified must attend the designated transition

course/training pipeline to earn the AOC applicable for the duty position.

(1)

Cyber Warfare Officer (17A). Duties include leading, directing, managing, planning, integrating,

synchronizing, and/or executing CO at all Army and JIM echelons. The 17A is well-versed in tactics,

techniques, and procedures for maneuvering in and through the cyberspace domain to deliver cyberspace

actions, including: cyberspace defense; cyberspace intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance;

cyberspace operational preparation of the environment; cyberspace attack; and cyberspace security. Cyber

Warfare Officers utilize personnel, resources, and capabilities to engage and create effects against

adversaries in and through cyberspace in order to preserve the ability to use friendly cyberspace capabilities;

protect data, networks, net-centric capabilities, and other designated systems; and project power by the

application of force in or through cyberspace. Cyber Warfare Officers deliver effects in and through

cyberspace that manifest in cyberspace, or in one or more of the other domains, that are designed to deny,

degrade, disrupt, destroy, or manipulate adversary activities or operations. The 17A plans, integrates, and

synchronizes CO with other lethal and nonlethal actions to enable commanders to mass effects and gain

advantages in the cyberspace domain, EMS battlespace, and across other domains during MDO in support

of ULO. Cyber Warfare Officers command, lead, direct, and manage CMF teams and associated cyber units

and organizations. The 17A also understands friendly and adversary cyberspace capabilities, objectives,

organizations, and operations, as well as, the broader aspects of MDO and ULO.

(2)

Cyber Electromagnetic Warfare Officer (17B). Duties include leading, directing,

managing, planning,

integrating, synchronizing, and/or executing CO and EW at all Army and JIM echelons. The 17B is well-

versed in tactics, techniques, and procedures for performing CO and EW missions, including

electromagnetic attack, electromagnetic protection, and electromagnetic support. CEWOs utilize personnel,

resources, and capabilities to engage adversaries in and through the cyberspace domain and the EMS

battlespace to affect or attack personnel, facilities, networks, or equipment; protect friendly personnel,

facilities, networks, and equipment from cyberspace or electromagnetic attack, as well as, friendly or

adversary use of the EMS that could impact friendly combat capabilities; and detect, intercept, identify, and

locate or localize adversary electromagnetic vulnerabilities to enable future operations. Furthermore, the

17B plans, integrates, and synchronizes CO and EW with actions to enable commanders to mass effects

and gain advantages in the cyberspace domain, EMS battlespace, and across other domains during MDO

in support of ULO. CEWOs command, lead, direct, and manage Cyber and EW units and elements. The

17B also understands friendly and adversary cyberspace and EMS capabilities, objectives, organizations,

and operations, as well as, the broader aspects of MDO and ULO.

(3)

Cyber Capabilities Development Officer (17D). Duties include leading, directing, managing,

planning, integrating, synchronizing, and/or executing capabilities development to support CO and EW

missions, to include designing, developing, and delivering relevant, timely, and effective software, hardware,

and other relevant solutions. The CCDO serves as a developer within a development element or associated

organization at any echelons. The CCDO utilizes personnel, resources, and methods to enable and enhance

CO and EW missions. The 17D also understands friendly and adversary cyberspace and EMS capabilities,

objectives, organizations, and/or operations, as well as, the broader aspects of MDO and ULO in order to

perform robust capabilities development efforts.

Lieutenant development. The professional development objective for this phase of an officer’s career is

to develop and utilize requisite Cyber Branch knowledge, skills, and behaviors. The focus for the Cyber

lieutenant is primarily leading, planning, or executing CO or EW missions through the application of their

technical and tactical acumen. Select lieutenants will focus on CO and EW capabilities developer roles.

(1)

Education. After commissioning, Cyber lieutenants will attend Cyber Basic Officer Leader Course

Cyber Branch – 11 Jan 2022

(CyBOLC) for AOC 17A. Select lieutenants will attend the AOC 17B CEWO Qualification Course, following

successful completion of 17A CyBOLC. Other select lieutenants will attend AOC 17D BOLC instead of AOC

17A CyBOLC. Cyber Officers directly appointed in the rank of lieutenant through the Cyber Direct

Commissioning Program (CDCP) are required to attend the Army’s Direct Commission Course, followed by

the Cyber Direct Commission Officer Course, unless granted an exception to policy/waiver by the

appropriate Army authority.

(2)

PME course credit. Cyber Officers can apply for PME course credit based on previous leadership

experience and past academic or training experience, per AR 350-1. The approval authority for course

credit for the PME portion of BOLC (i.e. common core) is the Director of Training, TRADOC G-37, delegated

from HQDA DCS G-3/5/7.

