BOLC Lessons Learned

Transitioning from Cadet to Cyber Warfare Officer

By 1st Lt. Andrew Hu, 2nd Lt. Quintin Sherrod, and Lt. Col. Joseph Huitt

Article published on: June 1, 2026 | Gray Space, 2026 E-Edition

Read Time: < 9 mins

U.S. Army Cyber School lieutenants push through their last step before graduating Basic Officer Leaders Course (BOLC) with a field training exercise (FTX) on Fort Gordon, Georgia, September 29, 2022. (Photo by Capt. Rebecca Harr)

Introduction

The Army’s ability to compete and win in the cyber and electromagnetic spectrum depends on the development of technically proficient and professionally grounded leaders. For newly commissioned Cyber Warfare Officers, the transition from cadet or college student to operational officer begins at the Cyber Warfare Officer Basic Officer Leadership Course (CWO-BOLC) at the U.S. Army Cyber School. For many officers, BOLC represents their first experience on active duty and their first exposure to the Cyber Mission Force (CMF). While the course provides the technical and leadership foundation necessary for success in the branch, the transition into BOLC—and into the profession of arms more broadly—can be challenging. As one of the Army’s newest branches, the Cyber Corps remains unfamiliar to many commissioning sources, leaving future officers with limited guidance on how to prepare for the course and the responsibilities that follow.

Drawing on the experiences of recently commissioned lieutenants from multiple commissioning sources—including ROTC and the United States Military Academy—this article offers practical recommendations to help incoming officers prepare for BOLC and navigate the transition from cadet to Cyber Warfare Officer. By highlighting lessons learned before and during the course, this article aims to help future officers arrive better prepared to succeed in training and contribute to the readiness of the Cyber Mission Force.

Recommendations Before Arrival

Tips for success

For some, BOLC may start a few weeks after graduation and commissioning. For others, it could be until the next calendar year before you officially begin your Army career. Officers from ROTC commissioning sources may not know their report date until after graduating, as U.S. Army Cadet Command manages this process for thousands of ROTC officers. Some of the delays are related to ensuring all Cyber Warfare Officers have a Top-Secret Clearance before obtaining a BOLC reservation. As a cadet, once you’re officially selected for the Cyber Branch, you should prioritize filling out the required paperwork through your military chain of command to start the process. If you are active duty and anticipate having a later start date, it is worthwhile to apply for jobs or come up with a plan for the down time between graduating and BOLC. Finding employment will build a strong financial base for the permanent change of station (PCS) to Fort Gordon, Georgia, as well as contribute to personal and professional development. In addition to working while waiting to attend BOLC, one can start preparing by understanding some of the requirements and expectations.

First and foremost, you must be a U.S. Citizen (only) to be a Cyber Warfare Officer—this delays some students in starting their coursework. If you have dual citizenship, it is highly recommended that you start working to renounce any other citizenship status prior to arrival at BOLC. Work with your administrative office for assistance with obtaining your PCS orders, getting a Common Access Card (CAC), and/or creating a DS Logon to gain access to .mil websites without a CAC. For example, you will have to submit a request to move your household goods through the Defense Personal Property System website, which has an option to register for an account without a CAC. Read your orders thoroughly to understand your report date and if early reporting is authorized (if not authorized, you will not be reimbursed for arriving early).

Your orders will also outline other authorizations, like how long temporary lodging (i.e. hotel expenses) is allowed before you must secure housing. Officers are provided with a Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for the local area. It is recommended to contact the housing office at Fort Gordon to ask what may be available for your situation (i.e. single or with dependents). There are approximately two weeks of administrative actions that take place before course work, giving you time to secure housing. It is recommended that students do not sign a lease until arrival, so that you can inspect the property and ensure it is adequate for your needs. Additionally, many students opt to share homes and split living expenses after meeting at BOLC.

To aid with your PCS, before you depart, download the “My Army Post” app on your mobile device. It will be extremely helpful with resources for in-processing the post, directions to get to various buildings, and information on finance, housing, and transportation offices. Ensure you check your email for the BOLC Welcome Letter, sent from the course tactical officer approximately 3–4 weeks prior to your report date.

