On January 20 the U.S. Coast Guard Vice Commandant approved the establishment of the Cyber Mission Specialist rating (CMS) and of a Chief Warrant Officer specialty (CYBR).
Cyberspace is an operational domain continuously evolving while growing in importance and complexity. Operations in cyberspace require a professional and skilled workforce (military and civilian). Competition to recruit, retain, and grow cyber talent is constant. A dedicated CMS enlisted rating with accessions beginning at the E-5 paygrade, as is done with the Diver rating and an accompanying CYBR specialty, will best provide a trained, proficient, and professional workforce to enable and conduct cyberspace operations.
Members of the CMS rating and CYBR specialty will have the opportunity to serve in a broad range of missions. The Coast Guard’s cyber program plays a critical role operating a secure cyberspace for the Service, protecting the Marine Transportation System (MTS) against malicious actors seeking to identify new ways to exploit cyberspace, and countering adversaries intent on disrupting Coast Guard operations or negatively impacting national interests. Members of the CMS rating and CYBR specialty will continue to serve in critical positions within CG Cyber Command, US Cyber Command, DHS Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Areas, Districts, and Sectors, and elsewhere as required.
Additional information including timelines and criteria for lateral applications and CWO appointments will be announced in subsequent ALCOAST and ALPSC messages. Questions will be addressed through a FAQ page on the COMDT (CG-791) CG Portal page.
