Former Air Force master sergeant pursues Army cyber warrant officer career

By Mike MilordMarch 21, 2019

Former Air Force master sergeant pursues Army cyber warrant officer career
On Jan. 31, Sgt. 1st Class Scott Palmer, joined by son, Bailey, l-r, wife, Brandi and daughter, Chloe, graduated from Basic Combat Training at Fort Benning Ga. Palmer entered Warrant Officer Candidate School Feb. 12 and is scheduled to attend the... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Shortly after a team from the cyber warrant officer division, Army Cyber School, conducted a sister services recruiting briefing at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas in March 2018, Master Sgt. Scott Palmer called to apply for the program.

Though Palmer had served nearly 20 years service in the Air Force, he was inspired to apply for further service in the Army's Cyber Operations career field.

Palmer undertook the full 11-week Army Basic Combat Training instead of a modified, shorter course.

"How can I expect to lead Soldiers on a cyber mission team if I haven't done the same thing they have?" asked Palmer. "I am ready to do this, and I will out-perform half of the kids [in basic training]; I am ready to show them this old man can run."

In January 2019, now-Army Sgt. 1st Class Palmer graduated from basic combat training at Fort Benning, Ga. where his family - Brandi, his wife; son, Bailey, 20, and daughter, Chloe, 17 joined him for the ceremony.

"Scott loves being a leader, loves taking care of Soldiers, and loves the military," said Brandi. I think he is going to do this until they send him home."

As graduation wrapped up, several new Soldiers, fellow graduates with Palmer, gave him hugs and handshakes.

"Thank you so much. I never would have made it without you," the Soldiers said.

Palmer left Fort Benning the following day to report to the Warrant Officer Candidate School at Fort Rucker, Ala. While his family returned to San Antonio, preparing for their move to Fort Gordon, Augusta, Ga., where the Army Cyber Center of Excellence is located.

Warrant Officer Candidate Palmer's oldest son, Skylar, is scheduled to graduate from Air Force basic training while Palmer is attending Warrant Officer Candidate School.

Service members interested in the Army cyber warrant officer program or other ways to work with Army Cyber can learn more at goarmy.com/cyber.

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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.

Interested in the challenge of joining the Army Cyber team? Check out civilian employment opportunities at www.arcyber.army.mil/apply, and military tech careers at www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs