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ArmyMOS 25B

Information Technology Specialist

That is Army MOS 25B. Civilian jobs, federal paths, and how the work reads on a resume.

What is in this guide

Salary range
$52K to $145K
Career paths
14
Federal GS series
8
Companies hiring
12
Resume examples
8
Certification paths
4
Questions answered
10

What the translation looks like

How it reads in service

Served as 25B IT Specialist for a 1,200-soldier brigade, managing SIPR/NIPR networks, Active Directory, Exchange, and user support for 6 company-level units

How a hiring manager reads it

Served as enterprise IT systems administrator supporting 1,200+ users across 6 business units, managing network infrastructure, directory services, email systems, and providing Tier 1-3 technical support across a geographically distributed organization


Roles this background maps to

  • Computer User Support Specialist$60,340
  • Network and Computer Systems Administrator$96,800
  • Information Security Analyst$124,910

Median pay, BLS OEWS May 2024

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Brad TachiNavy Diver · BMR founder

After the Navy he was hired into six federal career fields and tech sales, and sat on federal hiring panels along the way. The last two years went into rebuilding all of it into BMR, tuned for how resumes get screened today. 75,916 resumes built so far.

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What the job actually is

The Army 25B Information Technology Specialist is the primary MOS responsible for maintaining, administering, and troubleshooting Army computer systems, networks, and communications infrastructure. 25Bs are the IT backbone of every Army unit — from maintaining tactical communications networks in the field to managing enterprise IT systems at major installations and commands.

Training begins at Fort Eisenhower, GA (formerly Fort Gordon) with a 20-week AIT program covering Windows Server administration, network infrastructure, hardware troubleshooting, Active Directory management, and Army-specific information systems like SIPR and NIPR networks. All 25Bs must obtain CompTIA Security+ certification to meet DoD 8570/8140 Information Assurance Technical (IAT) Level II requirements.

What makes 25Bs uniquely valuable in the civilian tech workforce is the combination of hands-on IT experience in enterprise environments with security clearance eligibility. A 25B who maintained networks for a 1,000+ user brigade has more enterprise IT experience than many civilian help desk technicians — and they did it in environments where downtime had mission-critical consequences.

I sat on the federal hiring side of the table after the Navy, and 25Bs are some of the easiest IT hires to make — the clearance plus enterprise network experience is a rare combination. The GS-2210 Information Technology Management series exists exactly for backgrounds like yours, and you'll find 25Bs across DISA, ARCYBER, and dozens of DoD components. — Brad Tachi, Navy Diver veteran & BMR founder

Security clearance
Secret (most assignments; TS/SCI for some)
ASVAB requirement
ST 95, GT 100
Training
25B Advanced Individual Training (AIT) at Fort Eisenhower, GA (formerly Fort Gordon) — 20 weeks covering network administration, server management, hardware/software troubleshooting, and Army information systems. Follows 10-week Basic Combat Training. Additional training available: Cyber Operations, Network Engineering, Information Assurance.
Certs earned in service
CompTIA Security+ (required for IAT Level II per DoD 8570), Some earn CompTIA A+, Network+, or CCNA depending on unit, Microsoft certifications depending on training path

Pay reality check

The number that decides most of this: how does civilian pay compare to what the paycheck looks like now?

Army mid-career

$58K to $82K

E-5 to E-7 total comp: base plus BAH, BAS and the tax advantage.

Civilian Information Technology Specialist

$60K to $133K

BLS median across the direct-match civilian roles on this page.

Federal, GS-9 to GS-13

$58K to $120K

8 matching GS series, plus locality pay and step increases.

About 51% higher on average

Civilian roles for Information Technology Specialists pay about $36K more than mid-career enlisted total comp.

Military comp is approximate and moves with location and dependents. Civilian is the BLS median. Federal includes locality pay. The real number depends on duty station, family status, GS step and overtime.

Private sector career paths

The tech job market is one of the strongest for military veterans, and 25Bs enter it with verified credentials that civilian candidates spend years and thousands of dollars acquiring. According to BLS May 2024 data, computer user support specialists earn a median of $60,340, network and computer systems administrators earn $96,800, information security analysts earn $124,910, and software developers earn $133,080.