For officers who commissioned through ROTC, make sure your professor of military science administrative office has an email that you can access after graduation—otherwise you may not receive this critical information. It will outline all required documents, such as orders, marriage licenses, birth certificates of dependents, 350-1 training certificates, and DA Form 71 (Oath of Office). Read the welcome letter carefully and fill out, sign, and submit any required documents all prior to your arrival at BOLC.

A group of Army officers listen to guest speaker remarks during a Cyber Operations Officer Course graduation ceremony at the Army Cyber Center of Excellence on Fort Gordon, Georgia, July 25, 2017. During the ceremony 17 officers graduated including five Army Reserve officers from the Army Reserve Cyber Operations Group, 335th Signal Command (Theater) who were the first from their component to complete the course. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Brent C. Powell)

Lastly, it is also our collective responsibility as leaders to be stewards of the profession. As the youngest branch, many of those who commissioned from ROTC are the first from their schools to become Cyber officers. Similarly, at West Point, you play a critical role in shaping younger Cadets’ perceptions of the branch through programs like the competitive cyber team. While you still hold influence, use your knowledge of the branching process to mentor and encourage your juniors who show potential and are a good fit for Army Cyber. Help those who may be just as nervous and confused as you were before you figured it out!

Soldier assigned under U.S. Army Cyber Command leads physical training during a Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development (NCOPD) session at Fort Gordon, GA, May 19, 2026. The NCOPD program is designed to develop and enhance the leadership skills, tactical proficiency, and professional knowledge of NCOs. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Matthew C. Garrett)

Physical Fitness

We recommend you develop and maintain a strong base of physical fitness while you are waiting for BOLC. There is a common misconception that after making it to the Cyber branch, physical training (PT) becomes unnecessary. Although in many settings the PT expectations are more relaxed, an integral part of military professionalism is physical fitness. Many senior leaders in the CMF come from combat arms backgrounds, and many BOLC students are assigned in land domain maneuver units upon graduation. As leaders and stewards of the branch, we are culturally and functionally obliged to maintain a high level of physical fitness to win credibility and build professional military bearing.

Studying for BOLC

The Army Cyber School has a comprehensive curriculum that requires no background experience from its students. However, there are several topics taught in BOLC that are accessible from home. For those eager to get ahead, students may familiarize themselves with basic Python concepts, including basic syntax, common built-in functions, iteration, and writing functions. Students may also study the basics of computer networking, including basic definitions, the TCP/IP and OSI models, and common computer networking protocols. Beyond that, the schoolhouse does an excellent job of teaching and engaging its students throughout the course. Some great self-study, hands-on validation platforms are listed below:

• OverTheWire: https://overthewire.org/wargames/
• SQLBolt: https://sqlbolt.com/
• Hack The Box: https://www.hackthebox.com/
• TryHackMe: https://tryhackme.com/
• CyberSecLabs: https://cyberseclabs.io/
• picoCTF: https://picoctf.org/
• pwn.college: https://pwn.college/

Recommendations After Arrival

Adopt the Right Mindset

An optimistic mindset can make a big difference during your transition. There will be moments of uncertainty, frustration, and self-doubt. These experiences are completely normal. You’ll encounter other BOLC classes at formation, in the DFAC, and across post. Don’t view them as a separate group or a comparison point—build relationships, ask questions, and share experiences. Advice from those in classes ahead of you often makes perfect sense once you reach that point yourself. Listening to their experiences gives you valuable insight into what to expect and how to succeed. At the time, they can sound exaggerated or overly cautious—in reality, most are rooted in experience.

