Hometown: Salt Lake City, Utah
Military Occupational Specialty: 35Q
Duty title: Cyber Operation Noncommissioned Officer
QUICK SKETCH:
-- initial Army MOS
35Q -- Cryptologic Cyberspace Intelligence Collector/Analyst
-- Army Cyber assignment, highlights
Currently assigned to Headquarters & A Company, 1st Cyber Battalion, Cyber Protection Brigade, at Fort Gordon as a network security analyst. Sgt. Madsen participated in the following real-world Cyber operations: Cyber Support to Corps and Below (CSCB) pilot program for 1st ABCT, 1st Infantry Division at National Training Center rotation 16-08, then provided support to classified missions regarding remote operations with the 151 Cyber Protection Team. Sgt. Madsen was then tasked with providing analytical assessments on a classified mission supporting a CYBERCOM Joint Task Force.
-- Awards
-Army Achievement Medal -- 3 (Mission excellence), 2, (Soldier of the Quarter)
-Army Good Conduct Medal - 1
- Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon - 1 (BLC Commandants List)
-Certificate of Achievement -- 2 (Mission excellence (2))
- United States Army Parachutist Badge -- 1
-- Education
-Associates degree in General Studies, Salt Lake Community College
-Basic Leader Course
-Advanced Leader Course
-Basic Airborne Course
-Pursuing bachelor's degree in Computer Networks and Cybersecurity from the University of Maryland University College (UMUC) expected to graduate in the spring 2020
WHY I CHOSE ARMY CYBER AS A CAREER:
With the current rate of technological advancement in the world, the United States Army is also developing its cyber domain, which include people, processes and supporting technologies. I wanted to be part of developing that Corps from its infancy, through operational trials, and full implementation, thus helping to establish those systems, processes and doctrine that would be used for many years.
THE REWARDS AND CHALLENGES OF BEING AN ARMY CYBER WARRIOR:
The rewards of being a cyber warrior greatly outweigh the challenges that come with the MOS. Being able to provide a skillset to multiple domains, supporting the joint environment, that supports worldwide operations, provides me with the highest job satisfaction. The challenges of being a cyber warrior would include being able to keep up with the ever evolving technological world that we live in. Furthermore, the challenges of cyber operations includes the high Op-tempo and the ability to operate globally supporting coalition partners provides the job satisfaction that I cannot receive elsewhere. Unlike other MOS's that are trained for a specific function on a specific target set, Cyber warriors have to be adaptable to an environment that can change every day based on a dynamic that is dependent on individuals and equipment.
WHAT IT TAKES TO SUCCEED AS AN ARMY CYBER CAREER WARRIOR:
Progression in knowledge, on a daily basis, is the key to succeeding as a cyber warrior. At its current rate technology and methodologies evolve every two weeks, cyber warriors must be adaptable in this environment, continuously training and working to safeguard our networks and infrastructure from the adversary. Cyber is not just a 9-5 office job, but a discipline that must continually grow with the industry, meeting and exceeding the adversary's capabilities.
WHAT YOU WOULD LIKE PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT ARMY CYBER:
Army Cyber is a young branch with a lot of room for growth both professionally and personally. Cyber Warriors are provided the unique opportunity to earn entry level through intermediate level IT certificates, along with real-world experience, and unique leadership opportunities. This culminates in the development of adaptable, agile and capable leaders that will help structure the future of Army Cyber. Although a very technical MOS, Cyber Warriors remain competent in their warrior tasks and battle drills, train physically and mentally to support the greatest fighting force in the world.
For information on the Army's cyber officer, warrant officer, noncommissioned officer program, visit:
-- GoArmy.com: https://www.goarmy.com/army-cyber/army-cyber-training.html
-- U.S. Army Recruiting Command: http://www.usarec.army.mil/hq/warrant/prerequ/WO170A.shtml
-- U.S. Army Human Resources Command (CAC access): https://www.hrc.army.mil/content/WelcometoHRCCyberBranchAssignmentManagement
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ABOUT US: United States Army Cyber Command directs and conducts integrated electronic warfare, information and cyberspace operations as authorized, or directed, to ensure freedom of action in and through cyberspace and the information environment, and to deny the same to our adversaries.
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