1702 Cyberspace Warfare Officer

Cyberspace warfare officers lead Marines in one of the newest and most technically demanding officer communities in the Corps. This is an officer role built for candidates who want to command in the cyber domain instead of a traditional ground maneuver field. The 1702 sits inside OccFld 17 Information Maneuver, and the job blends technical understanding with operational leadership at every rank.

This profile covers the current 1702 path from commissioning through civilian transition. It reflects the fact that Marine cyber accessions and lateral moves can change with yearly guidance, so the page stays careful where the public record stays narrow.

Job Role and Responsibilities

A 1702 Cyberspace Warfare Officer leads Marines who plan, coordinate, and execute cyberspace operations in support of MAGTF missions. The officer manages threat analysis, operational planning, and coordination with joint cyber agencies to ensure cyber capability integrates into the commander’s operational plan. At the company and battalion level, the 1702 serves as a technical leader and operational planner who translates complex cyber concepts into useful guidance for the chain of command.

The 1702 officer role separates clearly from the enlisted 17XX cyber lane. Enlisted Marines execute specific technical work like network defense, vulnerability assessment, and cyber tool operation. The officer leads those Marines, integrates their work into the larger operational picture, and advises commanders on what cyber can and cannot do. The job demands both technical literacy and the ability to communicate complex cyber concepts to non-technical leaders.

MOS Code and Designations

The 1702 is currently the sole officer MOS within OccFld 17. The occupational field groups all Marine cyber and information maneuver capability under a single command structure at Marine Corps Cyberspace Command.

Mission Contribution

The 1702 contributes to the Marine Corps mission by embedding cyberspace operations into MAGTF planning and execution. Cyber is now a core element of Marine air-ground task force operations. The 1702 officer ensures that commanders have access to cyber capability, that cyber teams are properly resourced and trained, and that cyber operations synchronize with ground, air, and logistics elements. At the MEF or MARFOR level, the 1702 works as an information maneuver planner who integrates cyber, electronic warfare, and information operations into a single operational picture.

Technology, Equipment, and Systems

1702 officers work with cyberspace operations platforms, joint cyber command and control systems, and Marine Corps network defense infrastructure. The officer does not typically operate individual cyber tools. Instead, the 1702 manages the operational employment of cyber capability, coordinates with joint cyber agencies, and ensures that Marine cyber teams have the systems and access they need to execute their missions. The battlespace for a 1702 is digital, and the timeline for cyber operations is measured in seconds rather than hours.

Salary and Benefits

Marine officers earn base pay determined by rank and years of service, plus allowances for housing and food. A 1702 cyberspace warfare officer enters at O-1 and progresses through the standard officer pay scale.

Source: DFAS 2026 pay tables. Figures reflect the 2026 pay raise.

Base pay is only part of total compensation. Officers receive a Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) that varies by duty location, pay grade, and dependency status. The officer BAS rate is $328.48 per month in 2026. Officers who do not live in government quarters also receive BAH at the with-dependents or without-dependents rate for their assigned installation.

Additional Benefits

Active-duty officers and their families receive TRICARE Prime coverage with zero enrollment fees, zero deductibles, and zero copays for in-network care. The Blended Retirement System provides a pension at 20 years of service calculated at 2.5 percent per year of service, plus automatic 1 percent Thrift Savings Plan contributions and up to 4 percent in matching contributions when the member contributes 5 percent of basic pay.

Officers can use Tuition Assistance for up to $4,500 per year and $250 per semester hour toward graduate degrees. The Post-9/11 GI Bill covers full in-state tuition at public schools, up to $29,920.95 per year at private institutions, and includes a monthly housing allowance and annual book stipend.

Work-Life Balance

Officers earn 30 days of leave per year, accruing at 2.5 days per month with a maximum carryover of 60 days. Garrison assignments at Marine Corps Cyberspace Command or MEF information maneuver cells follow a more predictable schedule than deployment cycles. The operational tempo for 1702 officers is steady because cyber operations do not follow a traditional deployment rhythm. The threat environment is constant, and cyber teams are always monitoring, planning, and responding. Stateside work still involves operational planning, threat briefings, and periodic coordination with joint cyber agencies.