Soldiers assigned to U.S. Army Cyber Command conduct physical training during a Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development (NCOPD) session at Fort Gordon, GA, May 19, 2026. The NCOPD program is designed to develop and enhance the leadership skills, tactical proficiency, and professional knowledge of NCOs. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Matthew C. Garrett)

U.S. Army Cyber School lieutenants push through their last step before graduating Basic Officer Leaders Course (BOLC) with a field training exercise (FTX) on Fort Gordon, Georgia, September 29, 2022. (Photo by Capt. Rebecca Harr)

Start Early to Get Ahead

Early administrative preparation is critical, especially when it comes to medical readiness. The Medical Protection System (MEDPROS) is often not emphasized enough before arriving at BOLC. Although you have most of BOLC to complete your MEDPROS tasks, doing so will take some strategic planning to fit appointments into your increasingly busy schedule. Lieutenants coming from West Point have found that multiple medical records located in the Military Health Systems (MHS) GENESIS portal did not automatically populate in MEDPROS. Becoming “green” on vision, dental, immunizations, and other requirements can quickly become a stress point if left unaddressed. Starting early and verifying records in MEDPROS before arrival saves time and frustration once training begins. Upon arriving at BOLC, you’ll also need to navigate the unique administrative realities of the Army Transformation and Training Command (T2COM) environment. Resolving potential financial issues, such as BAH adjustments, O1E pay, or uploading Personnel Action Requests (PARs), can take time. Starting early ensures you have enough time to address these matters before they become obstacles. If you have kids, are a member of the Reserve Component (which includes the Army National Guard), or have been recently married, your situation may be more complex than some of your classmates’.

Build Your Network

Building professional relationships with your classmates is one of the most valuable lessons you’ll learn at BOLC. You will rely on one another in ways you cannot predict at the start—often outside the classroom and beyond the scope of formal instruction. Every cohort brings together Soldiers with different backgrounds, experiences, and strengths. Some arrive with deep technical expertise while others bring years of operational experience, institutional knowledge, and prior enlisted military service. These differences quickly become assets. In our experience, classmates without prior exposure to the technical material often proved invaluable in other ways. And who knows—maybe one of your Reserve Component classmates may help you get hired at a tech company once your service obligation is complete. Treating your classmates as teammates rather than competitors builds trust, strengthens the group, and fosters relationships with the individuals you will likely work with again in the CMF.

U.S. Army Cyber School lieutenants push through their last step before graduating Basic Officer Leaders Course (BOLC) with a field training exercise (FTX) on Fort Gordon, Georgia, September 29, 2022. (Photo by Capt. Rebecca Harr)

Master Your Time and Money

Moving from college to Fort Gordon brings a noticeable cultural shift with less structure and more personal accountability. How you manage your time, money, and priorities becomes entirely your responsibility. Budgeting is critical, as daily costs add up quickly, and no one is monitoring you the way you may be used to. Taking ownership of these areas early will make the adjustment less stressful. For West Point graduates, this transition can feel liberating. At West Point, every second is accounted for—you may have found yourself working from 0600 to 2300. At BOLC, you have more freedom to manage your schedule, get to bed at a reasonable time, and leave post as you wish. However, this shift requires discipline and self-management to stay on track. Instead of receiving a Cadet stipend, you will now receive Second Lieutenant pay, which is a significant increase. We recommend creating a budget to account for expenses such as rent, car payments, food costs, and debt repayment. For West Point graduates, the Cow loan (Career Starter loan) is often used for purchasing a new car, paying off debt, or investing. Keep in mind that the default monthly payment for the Cow Loan is around $620, and, combined with other expenses, you may find yourself paying over $2,000 monthly. Planning ahead will help you avoid financial stress during BOLC. As you adjust to these new responsibilities, remember that the habits and lessons you develop now will set the foundation for your success as an officer.

Conclusion

To those who are preparing to become U.S. Army Cyber Warfare Officers, congratulations on the hard work that has gotten you this far. As you embark on this journey, remember that you are stepping into a role that is critical to the Army’s mission and national security. The Army Cyber School provides premier initial-entry leadership and technical training, but your successful transition from college student to military professional will depend on your ability to adapt, plan, and manage expectations. We hope this article provides valuable insights and serves as a guide to help you navigate this transition with confidence. You are the future of the Army and Cyber Branch—your leadership and expertise will shape the branch for years to come.