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Air ForceTechnical / CyberRank #70 of 101 by 4-year cost
3D1X2

Cyber Systems Operations

29-week pipeline · BMT + Technical Training · Keesler AFB, MS + Advanced Training
Training Pipeline
$39K
29 weeks
Annual MILPERS
$63K
E-4, 3 years service
Equipment Burden
$3K
per year (amortized)
4-Year Total Cost
$304K
DoD investment
4-Year Cost Breakdown
Training Pipeline
$39K13%
Military Personnel (MILPERS × 4yr)
$254K83%
Equipment Burden (× 4yr)
$12K4%
Training: 13% · MILPERS: 83% · Equipment: 4%= $304K
By the Numbers

Air Force cyber operators defend DoD networks and conduct authorized offensive cyber operations. The private sector equivalent (penetration tester with TS/SCI) earns $130K+. The AF pays $32K base.

Training Pipeline
Duration
29 weeks
Type
BMT + Technical Training
Location
Keesler AFB, MS + Advanced Training
Pipeline Cost
$39K

USAF cyber operators train at Keesler AFB and often proceed to NSA/USCYBERCOM follow-on training — a pathway that grants access to classified offensive and defensive cyber capabilities.

Equipment & Annual Burden
Assigned Equipment
  • ·Classified Cyber Tools
  • ·Government Workstations
  • ·SIPR Access Equipment
  • ·Network Monitoring Systems
Annual Equipment Burden
$3K/yr
GFE IT + classified equipment amortized
Military Personnel Cost (Annual)
Grade BenchmarkE-4, 3 years service
Base MILPERS$63K/yr
Total Annual MILPERS$63K/yr
Force Structure Context
Annual Accessions~2,400
Avg Career Length6 years
Annual Training Bill$92.4M
Total Force 4yr Cost$729.6M
Read 3D1X2 Reviews →← All MOS ProfilesAverage Per-Soldier Cost →
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4-year total
1A8X1
Airborne ISR Operator
$481K
4-year total

Cost estimates derived from DoD Comptroller per-soldier analysis, RAND Corporation military personnel studies, CBO military compensation reports, service-specific training cost testimony, and published equipment unit costs. Error margin ±15%. Individual costs vary by duty station, assignment, and deployment tempo. This is Phase 3 of the Honest MOS DoD Budget Intelligence Roadmap.