The Coast Guard is establishing a formal “A” School for cyber mission specialists (CMS) with the wait list opening on Feb. 3.
It’s the first new “A” School the Service has added since dive school a decade ago, and one that will provide a direct path to an enlisted cyber career. Since the CMS rating was created in late 2022, it has accepted E-5 and up only lateral-entry, which meant non rates had to first attend an “A” school prior to applying for a lateral to CMS.
Now Coast Guard members will be able to skip that step and access the CMS “A” School earlier in their enlistment, signing up at E-3 or E-2.
“It’s so exciting for that we can bring this expertise to the junior enlisted level,” said Master Chief Petty Officer Jon Weppler, rating force master chief for the CMS specialty. “If a member wants to pursue a cyber career they can get into it directly now.”
The CMS “A” School will be the Navy’s 27-week Joint Cyber Analysis Course (JCAC) course taught in Pensacola, FL. The Coast Guard has been using this course to successfully train lateral entrants for the CMS rating. Since it meets the Department of Defense (DoD) standard and is already accredited, Weppler said, leadership saw no need to expend resources to establish an in-house school.
Here’s what else you need to know:
Are there any requirements to be eligible for CMS “A” School?
You don’t need to have any specific background in cyber security or IT to sign up for CMS “A” School since the JCAC is designed to teach that. But you must:
- be a U.S. citizen
- have a combined ASVAB score of AR + VE = 110
- be eligible for a Top Secret with Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance
- have normal hearing
Keep in mind that the security clearance process can take 9 to 18 months, so you’ll want to consult with your Command Security Officer (CSO) as soon as possible if you’re interested.
How do I get on the CMS “A” School waitlist?
Members should check out the EPM-2 "A" School newsletter for explicit instructions on how to submit a request. You can find that at the EPM site.
Members will be able to submit their requests through DA to get on the waitlist beginning on Feb. 3.
How will the process work?
Once a member places their name on the list, they start their security clearance process.
Note: Even if you are first on the list, you won’t be assigned to a class until you receive your security clearance, which could take 9 to 12 months or longer.
The soonest a member will go to the school will be in either Calendar Year 2026. The program office is working to secure several classes and we anticipate 2-3 classes a year with approximately 19 students per class.
Where can I get more information?
To find out more about the new CMS “A” School you can contact:
- CMS AO: CWO C. Smith, (571) 608-3922, Christopher.M.Smith6@uscg.mil
- RFMC: CMSCM J. Weppler, (571)607-7563, Jon.R.Weppler@uscg.mil
More detailed answers to common questions about the new CMS “A” School are included in this FAQ. You can also find information in the CMS “A” School Requirements newsletter at the EPM site.
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