The career ladder is clear: start in systems administration or help desk roles using existing skills, then specialize. Cybersecurity is the highest-growth path, and cloud computing (AWS, Azure), network engineering, and DevOps are other high-demand specializations where military enterprise-scale experience gives you a head start over civilian candidates with only lab or classroom exposure.

Defense contractors and cleared IT firms are natural first employers because they already understand military IT environments. From there, transitioning to major tech companies, financial services, or healthcare IT is straightforward once you build civilian experience alongside your military foundation.

Civilian job title translations

Civilian job titleIndustryBLS median salaryOutlookMatch
Computer User Support SpecialistO*NET 15-1232.00Information Technology$60,340Faster than average (5%)strong
Network and Computer Systems AdministratorO*NET 15-1244.00Information Technology$96,800About as fast as average (2%)strong
Information Security AnalystO*NET 15-1212.00Cybersecurity$124,910Much faster than average (32%)strong
Computer Systems AnalystO*NET 15-1211.00Information Technology$103,790Faster than average (10%)moderate
Computer Network ArchitectO*NET 15-1241.00Information Technology$130,390About as fast as average (4%)moderate
Database AdministratorO*NET 15-1242.00Information Technology$104,620Faster than average (8%)moderate
Software DeveloperO*NET 15-1252.00Technology$133,080Much faster than average (17%)moderate
Web DeveloperO*NET 15-1254.00Technology$90,930Faster than average (16%)moderate

Companies that hire this background

DISA (Defense Information Systems Agency)Veterans Preference / Direct Hire

DoD agency managing military communications and IT infrastructure. 25Bs understand DISA systems (SIPR, NIPR, DREN). Cleared IT positions at GS-7 through GS-14. Natural federal transition.

LeidosMilitary Hiring Program

Major defense IT contractor. Hires 25Bs for systems administration, network engineering, and cybersecurity. Secret and TS/SCI clearances required for most positions.

SAICMilitary Hiring

Defense and government IT services. Network administration, cybersecurity, and IT project management roles. Strong veteran hiring culture. Clearance holders in high demand.

Booz Allen HamiltonMilitary Transition Program

Major defense consulting firm with significant cyber practice. Hires 25Bs for cybersecurity, cloud engineering, and IT consulting. Strong veteran hiring culture and career development.

MicrosoftMSSA SkillBridge / Military Hiring

Microsoft Software & Systems Academy (MSSA) is one of the top SkillBridge programs for 25Bs. Full-time positions in cloud engineering, systems administration, and cybersecurity.

Amazon Web Services (AWS)Military Apprenticeship

Cloud infrastructure roles. AWS Military Apprenticeship program. 25Bs with cloud interest can leverage server administration experience into cloud engineering.

ManTech InternationalMilitary Hiring

Defense IT contractor focused on cybersecurity, cloud, and enterprise IT. Hires cleared 25Bs for DoD contracts. Positions near major military installations and DC Metro.

General Dynamics IT (GDIT)Military Hiring

Major defense IT contractor. Enterprise IT, cybersecurity, and cloud services for DoD and federal agencies. Cleared 25Bs competitive for mid-level positions.

CrowdStrikeVeterans Program

Leading endpoint security company. Hires veterans for security operations, threat intelligence, and technical support. Growing rapidly — cybersecurity is their core business.

Palo Alto Networks

Major cybersecurity company. Network security engineers, sales engineers, and SOC analysts. 25B firewall and network security experience directly relevant.

NSA / US Cyber CommandVeterans Preference

National Security Agency and US Cyber Command at Fort Meade, MD. Highest-paying federal IT and cybersecurity positions. TS/SCI clearance required. 25Bs with cyber training are prime candidates.

DHS / CISAVeterans Preference / Direct Hire

Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. Federal cybersecurity positions protecting critical infrastructure. 25B network security experience directly applicable. Growing workforce.

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See a finished resume for this background

Information security analyst resume example (military to civilian): the whole page, the lines that changed, and the words the posts use. Built from 25B work.

