Joint Cyber Reserve Force
We need your talent within the Joint Cyber Reserve Force.
The Joint Cyber Reserve Force
Join a dynamic team, be part of something special as a Cyber Reservist
As a Cyber Reservist you will play a leading role in enhancing Defence Cyber Capability at home and abroad; defending and assuring our platforms, networks and when necessary disrupting our adversaries to keep the UK, its dependencies and territories safe.
Enviable reputation
Joint Cyber Reserves has built an enviable reputation since inception in 2013 for commitment to enhancing Defence Cyber Capability. This has been achieved through the selection on behalf of UK Strategic Command and the single Services (Royal Navy (RN)), Army, Royal Air Force (RAF)) of high calibre cyber sector professionals drawn from industry, private sector, academia and ex-military via a bespoke lateral entry pipeline.
Your Cyber Reserve Force Journey
While formal qualifications and training are not necessarily required, we are seeking experienced and proven high-end cyber talent along with industry experience in the field. Should you successfully pass an application form sift you would be invited to attend an interview. This will entail an in-depth Cyber Technical Competency Board with representatives drawn from all areas of Defensive/Offensive Cyber Operations and Information Assurance. Should you be successful, an ‘offer’ will be made and your journey to become part of the Cyber Reserve Force, often referred to as the ‘CRF’ will begin.
You can make a difference
The UK is a responsible cyber power. Cyber power is the ability to protect and promote national interests in and through cyberspace. Working with Partners X-Government as well as Defence we help support the National Cyber Strategy 2022. You will be making the difference to our national security.
How it works
The mandatory requirements to become a Joint Cyber Reservist
The mandated requirements to become a Joint Cyber Reservist are that an applicant must:
- possess verifiable exceptional cyber skills
- be aged 18 years or over
- be a United Kingdom or Commonwealth Citizen
- have lived in the United Kingdom for the last 10 years
All Joint Cyber Reservists must commit to serve for minimum period each year of between 19 to 27 Reserve Service Days (RSDs) depending on which Service you join, and be prepared to:
- successfully undergo and gain high level security clearance
- use your spare time and weekends in order to support Defence Cyber Capability
- attend a number of weekend duties throughout the year
- some tasks may be during the working week, undertaken on an establishment or by hybrid or remote working
- if there is a requirement, all UK military reservists can be mobilised (“called up for duty”) for a period of full time service
Talent First
As a Cyber Reserve you will be joining a dynamic, specialist team; the Cyber Reserve Force. They have been instrumental in enabling success on every operation, exercise and task they have supported. This success is rooted in our mantra of high-end cyber talent first. The Reserves ‘conventional’ physical entry standards (physical ability, fitness etc) are not our immediate concern. This ensures that we can select untapped talented individuals who would not normally see reserve service as an option or possibility. We draw our talent from industry, academia, current reserves and ex forces on behalf of the single Services.
We need to tap into that talent
We recognise that cyber talent crosses all genders and diversity, it knows no bounds and therefore we erect no barriers or obstacles to entry. We are able to apply for waivers to the normal entry standards to meet this requirement.
It is well known that the cyber sector has a workforce including a substantial percentage of neural divergent population. We embrace neural diverse talented people, and recognise that they can often see what others cannot.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Defence is embracing the United States governments National Initiative for Cyber Education ( NICE) ‘Workforce Framework for Cyber Security’ to inform our own organisation framework. This will help provide a common language to align the required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA) within Defence and commercially.
Defence needs next generation ‘Keyboard Warriors’. Are you a ‘coder’? Can you see the next attack vector, exploit or failing before anyone else? Although not exhaustive the following ‘Wishlist’ identifies KSAs which we are currently selecting CRF against. As a cyber professional you will be a deep expert in one or more areas and have proven experience which you will expand on during the interview within the Cyber Technical Competency Board.
Our Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Wishlist
| KSA | Examples of what we are looking for |
|---|---|
| Testing and Vulnerability Assessment | Able to demonstrate testing experience across Enterprise networks, working with Windows, Linux/Unix and web app testing, Red Teaming and adversary emulation. |
| Digital Forensics | Able to demonstrate your experience working on forensic investigations across computer systems, networks or mobile devices. Knowledge of industry tooling such as Cellebrite, FTK etc. |
| SOC Analysts, NOC Engineers | Able to demonstrate knowledge of development of SOC process and procedures, evidence of working with commercial SIEM/SOAR tools, Incident Response and Threat Hunters. |
| SCADA/OT/ICS | Engineering skills within these areas, security testing and architecture design. |
| Malware / Reverse engineering | Expertise in security research and reverse engineering of malware or software. |
| Intelligence | Proven knowledge working generation of threat intelligence products, development of products to support Blue Team activity i.e. Yara rules . |
| Software Development and code review | Significant coding experience across one or more of the following language sets, JAVA, Python, C#, C++, and scripting languages such as Bash, PowerShell. |
| Cloud and Systems Architecture | Demonstrate ability to architect cloud infrastructure, automation and containerisation. |
| Technical Training providers | Able to develop and deliver technical training products to develop Cyber awareness and technical expertise amongst Defence personnel. We also seek people who have experience in developing exercise and scenarios used to train or assess organisations. |
| Risk Analysts / Technical project managers | Able to work within recognised best practice such as NIST Cyber Security Framework or ISO27001 certification, provide effective risk analysis translating technical data for leadership as part of their planning cycle. |
| Network Engineers | Able to demonstrate knowledge of network architecture and administration, network security and automation. |
| Data Scientist / Big Data | Working with large data sets, structured and unstructured data. |
| AI and Automation | Developed skills in machine learning and automation. |
| Technical Surveillance Counter Measures | Experience in the utilisation of tools and techniques required to provide TSCM capability. |
In Sector Memberships & Qualifications
Current memberships of cyber, information security professional bodies such as WCIT, IET, BCS, CIISEC will be taken into account as will in sector academic qualifications but are not essential. Your skills and knowledge will be tested during the Technical Competency Board.
For The Cyber Reservist
You will have the opportunity to enhance Defence Cyber Capability in one of five national units, made up of Reservist units within Royal Naval Reserve, Army Reserve and RAF Reserves. All our units are national units which means we can recruit from across the UK.
In addition to the individual services there are two joint units based in Corsham and Cheltenham, these units employ reservists from all three services. We embrace hybrid working where appropriate.
We offer a flexible and supportive work environment working (including hybrid) with Regulars, Reserves, Civil Service and contractors, we call this the ‘Whole Force’ concept. In return, we ask that you are willing to assist in developing the Whole Force by actively looking for opportunities to transfer your knowledge, skills and experience. In this manner you will be a key force multiplier for Defence.
The CRF offers a great range of benefits including pay according to rank, discount schemes such as railcard discount, Defence Discount Service including ‘Blue Light’, Tickets for Troops and other benefits that are available to the regular force personnel.
Are you ‘sporting’ or adventurous minded? The military uses sport and other activities as tools to develop Command Leadership and Management. You may already be an instructor, facilitator or coach in rugby, netball, sailing, tennis, mountaineering. We would be delighted for you to share your enthusiasm with the whole force. Perhaps you aspire to instruct sailing, skiing etc, we can help you reach your goal, with minimum costs. We can help you develop as a leader and manager.
Using your well-developed experience, communication and interpersonal skills you should be able to socialise complex information in a simple manner. Military commanders need to make quick decisive decisions (Courses of Action) based on your ability to simplify technical bytes of information.
Life as a Cyber Reservist
The below reflections are from those already serving in the CRF and offer insight into their personal experiences.
Squadron Leader Rick
One of the things which is unusual about the people I recruit is that they don’t have any phase one or phase two training.
