Journeys Through Service

The Hacker Tracker

From data enthusiast to Army Reserve cyber leader.

Meet Shaelyn

Cyber Warfare Officer

The Hacker Tracker

As a cyber warfare officer in the Army Reserve, Captain Shaelyn Layton finds and fixes breaches before data are compromised. As the “managers of the Military,” officers act in leadership roles that require planning, directing operations and making critical decisions.

SIMILAR JOBS OUTSIDE THE MILITARY

Cybersecurity Specialist, Cybersecurity Analyst, Cybersecurity Manager

BRANCH

Army Reserve

RANK

Captain

Shaelyn’s Story at a Glance

Finished college without student loans

officer icon

Commissioned as an officer the day before her graduation

Leveraged skills she learned serving part time to propel her career

What Led Shaelyn to the Military

As a teen, Shaelyn felt a spark for all things data and followed her passion into her college’s global security and intelligence program.

“I wanted to do something with intelligence, supporting some sort of national security agency or government entity. That was my future.”

Benefits Shaelyn Sees in Service

No-Stress Education

Continues stacking degrees without breaking a financial sweat.

Paying For College

Certs and Skills

Gains technical skills and earns industry-standard certifications at no cost.

College Credit

Part Time, Maximum Impact

Attains hands-on experience that also helps propel her civilian career as a cybersecurity systems engineer.

Ways to Serve

How Shaelyn Got Here

High School Junior

Gained exposure to the intelligence world through a summer program at Georgetown University.

1

College

Enrolled at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a major in global security and intelligence and joined the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program.

2

Study Abroad

Spent nine months in China gaining advanced language skills in Mandarin, fully funded by the government.

3

Graduation

Graduated from college debt-free and commissioned as an officer in the Army Reserve.

4

Cyber Officer Operations Course

Earned essential cyber certifications like CCNA and CISSP at no cost through serving, worth thousands in the civilian world.

5

Present Day

Complements a part-time cyber warfare role in the Military with a full-time role as a civilian cybersecurity engineer.

6

How ROTC Opened Doors for Shaelyn

What Is ROTC?

A path to earning a college degree while training to become a military officer. Through tuition benefits and living stipends, ROTC students can reduce education costs while building service-ready experience.

What Does ROTC Cover?

“My entire college education was paid for in full. I received a monthly stipend for housing and food. I received a quarterly stipend for books, and I received a yearly stipend for ROTC uniforms.”
 

How ROTC Spells Success

“The financial benefit was huge. Instead of walking out of college in debt with student loans, I walked out of college with money in my pocket. I had already started saving and investing.”

ROTC Explained

What Shaelyn Does on the Job

 

“I’m part of the mission-protect squad, and we’re primarily responsible for defending the [national defense] network. We dive deep to determine if there’s a current threat in the network and how we can remediate.” 

Protects Defense Networks

Strengthens the Army Reserve’s front lines of digital defense by detecting and addressing network vulnerabilities. 

Chases Cyber Hackers

Tracks and mitigates threats before they can access crucial information.
 

Test Your Cyber Skills

Leads a Crew of Cyberwarriors

Collaborates with other big brains to solve technical problems to strengthen and fortify digital networks. 

Test Your Knowledge

Which of these is not a type of malware that might be used in a cyberattack?

Not this one, try again! The odd one out is more ancient warrior than malware...

Not this one, try again! The odd one out is more ancient warrior than malware...

Not this one, try again! The odd one out is more ancient warrior than malware...

Correct! Spartans fought battles, not cyberattacks.

Explore More Cyber Defense Games arrow icon
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Ready to Become a Digital Defender?

Take the Cyber Challenge
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Curious What It Takes to Be a Cyber Warfare Officer?

Get The Full Breakdown

Part-Time Service, Full-Time Passion

During the week, Shaelyn works full time in cybersecurity at a civilian software development company. One weekend a month, she builds her skills and earns top industry certifications through military training. 

Life in Uniform

  • Attends monthly Reserve drills
  • Takes part in training to keep her cyber skills sharp
  • Collaborates with an exceptional team of cyberwarriors

Life Outside the Uniform

  • Takes advantage of a flexible schedule to travel and meet up with friends
  • Makes the most of Colorado living with mountain biking, hiking and skiing
  • Practices scuba diving, which she learned while previously stationed in Hawaii

“I always say that joining the Army Reserve was the single most valuable thing I’ve ever done for my civilian career, hands down. The two have facilitated and aided each other more than I could have ever imagined.”

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