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A Army story from the same road

Anthony, success story
“With your assistance on my resume I got offered a 239.5K a year job today. Thanks so much Brad, you changed my way of life tremendously. God bless you”

Anthony · Veteran · Army · Program Management / Logistics · $239,500 offer

Read the full story

Federal career paths

Every federal agency needs IT staff, and the GS-2210 (IT Specialist) series is one of the most in-demand classifications across government. 25Bs already meet the certification requirements that civilian applicants must obtain out-of-pocket, putting them ahead in the qualification screening process.

GS-2210 positions span GS-7 to GS-12 depending on experience and education. Intelligence community agencies (NSA, DIA, CIA) and DoD cyber commands offer the highest-paying federal IT roles for candidates with higher clearances. Beyond pure IT, 25B experience also qualifies for GS-0332 (Computer Operator), GS-0391 (Telecommunications), and GS-0340 (Program Management) positions.

Many federal IT positions use Direct Hire Authority, which accelerates hiring timelines significantly. Veterans' Preference stacks on top of this, making the federal IT hiring process one of the fastest and most veteran-friendly pipelines available.

Federal series and position matches

SeriesFederal job titleTypical gradesMatchExplore
GS-2210Information Technology ManagementGS-7, GS-9, GS-11, GS-125 of 5View details
GS-0332Computer OperationsGS-5, GS-7, GS-94 of 5View details
GS-0391TelecommunicationsGS-7, GS-9, GS-114 of 5View details
GS-0343Management and Program AnalystGS-9, GS-11, GS-123 of 5View details
GS-1550Computer ScienceGS-9, GS-11, GS-123 of 5View details
GS-1710Education and Vocational TrainingGS-7, GS-9, GS-113 of 5View details
GS-0340Program ManagementGS-11, GS-12, GS-133 of 5View details
GS-0301Miscellaneous Administration and ProgramGS-5, GS-7, GS-92 of 5View details

Federal resumes follow different rules. We know them.

Federal raters match your record against the announcement's specialized experience statement. BMR writes the federal format for any GS series above, with the hours per week and supervisor detail a rater looks for.

Free to start. Federal and private sector formats included.

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Want to change careers entirely?

Not everyone stays in a related field. These paths run on the transferable half of the job: leadership, risk, logistics, planning.

Technical Writer$91,670 median · Publishing / Documentation · O*NET 27-3042.00

25Bs already write the runbooks and SOPs that keep a network maintained, which is exactly the clear procedural writing technical-documentation teams produce for products and policies.

Transfers: Writing SOPs and configuration documentation, Translating complex systems into step-by-step procedures, Knowledge-base and ticket documentation discipline, Explaining technical concepts to non-technical users.

How to get there: A bachelor's degree in a writing or technical field helps, but a strong documentation portfolio plus a Society for Technical Communication credential opens the door.

BLS OEWS May 2024 · 4% (As fast as average)

Air Traffic Controller$144,580 median · Aviation · O*NET 53-2021.00

25Bs spend shifts watching system dashboards and acting fast when something breaks, the same vigilance and procedural rigor controllers run on.

Transfers: Continuous monitoring of multiple system states, Procedural discipline with zero tolerance for error, Calm decision-making under sustained pressure, Precise voice communication under load.

How to get there: Apply through the FAA Academy or a CTI-partner school; the FAA has age limits, so vets should apply early after separating.

BLS OEWS May 2024 · 3% (As fast as average)

Surveying and Mapping Technician$51,940 median · Surveying / Construction · O*NET 17-3031.00

The disciplined data-capture and instrument precision 25Bs use maintaining networks transfers to collecting and recording survey field data for engineering and construction firms.

Transfers: Data collection and structured field documentation, Operating precision digital instruments, Methodical accuracy in repeatable measurement, Translating raw data into usable records.

How to get there: On-the-job training is common; a certificate in surveying technology or a CST certification from NSPS speeds advancement.

BLS OEWS May 2024 · 5% (Faster than average)

Cartographer and Photogrammetrist$78,380 median · Geospatial / GIS · O*NET 17-1021.00

25Bs who manage data systems and databases already think in structured data, which is the foundation GIS and mapping work is built on in planning, utilities, and government.

Transfers: Managing and querying structured spatial datasets, Database and data-integrity discipline, Software-driven analysis and visualization, Quality control on large data systems.