They have a bespoke route into Defence which includes military familiarisation time and a Defence cyber context module at the Defence Cyber Academy.
Then we drop them in front of a keyboard, as that’s where they have a real impact.
Read Rick’s full blog on the Strategic Command page: Life of a Cyber Reservist
Sergeant Karl
I’m really proud to be in a team, characterised by unity and inclusivity, where we respect and value the diverse backgrounds, skills and perspective of each one of our members.
For me, being in the cyber reserves is not just a part time job. It’s about playing a critical role in ensuring the safety and security of our digital frontiers.
It’s an opportunity to make a real tangible difference and to be part of something that is much greater than just myself.
Read Karl’s full reflections at: Hear from a Cyber Reservist
Warrant Officer 1 Anthony
This has allowed me to grow immeasurably as a person where I get to work alongside good ‘oppos’ who are at the top of their professions and has also ensured that I remain at the cutting edge of technical and professional competence in my areas of expertise.
The opportunities that are there to get out of your comfort zone and grow as a cyber specialist are invaluable and the subsequent benefits that come from this cannot be over emphasised.
Read more reflections from serving Cyber Reserves at: Our Joint Cyber Reserve Force
For Employers
As an employer, your support in facilitating a reservist’s ability to commit is essential. Through their work with the reserves, your employee will have the opportunity to develop themselves in terms of self-confidence, decision making, communications and analytical skillsets. Many of these skills translate to improving your outcomes in the workplace. More information is available from Defence Relationship Management (DRM) which partners with organisations throughout the UK, helping them understand the value of signing the Armed Forces Covenant.
The Cyber Reserve Force recruits candidates from across the United Kingdom with our units administered in the following locations:
Cyber Specialist Unit Corsham, Wiltshire
To support, develop and deliver Defence Cyber Capability and operations in support of Defence Cyber Operations and UK Strategic Command in order to establish, maintain and preserve the freedom to operate across MOD networks and in the information space.
Joint Cyber Unit Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
The Primary mission of Joint Cyber Unit Cheltenham is to provide expertise supporting Partners Across Government.
Maritime Cyber Unit based in Portsmouth, Hampshire
The Maritime Cyber Unit is a Royal Navy (RN) Reserve unit based in the Portsmouth area. It is made up of a broad range of individuals who have been integral to developing the RN Digital’s Defensive Cyber function. The unit primarily focuses on the maritime environment supporting RN establishments, ships and submarines. The unit enables the RN to operate in the Cyber domain.
LIAG, Corsham, Wiltshire
LIAG are Royal Signals (Army). It is a nationally recruited unit within Defence Digital with a headquarters function at MOD Corsham, Wiltshire. It is an officer only unit. Their primary mission is providing assurance activity to Defence systems anywhere in the world. Those who wish to Join LIAG must also successfully pass Army Officer Selection Board (AOSB).
6 Cyber Reserve Squadron, Digby, Lincolnshire
Based RAF Digby, they are also expanding into Northern Ireland. The squadron is focused on providing support to RAF squadrons, their platforms and equipment. Squadron members could be involved in an array of activity across Defence, these include IA, DCO, TSCM, OSINT, training & mentoring, network and software development and cyber investigations including forensics
Further information
To register an expression of interest (EOI) in joining the Joint Cyber Reserve Force or for more information, please email the SO2 Selection, Cyber Reserve Force at: UKStratCom-CyberRes-GpMailBox@mod.gov.uk. To make it clear that you have visited this portal please include in the subject line ‘EOI’ followed by your family name and date of submission (dd.mm.year). DO NOT include or attach additional information or documents such as CV’s.
If after 5 working days you have not received an acknowledgement confirming receipt of your EOI sent via the email link above, please contact us on 01452 712612 Ext 5930. Express your interest today, complete the application form and you could be part of something special.
Useful Links
Cyber Strategy
Support on employing reservists and Armed Forces Covenant
Defence Relationship Management Armed Forces Covenant