Enhancing Cybersecurity Skills in the U.S. Military and Department of Defense: The Cisco Winning Path to Certification

Digital battlefield skills

The importance of robust computer and network security cannot be overstated. The U.S. Military and Department of Defense (DoD) face a growing number of cyber threats, making it essential for personnel to be well-trained and certified in cybersecurity. Cisco offers comprehensive training programs tailored to meet the unique needs of military personnel and DoD.

The Cisco advantage: trusted training programs

Cisco Networking Academy – Kick-start your career

The Cisco Networking Academy is a global IT skills-to-jobs program that was launched in 1997 as a diverse talent pipeline for early in-career roles and students to gain practical experience, enhancing their employability. It has empowered over 24 million people globally to kick-start careers in the tech industry. Cisco Networking Academy has also provided training to more than 33,000 military personnel. Its global reach and impact spans over 2 million students who have graduated from approximately 10,000 academies in more than 165 countries.

How the academy works | More about the academy

The academy is a partnership between Cisco, education, business, government, and community organizations worldwide, aimed at nurturing IT professionals. The program employs an e-learning model that combines web-based and instructor-led training with a hands-on lab environment to teach students how to design, build, and maintain computer networks. It also offers a structured curriculum that equips participants with essential skills to combat cyber threats effectively.

Cisco U. is your gateway to comprehensive training

Cisco U. is an invaluable resource for military personnel seeking to enhance their cybersecurity skills. It provides a wealth of training materials, courses, and resources designed to help you achieve various Cisco certifications. Whether you’re just starting your cybersecurity journey or looking to advance your expertise, Cisco U. offers pathways to success.
Key features and benefits for military personnel

Comprehensive Learning Paths

• Entry-level to expert certifications: Select from a range of certification tracks, including entry-level (such as Cisco Certified Support Technician – CCST Cybersecurity) to expert-level (such as Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert – CCIE Security). This allows you to start at a level that matches your current knowledge and progress to more advanced certifications.
• Role-based Learning Paths: Focus on the skills needed for a desired career path with tailored Cisco U. Learning Paths that align with specific job roles, such as Network Security Engineer, Security Analyst, and Cyber Operations Analyst.

Flexible learning options

• Self-paced learning: Access self-paced e-learning options, which are ideal for military personnel who may have unpredictable schedules. This flexibility ensures that you can study at your own pace and at your own time.
• Hands-on labs: Practice real-world skills in a controlled environment, which is crucial for mastering cybersecurity techniques.

Diverse content types

• Podcasts, videos, and tutorials: Choose from a variety of content types to cater to different learning styles. Whether you prefer listening to podcasts, watching videos, or following step-by-step tutorials, there is something for everyone.
• Webinars and modular courses: Engage with live or recorded webinars and modular courses that break down complex topics into manageable chunks.

Community and support

• Digital Communities: Connect with a worldwide community of learners and professionals. This network provides support, collaboration opportunities, and a platform to discuss challenges and solutions.
• Online support center: Visit an online support center for any questions or support needed during your learning journey.

Certification preparation and Continuing Education

• Pre- and post-assessments: Identify areas where you need to focus your studies and validate what you have learned, ensuring you are well-prepared for certification exams.
• Continuing Education (CE) credits: Get recertified with content that earns CE credits, helping you maintain your certifications and stay up to date with the latest advancements in cybersecurity.

Multi-vendor training

• Cisco-adjacent technologies: Ensure you have a well-rounded understanding of the broader multi-vendor technology ecosystem with content from other leading technology providers like AWS, Microsoft, and Skillsoft.

Subscription plans

• Cisco U. Free: Provides access to fundamental Learning Paths, tutorials, podcasts, videos, and more.
• Cisco U. Essentials: Includes all features of the Free plan plus access to essential hands-on labs, Cisco certification Learning Paths focused on associate-level certifications, product and solution training, and more.
• Cisco U. All Access: Offers the most comprehensive access, including all features of the Essentials plan, in-depth product and solution courses, and professional-level certification learning paths.

Leveraging military credentialing assistance programs

One of the significant benefits available to military personnel is the Military Credentialing Assistance Program. This program provides financial support for obtaining professional credentials, including those offered by Cisco. By using this assistance, you can gain access to Cisco U. and other training resources without worrying about the financial burden.

Ways to save on certification exams

To further support your certification journey, Cisco offers exam vouchers that can be purchased using Cisco Learning Credits to cover the cost of certification exams. These vouchers are an excellent way to reduce the financial barriers to obtaining valuable credentials. By combining the Military Credentialing Assistance Program with Cisco’s exam vouchers, you can pursue your certifications with confidence.

You can also save with the Cisco Safeguard Offer. This option gives you a second chance at exam success. If you do not pass on your first exam attempt, you can retake a CCNA or professional-level exam at no additional cost.

DoD Compliance : 8570 and 8140

The DoD has established several directives to ensure that its workforce is adequately trained and certified in cybersecurity. Two key directives are DoD 8570 and DoD 8140.

• DoD 8570 Compliance: DoD 8570 provides guidance on training, certification, and workforce management for cybersecurity personnel. Many of Cisco’s certifications are compliant with DoD 8570, making them an ideal choice for military and DoD employees
• DoD 8140 Compliance: DoD 8140 builds upon the foundation of 8570, focusing on the broader DoD Cyber Workforce Framework (DCWF). This directive emphasizes the need for continuous training and professional development. Cisco is an approved certification vendor under the DoD 8140 DCWF Workforce Qualification program.

Taking the first step

Getting started on your cybersecurity certification journey with Cisco is straightforward:

• Explore Cisco U: Visit Cisco U. to explore the available courses and training materials. Identify the certifications that align with your career goals.
• Take advantage of Military Credentialing Assistance: You can apply for the Military Credentialing Assistance Program to receive financial support for your training and certification exams.
• Acquire exam vouchers: If you have Cisco Learning Credits (CLCs), you may use them for exam vouchers to cover the cost of your certification exams.
• Purchase Cisco Safeguard Offer: Lock in an exam retry at no additional cost.
• Stay compliant: Ensure that your certifications align with DoD 8570 and 8140 requirements to maintain compliance and advance your career within the military and DoD.

Conclusion | Putting it all together

Staying ahead of threats is crucial. Cisco’s training programs and certifications provide military and DoD personnel with the tools and knowledge needed to help safeguard our nation’s digital infrastructure. By leveraging Cisco’s resources and the available military assistance programs, you can enhance your cybersecurity skills, achieve compliance, and play a vital role in defending against cyber threats.

Embark on your certification journey today and join the ranks of highly trained cybersecurity professionals dedicated to protecting our nation’s interests.

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