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Suggest a Feature →Cyberspace Operations Officer
Plans and leads cyberspace operations in support of Air Force and joint force missions. Commands cyber units conducting offensive and defensive operations and advises commanders on cyberspace matters.
“You'll lead cyber warfare operations protecting Air Force networks and executing offensive operations in the most contested domain in modern conflict.”
You'll lead cyber operations at the officer level — commanding squadrons conducting defensive cyber and in some assignments offensive operations against adversary networks. The cyber career field combines technical credibility requirements with organizational management expectations that create specific career pressures. Promotion in cyber competes with aviation community cultural dominance in a service built around aircraft. The civilian cybersecurity leadership market is strong for cleared Air Force cyber officers — CISO-track roles, security leadership, and cyber program management at defense contractors pay compensation that makes the service compensation gap very visible. The combination of technical background and officer leadership is genuinely valuable in an industry that often has one and not the other.
MOS Intel
- 117D officers have some of the highest post-military earning potential. TS/SCI + cyber leadership = $150K+ starting.
- 2Stay technically current. Cyber leaders who understand the technical work are more effective and valuable.
- 3Network with NSA, CYBERCOM, and industry cyber leaders. Your next career is likely with them.
Cyber Warfare Operations Officer is one of the most in-demand career fields, and the civilian cyber market is even more lucrative. Some 17D assignments involve genuine offensive and defensive operations; others are IT management and policy. The retention challenge is real — the private sector pays significantly more. If you stay for a career, senior positions are increasingly important. If you leave after your commitment, the civilian cyber market is exceptionally strong.
What this actually is in the real world
Your skills translate. Here's what civilian employers call this job — and what they pay.
Information Security Analysts
Strong matchSoftware Developers
Related fieldIntelligence Analysts
Related fieldSalary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, retrieved Feb 2026. BLS.gov cannot vouch for the data or analyses derived from these data after the data have been retrieved from BLS.gov.
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