The U.S. Department of War opened applications on July 6 for its Cyber Apprenticeship Program on USAJOBS.
The Office of the Chief Information Officer said the 12-month paid pilot will blend online learning, hands-on labs, and on-the-job training under senior mentors. Successful participants earn industry certifications and eligibility for civilian roles such as Cyber Defense Analysts and Incident Responders.
Applications close July 17. Candidates must be U.S. citizens at least 18 years old, able to obtain a Secret clearance, and committed to a cyber career. No prior professional experience is required.
Two pathways are offered. The Technical Specialist Pathway targets general DoW cyber positions and does not require a college degree. The Defense Manpower Data Center Agency Pathway requires an accredited degree for specialized placements.
The program drew more than 70,000 inquiries after a late-April preview.
“To maintain our decisive advantage and support the warfighter on the modern battlefield, the Department of War must recruit differently,” said the Honorable Kirsten Davies, Chief Information Officer. “President Trump and Department of War Secretary Hegseth have issued a clear mandate to advance skills-based hiring. This program bypasses traditional academic gatekeeping to value what truly matters: raw aptitude, patriotic drive, and hands-on capability over traditional academic credentials. By unlocking this untapped potential, we are actively forging America’s elite cyber workforce of the future from the ground up.”
Applicants can apply at https://www.usajobs.gov/job/875318000. Details are also available on the DoW Cyber Apprenticeship Webpage or by email at osd.mc-alex.dod-cio.mbx.cyber-rap@mail.mil.
Davies said the effort follows a mandate for skills-based hiring across the department.
Provided by Dallas Express