How to get there: A bachelor's degree in geography, GIS, or a related field; a GISP certification or a community-college GIS certificate is a common entry route.

BLS OEWS May 2024 · 5% (Faster than average)

Adult Education and Literacy Teacher$59,950 median · Education · O*NET 25-3011.00

25Bs constantly train users and units on new systems, and that ability to teach non-technical people maps directly to adult education and workforce-readiness programs.

Transfers: Training end users on systems and procedures, Breaking complex tasks into teachable steps, Patience guiding non-technical learners, Building lesson material from scratch.

How to get there: Most programs require a bachelor's degree; some adult-ed and digital-literacy programs hire on a provisional permit while you complete coursework.

BLS OEWS May 2024 · -3% (Decline)

Industrial Production Manager$121,440 median · Manufacturing · O*NET 11-3051.00

The change-control discipline and uptime ownership 25Bs apply to networks is the same mindset a production-floor manager uses to keep a line running and meeting targets.

Transfers: Change management and configuration control, Uptime and availability accountability, Troubleshooting failures to root cause, Coordinating technical resources toward an output.

How to get there: Enter as a production supervisor or shift lead; a Six Sigma Green Belt or an operations management certificate accelerates the move into plant management.

BLS OEWS May 2024 · 3% (As fast as average)

Pivoting industries does not mean starting from scratch.

The skills behind the specialty carry further than the specialty. BMR rewrites your bullets for any of the paths above without making it sound like you have never done the work.

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Skills translation guide

If you're applying to IT positions — MSPs, help desks, data centers, defense contractors — your technical terminology translates directly. Recruiters in IT know what Active Directory, SIPR, TCP/IP, and server administration mean.

But if you're applying to non-IT roles like project management, operations, consulting, or sales engineering — the hiring manager does not understand Army-specific systems or acronyms. Below are translations that reframe your 25B experience into language that resonates in non-IT industries. These show how to communicate the scale, complexity, and reliability of what you managed.

Resume bullet examples

Before, in service

Served as 25B IT Specialist for a 1,200-soldier brigade, managing SIPR/NIPR networks, Active Directory, Exchange, and user support for 6 company-level units

After, on the resume

Served as enterprise IT systems administrator supporting 1,200+ users across 6 business units, managing network infrastructure, directory services, email systems, and providing Tier 1-3 technical support across a geographically distributed organization

Before, in service

Administered dual SIPR and NIPR network environments for 500+ users, maintaining 99.5% uptime, managing access controls, and ensuring compliance with Army cybersecurity directives

After, on the resume

Administered dual enterprise network environments supporting 500+ users, maintaining 99.5% uptime SLA, managing role-based access controls, and ensuring compliance with security frameworks (NIST, FISMA) — zero security incidents during 12-month period

Before, in service

Managed Active Directory and Exchange Server for brigade of 1,200+ users: account provisioning, group policy management, distribution lists, and password reset support

After, on the resume

Administered enterprise directory services and email infrastructure for 1,200+ user organization, managing account lifecycle, group policy configurations, email routing rules, and security group permissions — maintaining compliance with organizational security policies

Before, in service

Deployed and maintained tactical communications infrastructure for battalion TOC during 30-day field exercise: satellite links, servers, routers, VoIP, and power systems supporting 200+ users

After, on the resume

Deployed and managed mobile IT infrastructure for 200+ users during 30-day operational exercise, configuring satellite connectivity, server infrastructure, network routing, VoIP systems, and power management — achieving full operational capability within 4 hours of arrival

Before, in service

Managed trouble ticket queue for 800+ user battalion: averaged 40+ tickets/week, maintained SLA response times, escalated complex issues, and documented resolutions in knowledge base

After, on the resume

Managed IT service desk operations for 800+ user organization, processing 40+ incidents weekly, maintaining response time SLAs, implementing escalation procedures, and building knowledge base documentation — reducing repeat incidents by 25% through improved user guides

Before, in service

Implemented DISA STIGs across 150+ workstations and 12 servers, conducted vulnerability scans, remediated findings, and maintained IATM documentation for annual IA inspections

