Department of War opens applications for cyber apprenticeships

The U.S. Department of War Office of the Chief Information Officer has opened applications on USAJOBS for the Department’s Cyber Apprenticeship Program, a 12-month paid pilot designed to build a pipeline of civilian cyber talent for critical roles across the enterprise. The application window is open now and closes July 17, 2026. Candidates can begin their applications at: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/875318000.

Unveiled publicly in late April, the initiative drew widespread attention online and generated more than 70,000 inquiries from prospective applicants nationwide, underscoring strong demand for skills-based pathways into national security careers.

“To maintain our decisive advantage and support the warfighter on the modern battlefield, the Department of War must recruit differently,” said the Honorable Kirsten Davies, Chief Information Officer. “President Trump and Department of War Secretary Hegseth have issued a clear mandate to advance skills-based hiring. This program bypasses traditional academic gatekeeping to value what truly matters: raw aptitude, patriotic drive, and hands-on capability over traditional academic credentials. By unlocking this untapped potential, we are actively forging America’s elite cyber workforce of the future from the ground up.”

Apprentices will receive competency-based training that combines online coursework, immersive hands-on labs, and on-the-job experience under senior DoW mentors. Successful completion includes industry-recognized certifications and direct pathways into high-demand civilian roles such as Cyber Defense Analyst and Incident Responder, supporting the cybersecurity of DoW operations and the Defense Industrial Base.

No prior professional cyber experience is required. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old, able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance, and committed to a cyber career.

To align with differing mission needs, two developmental tracks are available:
– Technical Specialist Pathway: focuses on rapid, hands-on technical skills for general DoW civilian cyber roles and does not require a college degree.
– Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) Agency Pathway: tailored for placements within DMDC and requires an accredited degree to meet that agency’s standards.

Program details and eligibility information are available at: https://dowcio.war.gov/Cyber-Workforce/Cyber-Workforce-Development/Cyber-Apprenticeship-Program/. Inquiries can be sent to: [email protected].