(3)

Cyber Course Credit Program. Cyber Officers who acquire relevant CO or EW knowledge, skills,

and behaviors through military courses or experience and/or civilian industry, education, or training may

apply for course credit for portions of AOC qualification courses governed by the U.S. Army Cyber School.

The Cyber Course Credit Program is managed by the U.S. Army Cyber School IAW AR 350-1 for the

evaluation and awarding of constructive, equivalent, and operational credit. The approval authority for

awarding 17A, 17B, and 17D AOC qualification course credit (not including PME credit) is the Commandant,

U.S. Army Cyber School. Cyber course credit, if approved, will be documented in a memorandum signed

by the Commandant, U.S. Army Cyber School, or authorized delegate. The approval memorandum serves

as verification of course credit toward 17A, 17B, or 17D AOC qualification in lieu of DA Form 1059.

(4)

Assignments. After BOLC (and the 17B CEWO Qualification Course, if applicable), Cyber

lieutenants should expect to be assigned to CO or EW positions for at least 18 months in order to gain

leadership experience and technical competence. Ideally, most lieutenants will serve on CO teams to hone

their leadership and technical skills for development as future Cyber team leaders and company

commanders. Select lieutenants will serve as EW Platoon Leaders or in CEMA sections, while other select

lieutenants will serve as Cyber capabilities developers within development teams, crews, sections, sites,

and/or units.

(a)

Cyber lieutenants, upon completion of BOLC and requisite functional training, should be

assigned to CO or EW positions, primarily within a Cyber Protection Team (CPT); National Mission Team

(NMT); National Support Team (NST); Combat Mission Team (CMT); Combat Support Team (CST);

Expeditionary Cyber Team (ECT); EW Platoon; CEMA Section; or Developer team/crew/section/site/unit.

Cyber lieutenants may also develop expertise in technologies and technical skillsets used within the

cyberspace domain and EMS battlespace through highly specialized training designed and/or designated

by the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence, U.S. Army Cyber Command, and/or U.S. Cyber Command.

(b)

The goal of the branch is to assign lieutenants to the operational force as an initial assignment.

Developmental assignments include but are not limited to:

Table 1: Developmental Positions for Lieutenants

17A (Cyber Warfare Officer)

17B (CEWO)

17D (CCDO)

Company XO

Platoon Leader

Assistant S3

Section Leader

Cyber Planner

Analytic Support Officer

Battle Captain

Aide de Camp

Interactive Operator (CMF)

Exploitation Analyst (CMF)

Company XO

Platoon Leader

Brigade/Regiment CEWO

Cyber/EW Planner

Company XO

Platoon Leader

Developer

(5)

Self-development. Lieutenants should focus on tactical and technical CO and EW fundamentals;

CMF works role certifications; cyber-related industry certifications; leadership skills; logistics and basic

administrative activities; fundamentals of training management; and other tactical and technical proficiency

skills.

(6)

Desired experience. Cyber lieutenants will serve in an operational Cyber unit and focus on

developing small team or unit level leadership skills, as well as, understanding the essential elements of

CO. Select lieutenants will serve as EW Platoon Leaders or in CEMA section positions while developing a

firm understanding of the cyberspace domain and EMS battlespace. Lieutenants should continue to build

their knowledge, skills, and behaviors in conducting various types of CO and EW missions.

Cyber Branch – 11 Jan 2022

Captain development. The professional development objective for a captain is to expand their expertise

and lead small team/unit level cyberspace and EW operations. The primary focus of the Cyber captain is

the development of tactical and technical leadership and management skills to conduct and synchronize

cyberspace and EW operations in Army and JIM environments.

(1)

Education.

(a)

Cyber captains will attend the Cyber Captains Career Course (CCC) (for 17As and 17Bs) or

the 17D CCC (for 17Ds). It is desirable for Cyber Officers to attend their designated Cyber CCC as soon

as possible after promotion to captain, or after completing four years but prior to the seventh year of Active

Federal Commissioned Service (AFCS).

(b)

Cyber Officers directly appointed in the rank of captain through the CDCP are required to attend

the Army’s Direct Commission Course, followed by the Cyber Direct Commission Officer Course, unless

granted an exception to policy/waiver by the appropriate Army authority. Cyber Officers directly appointed

in the rank of captain through the CDCP are required to attend their designated Cyber CCC if receiving less

than seven years of total constructive service credit at the time of appointment. Cyber Officers directly

appointed in the rank of captain with seven or more years of credit are exempt from the CCC attendance

requirement in order to optimize initial mission-focused assignments and individual promotion

opportunities/timelines.

(c)

Select Cyber captains may develop mastery of technologies and technical skillsets used within

the cyberspace domain or EMS battlespace through highly-specialized training designed and/or designated

by the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence, U.S. Army Cyber Command, and/or U.S. Cyber Command.