After, on the resume

Implemented security hardening standards across 150+ endpoints and 12 servers, conducting vulnerability assessments, remediating findings to compliance benchmarks, and maintaining security documentation for annual audits — achieving 98%+ compliance rating

Before, in service

Served as battalion COMSEC custodian, managing cryptographic key distribution for 200+ devices, maintaining accountability logs, conducting inventories, and destroying expired material per Army regulation

After, on the resume

Managed enterprise encryption key lifecycle for 200+ devices, maintaining cryptographic material accountability, conducting regular audits, implementing key rotation schedules, and ensuring compliance with security regulations — zero discrepancies across 12 audits

Before, in service

Led deployment of new unit communications system: developed training materials, conducted hands-on training for 60 operators, created quick-reference guides, and provided 30-day post-deployment support

After, on the resume

Led enterprise technology rollout for 60+ end users, developing training materials, conducting instructor-led sessions, creating user documentation, and managing 30-day post-deployment support — achieving 95% user adoption within first week

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Certifications by career path

Which ones you need depends on where you are headed.

Cloud Computing

AWS Solutions Architect AssociateAmazon Web Services

RecommendedCost $300 examTime 2-3 months studyGI Bill eligibleMost in-demand cloud certification. Server administration experience from 25B translates to cloud infrastructure. AWS dominates federal and commercial cloud markets.

Azure Administrator (AZ-104)Microsoft

RecommendedCost $165 examTime 2-3 months studyGI Bill eligibleAzure is the DoD's primary cloud platform (Azure Government). 25B Active Directory and Windows Server experience translates directly. Microsoft MSSA SkillBridge program covers this.

Cybersecurity

CompTIA Security+CompTIA

Required (DoD 8570 IAT II)Cost $0 (earned during AIT)Time Earned during 25B trainingEarned during 25B AIT. Industry-standard certification recognized by all employers. Must renew every 3 years with 50 CE credits. Do NOT let this lapse — it is your most valuable credential.

CompTIA CySA+ (Cybersecurity Analyst)CompTIA

RecommendedCost $350 - $400 examTime 2-3 months studyGI Bill eligibleNext step after Security+ for cybersecurity career. SOC analyst and threat detection focus. Meets DoD 8570 CSSP Analyst requirements. GI Bill covers approved training.

CISSPISC2

Recommended for senior rolesCost $749 examTime 3-6 months studyGI Bill eligibleGold standard for cybersecurity management. Requires 5 years experience (military counts). Opens doors to $124K+ security roles per BLS. ISC2 offers associate-level for those building experience.

CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)EC-Council

RecommendedCost $1,199 examTime 2-4 months studyGI Bill eligiblePenetration testing and offensive security. Meets DoD 8570 CSSP Auditor requirements. Valuable for red team and vulnerability assessment roles.

Federal Employment

Federal Resume + USAJobs ProfileN/A

RequiredCost Free (build at bestmilitaryresume.com)Time 1-2 hoursFederal IT positions (GS-2210) are among the most in-demand across government. Security+ and clearance make you immediately competitive. Start 6 months before separation. Federal resumes are 2 pages max.

IT & Networking

CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate)Cisco

RecommendedCost $330 examTime 3-4 months studyGI Bill eligibleIndustry standard for networking. 25B network administration experience provides strong foundation. Cisco equipment is ubiquitous in enterprise and government networks.

CompTIA A+CompTIA

FoundationalCost $350 (2 exams)Time Some earn during AITSome 25Bs earn this during AIT. Entry-level hardware and OS certification. Good foundation but Security+ is more valuable for career advancement.

CompTIA Network+CompTIA

RecommendedCost $350 examTime 1-2 months studyGI Bill eligibleNetworking fundamentals. Good stepping stone to CCNA. Validates knowledge 25Bs already have from managing Army networks.

PMP (Project Management Professional)PMI

RecommendedCost $400 - $600Time 3-6 months studyGI Bill eligibleIT project management is a natural career path for senior 25Bs. System deployments, network upgrades, and migration projects count toward PM hours. Median $100,750 per BLS.

ITIL 4 FoundationPeopleCert/Axelos

RecommendedCost $300 - $500Time 1-2 weeks studyIT service management framework used by most enterprise IT organizations. Formalizes the service desk and incident management practices 25Bs already perform. Quick to earn, widely recognized.

