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ArmyMOS: 25B
Information Technology Specialist
The civilian and federal jobs that hire Army Information Technology Specialists — with real salaries and the resume that gets callbacks.
Every 25B has more options than a Google search will tell you. Below: career paths, BLS salary data, federal GS series, certifications by target career, and how to translate your experience without losing what made you valuable to the Army in the first place.
Free · No credit card · Tailored resume in under 5 minutes
$52K–$145K
Salary Range
BLS-verified median salaries
14
Career Paths
12
Companies Hiring
8
Resume Examples
8
Federal GS Series
4
Certification Paths
10
FAQs Answered
BT
Brad Tachi
Navy Diver · BMR Founder
After the Navy I got hired into 6 federal career fields and tech sales, and sat on federal hiring panels along the way. I spent the last 2 years rebuilding everything I learned into BMR, tuned for how AI actually screens resumes today. This is the system I wish I'd had on day one.
60,000+ resumes built·Success stories every week
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Military Role Overview
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 ClearanceSecret (most assignments; TS/SCI for some)
ASVAB RequirementST 95, GT 100
Training25B 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 ServiceCompTIA 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 matters when you're deciding what's next: how does civilian pay compare to what you make now?
Army mid-career
$58K–$82K
E-5 to E-7 total comp (base + BAH + BAS + tax advantage)
Civilian Information Technology Specialist
$60K–$133K
BLS median across direct-match civilian roles
Federal (GS-9 to GS-13)
$58K–$120K
8 matching GS series + locality pay + step increases
+51% on average
Civilian roles for Information Technology Specialists pay ~$36K more than mid-career enlisted total comp.
Military comp is approximate (varies by location/dependents). Civilian is BLS median. Federal includes locality pay. Your 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 Title | Industry | BLS Median Salary | Outlook | Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Computer User Support Specialist O*NET: 15-1232.00 | Information Technology | $60,340 | Faster than average (5%) | strong |
Network and Computer Systems Administrator O*NET: 15-1244.00 | Information Technology | $96,800 | About as fast as average (2%) | strong |
Information Security Analyst O*NET: 15-1212.00 | Cybersecurity | $124,910 | Much faster than average (32%) | strong |
Computer Systems Analyst O*NET: 15-1211.00 | Information Technology | $103,790 | Faster than average (10%) | moderate |
Computer Network Architect O*NET: 15-1241.00 | Information Technology | $130,390 | About as fast as average (4%) | moderate |
Database Administrator O*NET: 15-1242.00 | Information Technology | $104,620 | Faster than average (8%) | moderate |
Software Developer O*NET: 15-1252.00 | Technology | $133,080 | Much faster than average (17%) | moderate |
Web Developer O*NET: 15-1254.00 | Technology | $90,930 | Faster than average (16%) | moderate |
Computer User Support Specialist
Information Technology
$60,340median
Faster than average (5%)
O*NET: 15-1232.00
Network and Computer Systems Administrator
Information Technology
$96,800median
About as fast as average (2%)
O*NET: 15-1244.00
Information Security Analyst
Cybersecurity
$124,910median
Much faster than average (32%)
O*NET: 15-1212.00
Computer Systems Analyst
Information Technology
$103,790median
Faster than average (10%)
O*NET: 15-1211.00
Computer Network Architect
Information Technology
$130,390median
About as fast as average (4%)
O*NET: 15-1241.00
Database Administrator
Information Technology
$104,620median
Faster than average (8%)
O*NET: 15-1242.00
Software Developer
Technology
$133,080median
Much faster than average (17%)
O*NET: 15-1252.00
Web Developer
Technology
$90,930median
Faster than average (16%)
O*NET: 15-1254.00
Companies That Hire This Background
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.
Major defense IT contractor. Hires 25Bs for systems administration, network engineering, and cybersecurity. Secret and TS/SCI clearances required for most positions.
Defense and government IT services. Network administration, cybersecurity, and IT project management roles. Strong veteran hiring culture. Clearance holders in high demand.
Major defense consulting firm with significant cyber practice. Hires 25Bs for cybersecurity, cloud engineering, and IT consulting. Strong veteran hiring culture and career development.
Microsoft Software & Systems Academy (MSSA) is one of the top SkillBridge programs for 25Bs. Full-time positions in cloud engineering, systems administration, and cybersecurity.
Cloud infrastructure roles. AWS Military Apprenticeship program. 25Bs with cloud interest can leverage server administration experience into cloud engineering.
Defense IT contractor focused on cybersecurity, cloud, and enterprise IT. Hires cleared 25Bs for DoD contracts. Positions near major military installations and DC Metro.
Major defense IT contractor. Enterprise IT, cybersecurity, and cloud services for DoD and federal agencies. Cleared 25Bs competitive for mid-level positions.
