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CWO Reserve Selection Criteria

Mukiwa

New Member
Hi All,

I've been reading around on here for a little while now and love the information and community on here. However, this is my first post.

I am currently putting together a kit for Crypto Warfare in the Reserves. I understand this is a highly competitive program and wanted to see how competitive I am? My stats are below and I'd appreciate any feedback.

-Masters in Cybersecurity, 3.89 GPA
-Undergrad in Accounting 3.49 GPA
-Certs: CISSP, CEH, Sec+
-Current service in Army Reserves as an Intel Analyst
-I work for one of the largest financial institutions in the world in the Info Security department with a team reporting to me.
-Prior experience as an Info Security Analyst with some Python and PS scriptinf
-My 3 LORs are all coming from my supervisors who I reported to over the years (need more?)
 

FormerRecruitingGuru

Making Recruiting Great Again
Hi All,

I've been reading around on here for a little while now and love the information and community on here. However, this is my first post.

I am currently putting together a kit for Crypto Warfare in the Reserves. I understand this is a highly competitive program and wanted to see how competitive I am? My stats are below and I'd appreciate any feedback.

-Masters in Cybersecurity, 3.89 GPA
-Undergrad in Accounting 3.49 GPA
-Certs: CISSP, CEH, Sec+
-Current service in Army Reserves as an Intel Analyst
-I work for one of the largest financial institutions in the world in the Info Security department with a team reporting to me.
-Prior experience as an Info Security Analyst with some Python and PS scriptinf
-My 3 LORs are all coming from my supervisors who I reported to over the years (need more?)

1. Did you ask any of this during your IWC panel interview? If not, you should.
2a. Check out previous IWC DCO boards to see where you stack.
2b. If that’s not enough, there’s even a separate thread dedicated to stats and how they ended up (selected or not).

Long story short, welcome but your answer can be found with the tool of searching. You’re more than likely going to get help here if you do the homework instead of asking a stranger to assist you. Good luck.
 
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Mukiwa

New Member
1. Did you ask any of this during your IWC panel interview? If not, you should.
2. Check out previous IWC DCO boards to see where you stack.

Long story short, welcome but your answer can be found with the tool of searching. Good luck.
Thanks very much for your reply. I haven't had an interview yet but that will be one of the things I ask. I'm meeting with my OR to hopefully get something set up.

I did search but didn't see anyone with my specific case but maybe I missed it. I'll take another look.
 

cricechex

Active Member
Mukiwa,

You used “CWO” in the thread title. Typically, Navy CWOs are selected exclusively from Navy E7s or above. There have been a few exceptions over the years but I’m not aware of one for crypto. However, like Rufio mentioned, the Direct Commission Officer (DCO) program is definitely an option and one in which you would likely be pretty competitive. If you haven’t already, do a search for the DCO program “information Warfare crypto (IWC) option. You may have better results.
 

FormerRecruitingGuru

Making Recruiting Great Again
Mukiwa,

You used “CWO” in the thread title. Typically, Navy CWOs are selected exclusively from Navy E7s or above. There have been a few exceptions over the years but I’m not aware of one for crypto. However, like Rufio mentioned, the Direct Commission Officer (DCO) program is definitely an option and one in which you would likely be pretty competitive. If you haven’t already, do a search for the DCO program “information Warfare crypto (IWC) option. You may have better results.

It’s also stands for cryptologic warfare Officer. IW changed its name about 2-3 years ago. Looks like someone hasn’t done their homework yet...
 
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Deleted member 67144 scul

Guest
Here's a few details from a recruiter spreadsheet for "Reserve DCO Competitive Profiles", updated as of August 2017. I'm a recent EDO select but was looking into IWC before it was clear they wanted IT security and infosec types for CWO/IPO in the Reserve. I'm sure you know this, but relevant work experience is a de facto requirement for competitiveness for many DCO boards.

For CWO:
- GPA: 3.14
- Major/Coursework: Technical, at least 1 semester of Calculus and Physics
- Other Positive Factors: Strong interviews/recommendations, meaningful work experience and achievement, competitive evals for prior enlisted
- Significant Negative Factors: No drug use less than 1 yr old. All family members, close friends, and associates must be US or Naturalized US Citizens.

Not specifically listed, but DoDD 8570 approved certifications are pretty much required. If you're in touch with IWC officers at this time, so it would be good to ask questions.

CW folks even even got a fresh new PA!

There's a lot of hair splitting though so they look at more than just the above. Your motivational statement is important. Community/volunteer service is also very good. Find your local Food Bank and volunteer an evening every now and then. Heck, I even caught wind the universities I attended were a "plus", for what that's worth. There's a fair number of factors taken into consideration.
 
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Mukiwa

New Member
Thanks all for your replies. A lot of really great information. The more I read and search on here and elsewhere the more it's clear to me it's an art rather than a science. Hoping I meet or exceed the standard.
 
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Deleted member 67144 scul

Guest
Looks like someone was nerding out when they came up with these...

It's actually very simple. It's the average from selectees.
 
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