JULY 7, 2026 – The U.S. Department of War (DoW) Office of the Chief Information Officer launched today one the most highly anticipated apprenticeship programs in modern defense history: applications for the DoW Cyber Apprenticeship Program (Cyber RAP) are now officially open on USAJOBS.
This groundbreaking initiative represents a critical step in forging a new generation of elite cyber professionals dedicated to defending the nation’s digital frontlines and supporting the warfighter.
The application window for this round of applicants is now open and closes on July 17, 2026. Interested candidates will start their journey on USAJobs at: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/875318000.
Following its initial preview in late April, the program went “viral” across social media platforms, capturing the public’s imagination and generating an unprecedented 70,000 + inquiries from candidates nationwide. This overwhelming surge highlights a massive, untapped demand for alternative, skills-based training pathways into national security roles.
“To maintain our decisive advantage and support the warfighter on the modern battlefield, the Department of War must recruit differently,” said the Honorable Kirsten Davies, Chief Information Officer. “President Trump and Department of War Secretary Hegseth have issued a clear mandate to advance skills-based hiring. This program bypasses traditional academic gatekeeping to value what truly matters: raw aptitude, patriotic drive, and hands-on capability over traditional academic credentials. By unlocking this untapped potential, we are actively forging America’s elite cyber workforce of the future from the ground up.”
This pilot is a 12-month paid program designed to rapidly develop and employ cyber professionals within the DoW. Apprentices will receive rigorous, competency-based education that blends online learning, immersive hands-on labs, and on-the-job training under the guidance of senior DoW mentors. Successful completion provides industry-recognized certifications and direct pathways into high-demand DoW civilian cyber roles, such as Cyber Defense Analysts and Incident Responders. These professionals will be on the front lines, ensuring the cybersecurity of DoW operations and the broader Defense Industrial Base (DIB).
The Department of War is committed to skills-based hiring, offering pathways for talented Americans from all educational backgrounds. No prior professional cyber experience is required—only the raw aptitude and desire to learn. 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.
To accommodate different agency missions and standards, the program offers two distinct developmental pathways. The core Technical Specialist Pathway focuses on rapid, hands-on technical skill acquisition for general DoW civilian cyber roles and explicitly does not require a college degree. Alternatively, the Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) Agency Pathway is tailored for specialized placements within the DMDC and requires candidates to hold an accredited degree to meet that specific agency’s qualification standards.
For more information on the program and eligibility requirements, applicants can visit the DoW Cyber Apprenticeship Webpage or contact the program office at osd.mc-alex.dod-cio.mbx.cyber-rap@mail.mil.