Cyber Operator

Cyber Direct Entry offers an accelerated path into military cyber roles for those with verifiable aptitude or experience in Cyber, enhancing the UK’s response to increasing cyber threats. 

Tailored training programmes focus on essential skills for operating in cyberspace. Traditional medical and fitness standards are not our immediate concern. We are able to apply for waivers to the normal entry standards to meet our requirement. 

Formal qualifications and training are not necessarily required, if you can demonstrate your skills and passion for cyber, we want to hear from you. Successful applicants will be fast tracked into operational cyber roles. 

Upon completion of training, cyber roles will be available across the UK including at the Defence Cyber & Electromagnetic Force HQ at MOD Corsham in Wiltshire and the future National Cyber Force HQ in Samlesbury, Lancashire. 

Cyber operators recruited through this scheme will not be required to serve in dangerous environments and there is no weapons handling involved however there may be opportunities to deploy overseas later in careers depending on individual preferences and circumstances. 

• Further develop your specialist cyber skills whilst gaining practical experience of defending or testing enterprise systems. 
• Work with other cyber specialists from all three services as well as government partners and allies. 
• Play a pivotal role in this essential part of defending the nations interests. 

• A starting salary of £42,782
• Earn in excess of £61,000 and skills pay as your career progresses 
• Access to non-contributary pension scheme 
• Subsidised travel and accommodation 
• 6 weeks of paid holiday per year 
• Free medical and dental care 
• Free access to gym and sporting facilities 
• Access to adventurous training 
• Gain world class leadership experience 
• Access to highly desirable in-house and commercial cyber training and academic study 

• A selection of industry recognised cyber qualifications 
• World class Operational cyber experience 
• Leadership and management development

• Aged 18 – 39 (You can start your application from 17 years old however you must be at least 18 years old on day of entry to basic training)
• Minimum GCSE level 4 in Maths, English + a further STEM subject
• Upon applying you will undertake a series of aptitude tests and selection process
• Minimum height 145cm
• Open to sole British nationals only; surviving parents must also be sole British; surviving partner must be registered British; partners surviving parents must be sole British
• You must be willing to undergo and pass a Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance process. Depending on your assigned role, there may be further clearances or approvals required

The entry standards are the same whether applying through the Royal Navy or the Royal Air Force, and both services will use the same selection panel. Applying through both services does not increase the chance of selection.

• High level of problem-solving ability
• Ability to stay calm under pressure
• Determination and commitment