Leading endpoint security company. Hires veterans for security operations, threat intelligence, and technical support. Growing rapidly — cybersecurity is their core business.
Major cybersecurity company. Network security engineers, sales engineers, and SOC analysts. 25B firewall and network security experience directly relevant.
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.
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. Federal cybersecurity positions protecting critical infrastructure. 25B network security experience directly applicable. Growing workforce.
See a salary you want? Build a resume targeting it.
BMR rewrites your 25B experience for any of the civilian roles above — keywords, achievements, and language hiring managers actually scan for.
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Real Army success story
“I am still getting compliments on my resume. Still getting interviews left and right, and now I have to say no. Very grateful to have so many options suddenly.”
Taranjeet· Sergeant (E-5)· Army
→ Program ManagementFederal 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.
GS Series & Position Matches
| GS Series | Federal Job Title | Typical Grades | Match | Explore |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-2210 | Information Technology Management | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 | View Details → | |
| GS-0332 | Computer Operations | GS-5, GS-7, GS-9 | View Details → | |
| GS-0391 | Telecommunications | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | View Details → | |
| GS-0343 | Management and Program Analyst | GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 | View Details → | |
| GS-1550 | Computer Science | GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 | View Details → | |
| GS-1710 | Education and Vocational Training | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | View Details → | |
| GS-0340 | Program Management | GS-11, GS-12, GS-13 | View Details → | |
| GS-0301 | Miscellaneous Administration and Program | GS-5, GS-7, GS-9 | View Details → |
Federal resumes follow different rules. We know them.
Federal hiring uses keyword-matching and structured experience. BMR builds federal-format resumes (USAJobs-ready) with the right keywords, hours/week, and supervisor info — for any GS series above.
Free · No credit card · Federal + civilian resume formats included
Want to Change Careers Entirely?
Not everyone wants to stay in a related field. These career paths leverage your transferable skills — leadership, risk management, logistics, project planning — in completely different industries.
Technical Writer
$91,670
Publishing / Documentation(O*NET: 27-3042.00)BLS OEWS May 20244% (As fast as average)
Writing SOPs and configuration documentationTranslating complex systems into step-by-step proceduresKnowledge-base and ticket documentation disciplineExplaining technical concepts to non-technical users
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.
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.
Air Traffic Controller
$144,580
Aviation(O*NET: 53-2021.00)BLS OEWS May 20243% (As fast as average)
Continuous monitoring of multiple system statesProcedural discipline with zero tolerance for errorCalm decision-making under sustained pressurePrecise voice communication under load
25Bs spend shifts watching system dashboards and acting fast when something breaks, the same vigilance and procedural rigor controllers run on.
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.
Surveying and Mapping Technician
$51,940
Surveying / Construction(O*NET: 17-3031.00)BLS OEWS May 20245% (Faster than average)
Data collection and structured field documentationOperating precision digital instrumentsMethodical accuracy in repeatable measurementTranslating raw data into usable records
The disciplined data-capture and instrument precision 25Bs use maintaining networks transfers to collecting and recording survey field data for engineering and construction firms.
How to get there: On-the-job training is common; a certificate in surveying technology or a CST certification from NSPS speeds advancement.
Cartographer and Photogrammetrist
$78,380
Geospatial / GIS(O*NET: 17-1021.00)BLS OEWS May 20245% (Faster than average)
Managing and querying structured spatial datasetsDatabase and data-integrity disciplineSoftware-driven analysis and visualizationQuality control on large data systems
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.
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.
Adult Education and Literacy Teacher
$59,950
Education(O*NET: 25-3011.00)BLS OEWS May 2024-3% (Decline)
Training end users on systems and proceduresBreaking complex tasks into teachable stepsPatience guiding non-technical learnersBuilding lesson material from scratch
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.
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.
Industrial Production Manager
$121,440
Manufacturing(O*NET: 11-3051.00)BLS OEWS May 20243% (As fast as average)
Change management and configuration controlUptime and availability accountabilityTroubleshooting failures to root causeCoordinating technical resources toward an output
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.
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.
Pivoting industries? You don't need to start from scratch.
The skills that made you a good Marine, Sailor, Airman, or Soldier transfer further than you think. BMR rewrites your bullets for any of the pivot careers above — without making you sound like you've never done the work.
Free · No credit card · Try unlimited career angles
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 (Military)
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 (Civilian)
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 (Military)
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 (Civilian)
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 (Military)
Managed Active Directory and Exchange Server for brigade of 1,200+ users: account provisioning, group policy management, distribution lists, and password reset support
After (Civilian)
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 (Military)
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 (Civilian)
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 (Military)
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 (Civilian)
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 (Military)
Implemented DISA STIGs across 150+ workstations and 12 servers, conducted vulnerability scans, remediated findings, and maintained IATM documentation for annual IA inspections
After (Civilian)
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 (Military)
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 (Civilian)
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 (Military)
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 (Civilian)
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
Get bullets like these auto-generated for your resume.
