0689 Career Guide
0689: Computer Defense Specialist
Career transition guide for Marine Corps Computer Defense Specialist (0689)
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Top civilian roles for 0689 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.
Information Security Analyst
Cybersecurity Engineer
IT Security Consultant
Skills to develop:
Network Security Administrator
Skills to develop:
Compliance Officer
Skills to develop:
Salary estimates from VWC career data
Hidden Strengths
Cognitive skills your 0689 training built — and where they transfer.
Adversarial Thinking
As a computer defense specialist, you constantly anticipate and analyze potential cyber threats, thinking like an attacker to identify vulnerabilities in Marine Corps information systems and develop proactive security measures.
This ability to anticipate and counteract threats translates to a keen sense of risk management and strategic planning, essential for roles requiring you to protect assets and navigate competitive landscapes.
System Modeling
You develop a deep understanding of how complex information systems function, including their interdependencies and potential weaknesses, to create effective security architectures.
Your ability to model systems enables you to analyze complex processes, identify inefficiencies, and design improvements, which is valuable in any role that involves process optimization or strategic decision-making.
Procedural Compliance
You meticulously adhere to established security standards and governmental requirements, ensuring that all systems and personnel comply with regulations for information assurance.
Your dedication to procedural compliance demonstrates your commitment to accuracy, consistency, and risk mitigation, making you well-suited for roles requiring adherence to strict protocols and regulations.
Situational Awareness
You continuously monitor network activity, analyze potential security incidents, and maintain a comprehensive understanding of the threat landscape to protect Marine Corps information systems.
Your ability to maintain situational awareness demonstrates your vigilance, analytical skills, and proactive approach to problem-solving, all valuable assets in dynamic and unpredictable environments.
Non-Obvious Career Matches
Fraud Investigator
SOC 13-2099.00You've been trained to detect intrusions and analyze system vulnerabilities, skills that are directly applicable to identifying and investigating fraudulent activities in financial or insurance sectors. Your experience in maintaining data integrity and security makes you an ideal candidate to protect organizations from financial crimes.
Compliance Officer
SOC 13-1041.00You're an expert in enforcing security standards and governmental requirements. As a compliance officer, you'll leverage your expertise to ensure organizations adhere to relevant laws and regulations, preventing potential risks and maintaining ethical operations.
Business Continuity Planner
SOC 13-1199.00You've been responsible for ensuring data availability and developing security policies. This experience translates directly into creating and implementing business continuity plans that protect organizations from disruptions and ensure continued operations during emergencies. Your expertise in risk assessment and system modeling will be invaluable in this role.
Training & Education Equivalencies
Marine Corps Cyber Operations Training Course (MCCOTC), Camp Pendleton, CA
Topics Covered
- •Information Assurance (IA) Program Development
- •IA Architecture and Planning
- •Non-Technical IA Controls Implementation
- •Certification and Accreditation (C&A) Processes
- •Technical IA Controls Implementation & Administration
- •Network Intrusion Detection and Forensics
- •Information System Security Incident Handling
- •Security Policy Development and Enforcement
Certification Pathways
Partial Coverage
Study cryptography, access control methods, and risk management principles in more depth.
Requires 5 years of cumulative paid work experience in two or more of the eight domains of the CISSP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK). Focus study on all 8 domains, especially software development security, asset security, and security engineering.
Requires 5 years of professional information systems auditing, control, or security work experience. Study auditing processes, IT governance, and systems development lifecycle.
Recommended Next Certifications
Technical Systems Translation
Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.
| Military System | Civilian Equivalent |
|---|---|
| Host Based Security System (HBSS) | Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions like CrowdStrike, SentinelOne |
| Assured Compliance Assessment Solution (ACAS) | Vulnerability Management platforms like Tenable Nessus, Rapid7 InsightVM |
| Marine Corps Enterprise Network (MCEN) | Enterprise network infrastructure (Cisco, Juniper) with segmented security zones |
| Risk Management Framework (RMF) | NIST Cybersecurity Framework, ISO 27001 |
| Vulnerability Remediation Asset Manager (VRAM) | ServiceNow Vulnerability Response, Archer IT & Security Risk Management |
| Information Assurance Vulnerability Management (IAVM) | Patch management systems (e.g., Microsoft SCCM, Ivanti Patch Management) |
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