Qualifications and Eligibility

Becoming a 1702 cyberspace warfare officer requires commissioning as a Marine officer and then receiving assignment into OccFld 17 after The Basic School. The path starts with one of several commissioning sources.

Commissioning Sources

Test Requirements

OCC and MECEP candidates may need ASVAB scores depending on their background and current Marine Corps guidance. The ASVAB is the standard enlistment screening test, and some commissioning programs reference it for candidates without prior college testing data. Aviation MOS require the ASTB-E, but the 1702 does not. All commissioning candidates must pass a physical fitness screening and meet medical standards for officer accession.

MOS Assignment at TBS

All newly commissioned Marine officers attend The Basic School at MCB Quantico, Virginia. MOS assignment happens at the end of TBS based on class standing, officer preference list, and the needs of the Marine Corps. OccFld 17 is a competitive field. Officers who want a 1702 assignment should aim for strong class standing and demonstrate relevant academic or technical background during TBS. The Corps assigns officers to fill manpower requirements, so no candidate can guarantee a specific MOS.

Upon Commissioning

New officers enter at O-1, Second Lieutenant. The standard minimum service requirement for Marine officers is four years of active duty followed by four years in the Individual Ready Reserve. Officers in technical fields like 1702 may face additional service obligations based on follow-on training and school assignments.

Work Environment

Setting and Schedule

A 1702 officer typically works in an operations center, joint cyber facility, or staff office rather than a field environment. The daily work involves operational planning, threat analysis, coordination meetings, and oversight of cyberspace operations. Garrison assignments follow a standard military workday with early morning physical training, duty hours, and occasional evening or weekend requirements for operational events.

During field exercises and deployments, the 1702 integrates into the MAGTF staff and supports the commander’s information maneuver plan. The work shifts from a fixed facility to a deployable operations center, but the core tasks remain the same: planning, coordinating, and executing cyber operations.

Leadership and Chain of Command

At the O-1 and O-2 level, the 1702 serves under a senior cyberspace warfare officer and learns the operational rhythm of Marine cyber teams. The officer works closely with senior enlisted cyber Marines who bring deep technical expertise. The officer-SNCO dynamic is critical in this field because the enlisted Marines often have more hands-on technical experience than the junior officer. A good 1702 listens to their SNCOs, trusts their technical judgment, and provides clear operational direction.

At O-3 and above, the 1702 takes direct command of a cyber team or serves as a senior planner at the MEF or MARFOR level. The officer advises commanders on cyber capability, manages team resources, and represents the cyber function in staff coordination.

Staff vs. Command Roles

The 1702 career alternates between command and staff positions. Early command tours put the officer in direct leadership of a Marine cyberspace team. Staff billets place the officer in the S-3 or information maneuver cell at a MEF, MARFOR, or Marine Corps Cyberspace Command. Senior officers move into broader policy and architecture roles at Headquarters Marine Corps and joint cyber commands. The balance between command and staff work depends on the officer’s career track and the needs of the community.

Job Satisfaction and Retention

The 1702 field attracts officers who want a technical career without leaving the operational side of the Corps. Job satisfaction tends to be high among officers who enjoy the intersection of technology and military operations. The field is relatively small, which creates tight community bonds and clear visibility for strong performers. Officers who prefer pure technical work over people management may find the leadership demands challenging. Retention is shaped by the same factors that drive all officer careers: promotion timing, family considerations, and civilian sector competition for cyber talent.

Training and Skill Development

The Basic School

Every newly commissioned Marine officer attends The Basic School before MOS assignment. TBS is the great equalizer where second lieutenants from every commissioning source learn to operate as Marine officers.

TBS covers infantry tactics, weapons qualification, land navigation, planning, Marine Corps history, and small-unit leadership. Class standing at TBS directly affects MOS assignment, so performance matters for officers targeting competitive fields like 1702.

