Cyber Warfare Specialist
As a Cyber Warfare Specialist, it’ll be your job to provide swift and precise solutions to identify and defend against cyber threats.
You’ll work to defend the Army and Defence systems and networks to gain advantage in cyberspace and electromagnetic combat using advanced information and communication technologies.
What you'll do
You’ll operate as part of a team to use large and complex state-of-the-art ICT systems and work at tactical, operational and strategic levels. You’ll conduct cyber activities to defend and assure the integrity of the Army and Defence systems.
In this dynamic and complex area of combat, you’ll need to bring your agility and flexibility to learn and develop new skills. You’ll work across government agencies and with inter-governmental and multinational organisations to support exercises and operations around Australia and the world.
You may be employed as a Vulnerability Assessment Analyst (VAA) or a member of a Defensive Cyberspace Operations Team (DCOT). Your duties may include:
- Vulnerability Assessment Analyst (VAA) – perform assessments, investigations, collect data and detect weaknesses and threats across a range of systems, sensors and networks. You’ll prepare, maintain and operate network focused intelligence systems in support of operational, tactical and strategic objectives and assist in the conduct of cyber space operations.
- Defensive Cyberspace Operations Team member (DCOT) – utilising your extensive training and experience within the cyber domain, you will act as a team member investigating cyberspace security incidents on ICT networks and through the collection and analysis of technical data determine the cause and develop solutions for impacted systems. You’ll conduct research, risk analysis and security audits to support computer and network intrusion analysis as well as work within a security operations centre on networks and systems critical to Defence.
Opportunities for progression and upskilling continue throughout your career. As you progress, the Army will provide you with development opportunities to assist you with your increasing leadership responsibility, as well as further education and specialised training to strengthen your skillset. This will help you to command and run a highly skilled team of soldiers and the employment of their equipment.
You’ll have the opportunity to support Special Forces or strategic agencies in Canberra, where you’ll work alongside ADF and Australian Public Service (APS) members in support of national strategic interests. Whatever your position, you’ll have countless opportunities to continue to learn in this exciting role.
Throughout your career, you’ll attend a wide range of specialist courses that involve enhancing your skills and knowledge within cyber security and cyberspace operations. You may also have the opportunity to undertake additional study at tertiary and/or other agencies, both locally and overseas, to expand your skillset further.
Following training, you’ll work in a broad range of field and office environments as part of a dedicated team.
You could be employed in a number of specialist units throughout Australia, including:
- Adelaide, SA
- Cabarlah, Qld
- Canberra, ACT
- Watsonia, Vic.
Discover where the Army operates across Australia on our base locations map.
Our role is important in keeping the Army’s networks safe and secure.
Requirements and training
You must be an Australian citizen to serve in the ADF. However, Australian permanent residents may be eligible. For more details, visit the "Citizenship" tab on the Eligibility Requirements page.
You can apply for a role in the ADF from 16.5 years of age and must be at least 17 to join. The maximum age to join is 54 years.
You don’t need a driver’s licence for this role but if you have one, it can’t be suspended or cancelled.
All ADF members require a security clearance. As an ADF member, you’ll need to obtain the appropriate level of security clearance for your role. You’ll need a collection of relevant information including background checks and/or interviews so the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) can make an informed assessment to ensure the protection of Government resources and information. Your Careers Coach will explain what level of clearance is required for the career you are considering.
For more information or to learn about how security clearance will apply to you, view the eligibility requirements page.
Completion of Year 10 (or equivalent) education required with passes in English and Maths.
Preference will be given to applicants who display skills, demonstrate an interest in or have relevant experience in ICT or have potentially completed appropriate industry certification.
If you haven't completed Year 10 but are interested in joining, the ADF may be able to support your application.
To join the ADF, you must be healthy and physically fit. This is partially assessed from the completion of an extensive questionnaire covering your medical history, followed by a physical examination.
You’ll also be required to successfully pass a physical fitness assessment.
Female
- Sit-ups (feet held): 20
- Push-ups: 4
- Shuttle Run Score: 6.1.
Male
- Sit-ups (feet held): 20
- Push-ups: 8
- Shuttle Run Score: 6.1.
For further details on medical and physical fitness standards, refer to physical fitness standards for entry into the ADF and medical process for entry into the ADF.
You’ll be enlisted for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of 6 years. Subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service. You’ll have a Careers Coach who can advise on how IMPS will relate to your chosen occupation and personal situation.
You may request discharge at any time provided you do not have an outstanding IMPS obligation.
For this role, you’ll require a Negative Vetting 2 (NV2) Security Clearance.
As a Cyber Warfare Specialist, you’ll need the right mind and the right attitude.
The right mind:
- ability to learn rapidly and find solutions under pressure
- insatiable curiosity and a passion for problem solving
- a logical, analytical and objective mind
- high-level communication skills, both written and oral
- situational and cultural awareness
- ability to deal with unpredictable circumstances in an asymmetric battlespace.
The right attitude:
- strong commitment to and ability to work in a team
- willingness to handle and protect classified information sensitive to national interests
- willingness to take immediate action on information about potentially life-threatening situations.
You will only be required to undertake the current Defence language aptitude assessment if you apply to complete long language courses.
Course: Army Recruit Course
Duration: 13 weeks
Location: Kapooka, Wagga Wagga, NSW
During training, you'll take part in physical training, weapon handling, and shooting, first aid, drill, and field craft. You'll be challenged both mentally and physically.
Although it can be demanding, most recruits gain a sense of achievement, purpose, and confidence during basic training, and on completion of the course feel justifiably proud of what they have accomplished. The priority of our instructors is to help you succeed.
Key components of the course include:
- Physical Fitness: Structured training to improve strength, endurance, and overall fitness, preparing you for the physical demands of Army life.
- Field Craft: Learn how to live and operate in field conditions, including camouflage, movement techniques, and working in outdoor environments.
- Weapons Handling and Marksmanship: Safe handling, maintenance, and use of Army-issued weapons, and participating in live-fire exercises.
- Drill and Discipline: Develop attention to detail, teamwork and discipline through parade drill and military routine.
- First Aid and Battlefield Casualty Care: Gain essential life-saving skills and learn how to respond to injuries in both training and operational environments.
- Military Skills and Knowledge: Introduction to Army structure, values, customs, and basic soldier responsibilities.
- Resilience and Teamwork: Build mental resilience and learn to work effectively within a team in high-pressure situations.
On successful completion of the Army Recruit Course, you’ll participate in a Graduation Parade and have the opportunity to invite family and friends to view the parade. You’ll then move on to your Initial Employment Training (IET), where you’ll learn the specific skills required for your chosen role.
Course: Common Signals Training Course
Duration: 8 weeks
Location: Defence Force School of Signals, Simpson Barracks, Macleod, Vic
In this course you’ll learn:
- foundation knowledge of Corps history
- basic skills to operate common Communication, Information Systems and Electronic Warfare (CISEW) equipment
- basic combat communications
- operation of in-service power generation equipment.
Course: Basic Cyber Training Course
Duration: 42 weeks
Location: Defence Force School of Signals, Simpson Barracks, Macleod, Vic
This training will be led by an established university, college or institute. It will provide you with the foundation skills and knowledge to prepare you to undergo specific training in a range of defensive cyber operation roles.
At the Defence School of Space and Cyber, you’ll have access to the latest resources and technology to support your continuous learning and to keep pace with the constantly evolving Cyber landscape.