💻 Cyber & IT
Running and defending military networks and communications — the digital backbone of modern operations.
What they do
This field builds, runs, and defends the networks and systems the military depends on. IT specialists install and maintain networks, servers, and user support; cyber operators defend (and, in some roles, attack) networks against real adversaries; electronic-warfare and cyber-defense roles protect systems in contested environments.
Expect fast-moving, certification-heavy work with a security clearance and real-world stakes.
Jobs & codes by branch
Representative jobs in this field and their military occupation codes — not a complete list; each branch has many more and codes change. Use the official job finders below for the full, current list.
Army
17C Cyber Operations Specialist · 17E Electronic Warfare Specialist · 25B Information Technology Specialist · 25D Cyber Network Defender · 25N Nodal Network Systems Operator · 25H Network Communication Systems · 25E Electromagnetic Spectrum Manager · 35Q Cryptologic Network Warfare Specialist
Navy
IT Information Systems Technician · ITS (submarine IT) · CTN Cryptologic Technician (Networks) · ET Electronics Technician · IS Intelligence Specialist (cyber-adjacent)
Air Force
1B4X1 Cyber Warfare Operations · 3D0X2 Cyber Systems Operations · 3D0X3 Cyber Surety · 1D7X1 Cyber Defense Operations · 1D7X1A Spectrum Defense · 3D0X4 Computer Systems Programming
Marine Corps
0631 Network Administrator · 0651 Cyber Network Operator · 0671 Data Systems Administrator · 1721 Defensive Cyber Operator · 2611 Cryptologic Digital Network Analyst
Space Force
Cyber Operations and Orbital Warfare (Guardians) — uses AFSC-style specialty codes; the list is still evolving.
Coast Guard
IT Information Systems Technician
ASVAB areas that matter
Arithmetic Reasoning (AR), Math Knowledge (MK), Electronics Information (EI), and General Science (GS). These tend to require higher scores. Your AFQT score decides whether you can enlist; individual subtests combine into “line scores” that set which jobs you qualify for. Prepare with our free ASVAB practice tests.
How it transfers to civilian work
Cyber and IT is arguably the highest-demand transition field. Roles map directly to network/systems administrator, help desk, SOC and cybersecurity analyst, cloud, and DevOps — and a clearance plus experience commands strong pay. Credentials: CompTIA A+/Network+/Security+, Cisco CCNA, CISSP, and cloud (AWS/Azure) certs, many funded while you serve.
See every job & the exact requirements
Codes, availability, and ASVAB minimums vary by branch and change often — confirm on each branch's official job finder: Army ↗ · Navy ↗ · Air Force ↗ · Marine Corps ↗ · Space Force ↗ · Coast Guard ↗.