Picture of Im a Computer Science student planning to join infantry as an officer, can i transfer to cyber later in my career?

Im a Computer Science student planning to join infantry as an officer, can i transfer to cyber later in my career?

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I want to gain work experience in Tech for when I leave the army. Ideally if I can be in the infantry for a few years and then spend my last year or so in Cyber that would be perfect. Is this possible or easy to do? Thanks

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Luke T. asked a question to Communications, Intelligence and IT

Category: Career Advice

Date asked: Thursday, October 31, 2024

Last reviewed: Thursday, October 31, 2024

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Frank R.

CPT Operator

Hi Luke, short answer...Yes, absolutely you can. There are a few avenues open to you, but these are more designed for Soldier ranks, rather than Officer. As an Officer you will be one of the primary Leaders of the British Army and managing people and their careers will be a huge part of your day to day job. These however, are not usually technically driven roles - such as Analyst for example. I'm not saying you won't be able to do these sort of roles, but there are less avenues as I understand it and I have less experience with those being a Soldier myself. The only other issue may be that you might not gain enough experience during a year of a 'Cyber' role as A) you will need to be trained for whatever role you go into, and that takes time. B) Wait for a space or 'PID' to become available for you to fill. and C) In your last year of service you will undoubtedly be busy with resettlement and preparing for transition back to being a civilian (as of course you need to give 12 months notice to leave the British Army). It is doable, but just not quite cut and dry as that. To be honest, there are so many opportunities (too many to list) to do some pretty cool things in the arena you want to do them in. You are better off keeping an open mind (keeping that Cyber aspiration there on a back burner - because you will be able to pursue that at a later date) and focusing of being the best Infantry Officer you can be. Not going to lie, that will be tough. Sandhurst is no cake walk. But extremely rewarding to pass and carry the King's Commission - whereby other Soldiers, regardless of rank, will salute you for it. 100% achievable, just put the effort in. Smash that bit first, spend a few years seeing what the Army has to offer (spoilers...it's a lot) and you will have a better understanding on how to follow your Cyber aspirations and make them a reality. Hope that helps, good luck and feel free to reply if you have any more Q's. All the best.

Thursday, October 31, 2024

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