(d)

Cyber captains directed to fill AOC 17B assignments must complete the 17B CEWO

Qualification Course (if not already 17B AOC-qualified) prior to reporting for their 17B assignment. When

feasible, the 17B CEWO Qualification Course should be completed consecutively with the Cyber CCC.

(e)

Company grade VTIP officers transitioning into the Cyber Branch must attend the Cyber

Operations Officer Course (CyOOC) for AOC 17A or the designated transition course/training pipeline for

AOC 17D, depending on which AOC for which they are selected. If designated for AOC 17B, VTIP officers

must complete CyOOC for AOC 17A, followed by the 17B CEWO Qualification Course. For VTIP company

grade officers who have not completed CCC for any branch prior to transfer, they will need to complete

Cyber Branch CCC for either 17A or 17D, depending on their designated Cyber Branch AOC.

(2)

PME course credit. Cyber Officers can apply for PME course credit based on previous leadership

experience and academic or training experience, per AR 350–1. The approval authority for course credit

for the PME portion of CCC is the Director of Training, TRADOC G-37, delegated from HQDA DCS G-

3/5/7.

(3)

Cyber Course Credit Program. Cyber Officers who acquire CO or EW knowledge, skills, and

behaviors through military courses or experience and/or civilian industry, education, or training may apply

for course credit for the portions of AOC qualification courses governed by the U.S. Army Cyber School,

Fort Gordon, GA. The Cyber Course Credit Program is managed by the U.S. Army Cyber School IAW AR

350-1 for the evaluation of constructive, equivalent, and operational credit. The approval authority for

awarding 17A, 17B, or 17D AOC qualification course credit (not including PME credit) is the Commandant,

U.S. Army Cyber School. Cyber course credit, if approved, will be documented in a memorandum signed

by the Commandant, U.S. Army Cyber School, or authorized delegate. The approval memorandum serves

as verification of course credit toward 17A, 17B, or 17D AOC qualification in lieu of DA Form 1059.

(4)

Assignments. Cyber captains will normally be assigned to key developmental positions prior to

broadening assignments.

(a)

Key developmental assignments. Key developmental positions provide a Cyber captain with

the desired operational experience in small unit leadership, CO, and EW at this developmental phase. Key

developmental assignments also provide credible experience in the core skillsets required of commanders,

leaders, and staff officers. Cyber captains must serve in key developmental positions for a minimum of 18

months (optimally 24 months). Successful service in captain key developmental positions for any 17-series

AOC counts as key developmental credit for all 17-series Cyber captains. Additionally, Cyber captains

serving in key developmental positions for majors will receive key developmental credit in their current

rank/grade. Success in the assignments listed below (or combination of assignments) will provide

opportunities for career development and future consideration for promotion to the rank of major (which will

be primarily based on performance in one or more of the following positions):

Cyber Branch – 11 Jan 2022

Table 2: Key Developmental Positions for Captains

17A (Cyber Warfare Officer)

17B (CEWO)

17D (CCDO)

Company Commander

Support Team Leader (CST)

Mission Element Leader (CPT)

Section Leader (NMT/CMT)

Cyber Warfare/Ops Officer (Division

CEMA Section only)

Company Commander

Brigade/Regiment/SFG CEWO

Company Commander

Development Crew Leader

Senior Developer

(b)

Developmental assignments for Cyber captains are designed to allow commanders wide

latitude in tailoring the type, number, and order of assignments based on the developmental needs of the

officer, the operational needs of the unit, the availability of developmental positions within the command,

and the overall needs of the Army. Developmental assignments include but are not limited to:

Table 3: Developmental Positions for Captains

17A (Cyber Warfare Officer)

17B (CEWO)

17D (CCDO)

Career Program Mgr. (OCC) (post-KD)

Cyber OC/T (CTCs) (post-KD)

CY Research Scientist (ACI) (post-KD)

Instructor (CyS/USMA) (post-KD)

Analytic Support Officer

Assistant S3 (BN/BDE)

Battalion S2/S3 (CTB)

AROC Officer

Battle Captain (JOC)

Mission Manager (JOC)

Watch Officer (JOC)

Branch Chief (OCO/DCO/DODIN)

Cyber Planner

Special Technical Ops (STO) Planner

Deputy Team Leader (ECT)

Effects Assessment Officer

Evaluation Concepts Officer

Remote Operations OIC

Task Force (TF) CuOps Officer (CMF)

Training/Exercises Officer

Cyber/EW OC/T (CTCs) (post-KD)

CY/EW Rsrch. Scientist (post-KD)

Instructor (CyS/USMA) (post-KD)

Assistant S3 (BN/BDE)

Battalion S2/S3 (CTB)

Cyber/EW Planner

Division/Corps CEWO

MDTF Company XO

Career Program Mgr. (post-KD)

CY Research Scientist (post-KD)

Instructor (CyS/USMA) (post-KD)

Assistant S3 (BN/BDE)

Battalion S2/S3 (CTB)

Product Engineer (915th CWB)

Systems Development Chief

(c)

Broadening assignments. Opportunities available for captains include, but are not limited to:

Advanced Civil Schooling.