MOS School Details

After TBS, officers assigned to OccFld 17 attend the Cyberspace Operations Officer Course at Fort Eisenhower, Georgia. This is the schoolhouse anchor for the Marine officer cyber community. The course covers cyberspace doctrine, operational planning, joint cyber integration, and the command and control systems that Marine cyber teams use. The training is rigorous because the consequences of poor cyber planning affect the entire MAGTF.

Professional Military Education

EWS is the standard captain-level PME and covers expeditionary warfare planning and joint operations. CSC prepares majors for staff and command roles at the battalion level and above. SAW is a highly competitive one-year program for select majors who will serve as operational planners at the highest levels. Senior officers may attend the Marine Corps War College or equivalent senior service college.

Additional Schools

1702 officers may attend specialized courses in cyber operations, information operations, and joint cyber warfare depending on billet requirements and community needs. Civilian education opportunities include fully funded graduate programs, Olmsted Scholarships, and advanced degree programs through the Marine Corps University system. Officers in the 1702 community are strongly encouraged to pursue graduate degrees in cybersecurity, information systems, or related technical fields.

Career Progression and Advancement

The 1702 career follows the standard Marine officer progression from O-1 through O-6, with key developmental positions at each rank.

Promotion System

Promotion from O-1 to O-3 is essentially time-based for officers who remain in good standing. Promotion to O-4 and above requires selection by a centralized promotion board. The board reviews the officer’s fitness reports, professional military education, key developmental assignments, and overall record of performance. Current promotion rates for Marine officers to O-4 and O-5 vary by year and community size. The 1702 community is small, which means promotion boards evaluate officers individually rather than against a large peer group.

MOS Changes and Broadening

Marine officers can request MOS changes under certain conditions, typically after completing their initial service obligation. Broadening assignments for 1702 officers include joint cyber command billets, NROTC instructor duty, Marine Security Guard, and fellowship programs. These assignments broaden an officer’s perspective and strengthen a promotion file. Officers who want to remain in the cyber community should pursue assignments that build both technical depth and operational breadth.

Physical Demands and Medical Evaluations

The physical demands for a 1702 officer match the standard for all Marine officers. The job does not carry the same physical load as a maneuver billet, but the Corps expects every officer to meet the same fitness baseline regardless of MOS.

PFT and CFT Standards

All Marines take the Physical Fitness Test and Combat Fitness Test twice per year. The table below shows minimum passing and first-class scores for the 17-20 age group.

Each test is scored from 0 to 300 points. A first-class composite score is 235 or higher. Officers must maintain body composition standards and complete annual training requirements.

Medical Considerations

The 1702 does not require a flight physical or dive medical. Officers must meet the standard Marine Corps medical accession standards and maintain medical readiness throughout their career. The sensitive clearance environment means living within strict security protocols on a daily basis, but no additional medical evaluations are specific to the 1702 MOS beyond the standard officer physical.

Deployment and Duty Stations

Deployment Details

Cyberspace warfare officers support deployed operations through reachback and forward-deployed cyber teams. The Marine Corps cyberspace community operates on a persistent engagement model, which means cyber teams are always active even when the parent unit is not in a deployment cycle. 1702 officers may deploy with MEU rotations, support combatant command cyber missions, or participate in joint cyber exercises. The operational tempo is steady and demanding because the cyber threat environment does not pause for traditional deployment cycles.

Officers may also participate in temporary additional duty assignments to support joint cyber exercises, training conferences, and operational planning events. These TDYs are common and provide valuable joint experience.

Duty Station Options

Primary duty stations for 1702 officers include Marine Corps Cyberspace Command locations, MEF headquarters, and joint cyber facilities. Key installations include MCB Quantico, Virginia, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Camp Pendleton, California, and Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms. Overseas assignments include Okinawa, Japan, and other forward locations where Marine cyber teams operate.

Officer duty station assignments are managed through the monitor system at Headquarters Marine Corps. Officers submit preferences, but assignments are driven by manpower requirements and the needs of the cyber community. The 1702 has fewer installation options than broader officer fields, but the assignments tend to be at larger installations with established cyber infrastructure.