Got a cert? Do not bury it.

Placement decides whether a screener ever sees it. BMR knows where each one ranks, what to call it, and how to frame it.

Free to start. Built around your real certs and clearance.

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Transition resources

For Staying in IT/Tech

CompTIA Security+: You already have this from AIT — keep it current (3-year renewal cycle with 50 CE credits). This single certification meets DoD 8570/8140 IAT Level II requirements and is recognized across the civilian IT industry. Check the CompTIA CE portal for renewal requirements.

Cloud Certifications: AWS and Azure certifications are the highest-demand IT credentials in 2024-2025. AWS Solutions Architect Associate and Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) are strong starting points. Many 25Bs can earn these within 2-3 months of self-study. GI Bill covers approved training programs.

SkillBridge Programs: Major tech companies participate in DOD SkillBridge. Microsoft MSSA (Microsoft Software & Systems Academy), Amazon's Military Apprenticeship, and Salesforce Military are popular programs for 25Bs. Apply 6+ months before your last 180 days.

Cybersecurity Path: With Security+ already in hand, the next step is CISSP from ISC2 (requires 5 years experience — military counts) or CompTIA CySA+ for a faster path. Cybersecurity analyst median salary is $124,910 per BLS.

For Careers Outside of IT

Project Management: The PMP certification (PMI) combined with your technical background makes you competitive for IT project management, technical program management, and consulting roles. 25Bs who managed network upgrade projects or system migrations have direct PM experience.

Sales Engineering / Technical Sales: Tech companies hire former military IT specialists for pre-sales engineering and technical account management. Your ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences is valuable. Companies like Cisco, Palo Alto Networks, and CrowdStrike have veteran hiring programs.

Federal Employment (USAJobs): Create your USAJobs profile immediately. Key agencies for 25Bs: DISA, NSA, Army Cyber Command, DHS/CISA, and every agency's IT department. Federal IT positions often use Direct Hire Authority. Federal resumes are 2 pages max. Build yours here.

Veteran Networking: VetsinTech provides tech-focused career resources for veterans. American Corporate Partners (ACP) provides free mentorship from corporate executives including tech leaders.

Clearance Leverage: Your security clearance is extremely valuable in IT — cleared IT professionals earn 10-20% more than non-cleared peers in comparable roles. Defense contractors, intelligence agencies, and cleared facilities all need IT staff with active clearances. ClearanceJobs.com specializes in these positions.

BMR Career Resources

Army Resume Guide: MOS Translation | Complete Military Resume Guide | Army ETS Checklist | Build Your Resume Free

Your 30, 60, 90-day transition plan

Most people do this backwards: wait for terminal leave, then panic. This is the sequence that works. Already out? Same plan, day one is today.

Days 0 to 30

Set the foundation

  • Pull your DD-214 (request it from milConnect if you are already separated)
  • List your top three civilian roles and your top three GS series
  • Build your tailored 25B resume, free
  • Write one strong LinkedIn headline, not "veteran seeking opportunities"
  • Gather your evals and performance reports for the accomplishments
Build my resume free

Days 30 to 60

Apply with intent

  • Apply to five to ten jobs a week, quality over volume
  • Tailor every resume to the announcement (BMR does this part for you)
  • Connect with five people a week on LinkedIn, not a spray
  • Set up a USAJOBS profile and a saved search for your GS series
  • Say your bullets out loud to a civilian friend and fix what they do not follow
Tailor my next resume

Days 60 to 90

Close the offer

  • Track every application: date, status, contact, notes
  • Follow up seven to ten days after each one
  • Prep behavioral interviews with the STAR method
  • Negotiate. The BLS median is your floor, not the offer
  • Keep applying after the first offer. Options are the leverage
Track my applications

Questions about 25B

Does my CompTIA Security+ from the Army transfer to civilian IT?

Yes — CompTIA Security+ is an industry-standard certification recognized by every civilian employer. It is not military-specific. It meets DoD 8570/8140 IAT Level II requirements, which is why the Army requires it, but it is issued by CompTIA and valid in the civilian world. Keep it current — it requires 50 continuing education credits every 3 years. This single certification makes you qualified for help desk, systems administration, and junior cybersecurity positions.

