The U.S. Department of War (DoW) Office of the Chief Information Officer has officially opened applications for its highly anticipated Cyber Apprenticeship Program (Cyber RAP), offering a unique opportunity for individuals to earn while learning to defend the nation's digital frontlines.
This groundbreaking initiative, launched today on USAJOBS, aims to cultivate a new generation of elite cyber professionals. The program has already garnered significant public interest, receiving over 70,000 inquiries nationwide since its preview in April, underscoring a strong demand for alternative, skills-based training in national security roles.
The Honorable Kirsten Davies, Chief Information Officer, emphasized the department's commitment to modern recruitment, saying, "To maintain our decisive advantage and support the warfighter on the modern battlefield, the Department of War must recruit differently." She added that President Trump and Department of War Secretary Hegseth have mandated advancing skills-based hiring, valuing "raw aptitude, patriotic drive, and hands-on capability over traditional academic credentials."
The 12-month paid program provides rigorous, competency-based education through online learning, immersive hands-on labs, and on-the-job training with senior DoW mentors. Successful apprentices will earn industry-recognized certifications and direct pathways into high-demand DoW civilian cyber roles, such as Cyber Defense Analysts and Incident Responders, crucial for securing DoW operations and the broader Defense Industrial Base.
Applicants must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years of age, able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance, and deeply committed to a cyber career. No prior professional cyber experience is required for the core Technical Specialist Pathway, though the Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) Agency Pathway requires an accredited degree. Applications for this round close on July 17, 2026.