Risk, Safety, and Legal Considerations

Job Hazards

The 1702 carries different risks than a maneuver officer. The primary hazards are operational and professional rather than physical. A 1702 officer bears command responsibility for cyber operations that can have strategic consequences. A planning error or operational misstep in the cyber domain can affect the entire MAGTF. The officer is accountable under the UCMJ for the conduct and performance of their Marines.

The sensitive clearance environment also carries personal risk. Security violations, even unintentional ones, can end a career. The officer must maintain strict operational security discipline and ensure their team does the same.

Safety Protocols

1702 officers employ operational risk management (ORM) and cyber risk management frameworks in their planning and execution. The officer ensures that cyber operations are conducted within legal and policy boundaries, that rules of engagement are understood and followed, and that coordination with joint agencies is properly documented. Safety in the cyber domain means protecting Marine networks, preventing unauthorized access, and ensuring that offensive and defensive cyber operations are properly authorized.

Legal and Command Responsibility

As a commissioned officer, the 1702 holds command authority and UCMJ responsibility for the Marines under their leadership. The officer must maintain a positive command climate, comply with equal opportunity requirements, and address misconduct promptly. Relief for cause carries severe career consequences and can end an officer’s Marine Corps career. The 1702 also operates within the legal framework governing cyberspace operations, which includes domestic law, international law, and DoD policy on cyber warfare.

Impact on Family and Personal Life

Family Considerations

The 1702 assignment tempo affects family life differently than a maneuver MOS. Stateside assignments at cyber commands tend to offer more predictable schedules than field-heavy billets. PCS moves still occur every two to three years, and the family must adapt to new installations, schools, and communities. The Marine Corps Community Services program, Military OneSource, and Marine Corps Family Team Building provide support for families during moves and deployments.

The sensitive nature of cyber work means the officer cannot always discuss details of their job at home. This can create a barrier between work and family life that spouses and children need to understand.

Dual-Military Considerations

The Marine Corps handles dual-military couples through the Dual-Military Couple Program, which attempts to co-locate spouses when possible. For two 1702 officers or a 1702 paired with another technical MOS, co-location is more feasible than for maneuver officers because cyber billets exist at a limited number of installations. Family support during TDYs and deployments follows the same structure as any Marine family, with FRG support and MCCS resources available.

Marine Corps Reserve

Component Availability

The 1702 MOS exists in the Marine Corps Reserve, but billet structure is narrower than on active duty. Reserve cyber billets are concentrated at specific locations and units that support the active component’s cyber mission. Anyone exploring the reserve side should confirm the actual billet picture with a reserve officer selection officer before committing.

Commissioning Paths

Reserve commissioning for OccFld 17 follows the same sources as active duty with a reserve component designation. PLC-R (Platoon Leaders Class Reserve) allows college students to commission into the Marine Corps Reserve. NROTC students can contract for reserve service. Active-duty officers can transfer to the reserve after completing their minimum service requirement, subject to billet availability and community needs.

Drill Commitment

The standard reserve commitment is one weekend per month for drill and two weeks per year for Annual Training. The 1702 may require additional training days, annual certifications, or multi-week exercises beyond the standard schedule depending on billet requirements. Cyber certifications and joint exercise participation can add to the time commitment.

Part-Time Pay

An O-3 Captain in the Marine Corps Reserve earns drill pay based on the active-duty monthly base pay divided by 30 and multiplied by the number of drill periods. At the O-3 with 4 years of service, the active-duty monthly base pay is $7,382.70. A standard four-drill weekend earns approximately $984.40 before allowances. Monthly drill pay for a typical reserve month (four drill weekends) is roughly $3,937.60, compared to $7,382.70 for active duty.