What is the median salary for IT jobs I can get with 25B experience?

According to BLS May 2024 data: computer user support specialists (help desk) earn a median of $60,340, network and computer systems administrators earn $96,800, information security analysts earn $124,910, computer systems analysts earn $103,790, and software developers earn $133,080. Your starting salary depends on certifications, clearance status, and geographic location. Cleared IT professionals in the DC Metro area typically earn above the national median.

Should I go into cybersecurity or systems administration?

Both are strong paths. Systems administration offers a broad skill set and immediate employability — you are already qualified. Cybersecurity offers higher earning potential (BLS median $124,910 vs $96,800 for sysadmins) and is the fastest-growing IT specialty. With your Security+ already in hand, cybersecurity is a natural progression. Many 25Bs start in sysadmin roles and transition to cybersecurity as they earn CySA+ or CISSP. The paths are not mutually exclusive.

How valuable is my security clearance for IT jobs?

Extremely valuable. Cleared IT professionals earn 10-20% more than non-cleared peers in comparable roles. A TS/SCI clearance is worth even more — some defense contractors and intelligence agencies pay $120K+ for cleared systems administrators. Your clearance stays active for up to 24 months after separation (investigation current for 10 years for Secret, 5 for TS). Do not let it lapse — use ClearanceJobs.com to find positions that require active clearances.

What certifications should I get next after Security+?

Depends on your target career path. For cybersecurity: CompTIA CySA+ or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), then target CISSP when you have 5 years experience. For cloud: AWS Solutions Architect Associate or Azure Administrator (AZ-104). For networking: CCNA from Cisco. For systems: Microsoft Certified Azure Administrator or Red Hat RHCSA. Priority should be: one cloud cert (AWS or Azure) + one specialization cert in your target area. GI Bill covers many of these.

Can I get a tech job without a bachelor's degree?

Yes — IT is one of the most certification-friendly industries. Many employers accept military experience plus certifications in lieu of a degree, especially for systems administration, help desk, and cybersecurity roles. That said, a bachelor's degree opens more doors long-term, especially for management and senior technical positions. If you use your GI Bill, computer science, cybersecurity, or information technology are strong choices. Many universities offer online programs that work with military schedules.

How does Veterans' Preference help me get federal IT jobs?

Veterans' Preference adds 5 or 10 points to your federal hiring score. Combined with your Security+ certification and clearance, you are highly competitive for GS-2210 (IT Specialist) positions. Many federal agencies use Direct Hire Authority for IT positions, which can accelerate hiring. The GS pay scale for IT specialists ranges from GS-7 ($42K-55K) to GS-14+ ($100K-150K+) depending on locality. DC Metro area locality pay adds approximately 33% to base salary.

What are the best SkillBridge programs for 25B soldiers?

Top programs for 25Bs include: Microsoft MSSA (Microsoft Software & Systems Academy) — trains for cloud and server administration, Amazon Military Apprenticeship — operations and cloud infrastructure, Salesforce Military — CRM platform administration and development, and Hack the Hood/various cybersecurity bootcamps. Apply 6+ months before your last 180 days of service. Search the SkillBridge database at skillbridge.osd.mil for current openings.

Where are the best IT job markets for veteran 25Bs?

DC Metro area (Northern Virginia, Maryland, DC) has the highest concentration of cleared IT positions and defense contractors — many 25Bs start here. Other strong markets: San Antonio (Cyber Command, NSA), Augusta/Fort Eisenhower (Army Cyber), Colorado Springs (Space Command, NORAD), Seattle, Austin, Raleigh-Durham, and any major metro tech hub. Remote IT work is increasingly available, especially for cybersecurity and cloud roles.

What if I want to leave IT entirely?

Many 25Bs transition into non-IT careers using transferable skills. Project management (BLS median $100,750), management consulting ($101,190), technical sales, operations management ($102,950), and training development ($65,850) are all viable paths. Your IT background gives you an advantage in any industry undergoing digital transformation — which is every industry. See the Career Change Paths section for specific entry requirements.

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