BMR turns your 25B duties and accomplishments into civilian bullets that match the job you're applying for — no manual translation, no rewriting.
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Certifications by Career Path
Which certifications you need depends on where you're headed. Find your target career path below.
Cloud Computing
AWS Solutions Architect Associate
RecommendedAmazon Web Services
Cost: $300 examTime: 2-3 months studyGI Bill Eligible
Most in-demand cloud certification. Server administration experience from 25B translates to cloud infrastructure. AWS dominates federal and commercial cloud markets.
Azure Administrator (AZ-104)
RecommendedMicrosoft
Cost: $165 examTime: 2-3 months studyGI Bill Eligible
Azure 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+
Required (DoD 8570 IAT II)CompTIA
Cost: $0 (earned during AIT)Time: Earned during 25B training
Earned 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)
RecommendedCompTIA
Cost: $350 - $400 examTime: 2-3 months studyGI Bill Eligible
Next step after Security+ for cybersecurity career. SOC analyst and threat detection focus. Meets DoD 8570 CSSP Analyst requirements. GI Bill covers approved training.
CISSP
Recommended for senior rolesISC2
Cost: $749 examTime: 3-6 months studyGI Bill Eligible
Gold 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)
RecommendedEC-Council
Cost: $1,199 examTime: 2-4 months studyGI Bill Eligible
Penetration testing and offensive security. Meets DoD 8570 CSSP Auditor requirements. Valuable for red team and vulnerability assessment roles.
Federal Employment
Federal Resume + USAJobs Profile
RequiredN/A
Cost: Free (build at bestmilitaryresume.com)Time: 1-2 hours
Federal 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)
RecommendedCisco
Cost: $330 examTime: 3-4 months studyGI Bill Eligible
Industry standard for networking. 25B network administration experience provides strong foundation. Cisco equipment is ubiquitous in enterprise and government networks.
CompTIA A+
FoundationalCompTIA
Cost: $350 (2 exams)Time: Some earn during AIT
Some 25Bs earn this during AIT. Entry-level hardware and OS certification. Good foundation but Security+ is more valuable for career advancement.
CompTIA Network+
RecommendedCompTIA
Cost: $350 examTime: 1-2 months studyGI Bill Eligible
Networking fundamentals. Good stepping stone to CCNA. Validates knowledge 25Bs already have from managing Army networks.
PMP (Project Management Professional)
RecommendedPMI
Cost: $400 - $600Time: 3-6 months studyGI Bill Eligible
IT 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 Foundation
RecommendedPeopleCert/Axelos
Cost: $300 - $500Time: 1-2 weeks study
IT 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? Don't bury it. List it the right way.
The wrong placement can sink an otherwise strong application. BMR knows where each cert ranks, what to call it, and how to frame it for ATS keyword matching and hiring manager attention.
Free · No credit card · Built around your real certs and clearance
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 veterans do this backwards — they wait until terminal leave to start, then panic. Here's the actual sequence that works.
1Days 0–30
Set the foundation
- Pull your DD-214 (request from Milconnect if separated)
- List your top 3 civilian roles AND top 3 GS series
- Build your tailored 25B resume — BMR does it free
- Write 1 strong LinkedIn headline (not "veteran seeking opportunities")
- Pull together your evals/performance reports for accomplishments
2Days 30–60
Apply with intent
- Apply to 5–10 jobs/week — quality over quantity
- Tailor every resume to the job description (BMR auto-tailors)
- Connect with 5 people/week on LinkedIn (not a spray)
- Set up a USAJobs profile and a saved-search alert for your GS series
- Practice translating your military bullets out loud — explain to a civilian friend
3Days 60–90
Close the offer
- Track every application — date, status, contact, notes
- Follow up 7–10 days after each application
- Prep for behavioral interviews using the STAR method
- Negotiate salary — don't take the first offer (BLS median is your floor)
- Stay applying even after one offer — leverage = options
Print this. Tape it to your monitor. Veterans who treat the transition like a 90-day op get hired faster than the ones who treat it like an emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024. Career data from O*NET OnLine.
Free for every veteran
Translate your 25B Information Technology Specialist experience into a resume that gets callbacks
Stop rewriting from scratch every time you apply. BMR turns your military experience into civilian and federal resumes — tailored to each job.
What you get — all free:
2
Tailored resumes
AI-rewritten for each job posting
2
Cover letters
Matched to the role
∞
LinkedIn optimization
Profile rewrite for civilian recruiters
∞
Elevator pitch generator
For interviews and networking
2
Company research reports
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