Benefits Differences

Reserve officers receive Tricare Reserve Select, which requires monthly premiums, compared to the zero-cost TRICARE Prime for active duty. Federal Tuition Assistance is available for reserve education. GI Bill eligibility differs based on active-duty service time. The reserve retirement system is points-based, requiring 20 good years of 50 or more retirement points each, with pension collection starting at age 60 (reducible by 90 days for each 90 consecutive days of qualifying active duty).

Deployment and Mobilization

Reserve 1702 officers can be mobilized for combat deployments, ADOS tours, and operational support missions. Mobilization length varies by mission requirement, typically ranging from six to twelve months. The reserve cyber community supports active component operations during mobilizations, and reserve officers may be called to fill specific skill gaps in the active force.

Civilian Career Integration

The 1702 pairs well with civilian careers in cybersecurity, information security, and IT management. Many reserve 1702 officers work for defense contractors, federal agencies, or private sector cybersecurity firms during the week and drill on weekends. Reserve service enhances civilian career prospects by providing leadership experience, security clearance maintenance, and ongoing professional development. USERRA protections guarantee job protection and benefits continuation for reservists called to active duty.

Active vs. Reserve Comparison

Post-Service Opportunities

Transition to Civilian Life

The 1702 skill set translates directly into cybersecurity operations, information security management, and cyber risk analysis roles. Officers who have managed Marine cyberspace operations understand threat analysis, operational planning, team leadership, and cyber integration at a level that most civilian cybersecurity roles never reach. Transition programs like the Transition Readiness Program, Hiring Our Heroes, and the SkillBridge program help officers move into civilian careers.

Civilian Career Prospects

The sensitive clearance that 1702 officers hold is one of the most valuable credentials in the cleared job market. DoD, DHS, and other federal agencies actively recruit veterans with cyber officer backgrounds. Defense contractors also compete for officers who combine operational experience with technical literacy.

Graduate Education and Credentials

The GI Bill covers graduate education for transitioning officers. Civilian certifications like CISSP, CISM, CEH, and CompTIA Security+ complement the military cyber experience and strengthen civilian job prospects. Many 1702 officers pursue master’s degrees in cybersecurity, information assurance, or related fields either during their Marine Corps career or after transition. The combination of operational leadership, security clearance, and technical education makes the 1702 background highly competitive in the cybersecurity job market.

Is This a Good Job for You? The Right (and Wrong) Fit

The 1702 is a strong fit for officers who want to lead Marines in a technical field without leaving the operational side of the Corps. The ideal candidate has a background in technology, cybersecurity, or information systems and wants to apply that knowledge to military operations. The officer who thrives in this role is comfortable translating between technical teams and non-technical commanders, can think strategically about cyber capability, and wants to lead rather than execute hands-on technical work.

The challenges are real. The mental demands are among the highest in the Corps. The work requires the ability to analyze complex cyber threats, plan operations under time pressure, and coordinate with multiple agencies simultaneously. Officers who prefer pure technical work over people management will struggle with the leadership demands. The sensitive clearance environment means living under constant scrutiny, and any security violation can end a career.

This MOS aligns well with officers who want a military career to O-6 or beyond, because the cyber community is growing and senior leadership positions are expanding. It also works for officers who plan to serve their initial obligation and transition to the civilian cybersecurity sector, where the combination of Marine Corps leadership and cyber experience commands premium salaries. The 1702 is a poor fit for officers who want a traditional field-heavy Marine experience or who are uncomfortable with the constant mental demands of cyber operations.

This site is not affiliated with the U.S. Marine Corps or any government agency. Verify all information with official Marine Corps sources before making enlistment or career decisions.

More Information

Contact a Marine Officer Selection Officer or visit your nearest Officer Selection Station to discuss the 1702 path and confirm current accession guidance. An OSO can explain commissioning options, MOS assignment likelihood, and what the current yearly guidance says about cyber officer billets. If you are preparing for the ASVAB as part of an OCC or MECEP track, study resources are available to help you reach competitive scores.

Explore more Marine officer careers overview.

Commissioning routes still depend on score planning. Start with the ASVAB guide, and use the ASTB-E guide for aviation pipelines when applicable.