Training with Industry.

DoD or interagency fellowships/internships.

(d)

Self-development. Cyber captains should continue to gain an increased understanding of

cyberspace and EW operations, as well as, MDO and ULO. Captains should also continue to gain an in-

depth understanding of MDMP and the foundational knowledge required to effectively serve as a staff officer

at the battalion, brigade, or division level. Military-orientated training for all designated Cyber Officers

includes but is not limited to: Joint EW Theater Operations Course, Special Technical Operations Planners

Course, Joint Network Attack Course, Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations Course, Space Fundamentals

Course, Air Force Institute of Technology Cyber 200 and 300, Joint Operational Fires and Effects Course,

Joint Targeting Course, Joint Firepower Course, Joint Information Operations Planners Course, Military

Deception Planners Course, and NATO EW Course. Captains should pursue graduate-level education in a

science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) related discipline and/or obtain industry certifications

related to information technology, networking, CO, cybersecurity, and other relevant disciplines.

(e)

Desired experience. Cyber captains should possess in-depth knowledge and skills in leading

cyberspace and EW operations at all echelons. Captains should serve in at least one key developmental

assignment for a minimum of 18 months (optimally 24 months) in order to gain the necessary leadership

and mission-related skills and experience. It is also important for Cyber captains to serve in developmental

and broadening assignments to gain a wider range of knowledge and skills to enhance their understanding

Cyber Branch – 11 Jan 2022

of the range of military operations, as well as, expand their awareness of JIM environments.

Major development. The professional development objectives for a major are to further expand and

broaden the officer’s tactical and technical experience and expertise in cyberspace and EW operations at

all echelons. Cyber majors should focus on

developing organizational leadership, management, and

planning skills through a series of operating and

generating force developmental assignments.

(1)

Education.

(a)

Military education required during this phase is the completion of Intermediate Level Education

(ILE) at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College (CGSC). The Army conducts ILE selection

boards in conjunction with the Major ACC Promotion Selection Board to consider officers for resident or

non-resident ILE opportunities. In addition to Army’s CGSC, Command and Staff College (CSC)/ ILE

attendance opportunities may include one of the following schools: the U.S. College of Naval Command

and Staff, the U.S. Air Command and Staff College, the U.S. Marine Corps Command and Staff College,

the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation Command and General Staff Officer Course, or

foreign military staff colleges which have been granted MEL 4 equivalency by the DCS, G-3. Officers may

also compete to be selected for the School of Advanced Military Studies (SAMS) following the Army

Operations Course.

(b)

Cyber Officers directly appointed in the rank of major through the CDCP are required to attend

the Army’s Direct Commission Course, followed by the Cyber Direct Commission Officer Course, unless

granted an exception to policy/waiver by the appropriate Army authority. Cyber Officers directly appointed

in the rank of major are required to attend their designated CGSC/ILE course if receiving less than 14 years

of total constructive service credit at the time of appointment. Cyber Officers directly appointed as majors

with 14 or more years of credit are exempt from the CGSC/ILE attendance requirement in order to optimize

initial mission-focused assignments and individual promotion opportunities/timelines. All Cyber Officers

directly appointed as majors are exempt from captain PME requirements.

(c)

Select Cyber majors may develop mastery of technologies and technical skillsets used within

the cyberspace domain or EMS battlespace through

highly-specialized training designed and/or designated

by the Cyber Center of Excellence, U.S. Army Cyber

Command, and/or U.S. Cyber Command.

(d)

Cyber majors directed to fill AOC 17B assignments must complete the 17B CEWO Qualification

Course (if not already 17B AOC-qualified) prior to reporting for their 17B assignment.

(e)

VTIP majors transitioning into the Cyber Branch must attend

the Cyber Operations Officer

Course (CyOOC) for AOC 17A or the designed transition course/training pipeline for AOC 17D, depending

on which AOC for which they are selected. If designated for 17B, VTIP officers must complete CyOOC for

17A, followed by the 17B CEWO Qualification Course.

(2)

PME course credit. Cyber Officers can apply for PME course credit based on previous leadership

experience and past academic or training experience, per AR 350–1 The approval authority for course

credit for ILE is the Director of Training, TRADOC G-37, delegated from HQDA DCS G-3/5/7; however, due

to the opportunities available for officers to attend resident, satellite, or non-resident ILE, approval of course

credit is restrictive.