HARTFORD, Conn. –
Three Connecticut Army National Guard (CTARNG) soldiers recently completed a virtual, seven-day bootcamp aimed at facilitating their transition into the Cyber branch of the military. The bootcamp, which was held from November 18-24, 2025, is part of a broader initiative to equip soldiers with essential technical skills required for their transfer to the 17C Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) — Cyber Operations Specialist. The three participating soldiers — SFC John Young, SFC Anthony Agli, and SGT Luis Perdomo — are currently serving in traditional military roles, such as 25B and 25U, and are seeking to reclassify or transfer into the Cyber field.
The course, titled Virtual Bootcamp PCEP™ (Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer), is designed to give soldiers a strong foundation in Python programming, a critical skill required for roles within the Cyber branch. The PCEP™ certification, awarded at the end of the bootcamp, demonstrates that soldiers have acquired the necessary knowledge and skills in Python programming, including an understanding of fundamental programming concepts, syntax, and logic. It covers a wide range of topics such as variables, data types, control flow, loops, functions, recursion, exception handling, and Python's runtime environment.
For soldiers like Young, Agli, and Perdomo, this certification is more than just a technical credential — it serves as a key stepping stone in their professional development within the military's growing Cyber operations field. The PCEP™ certification is an entry-level qualification that prepares soldiers for more advanced certifications, such as the Certified Associate in Python Programming (PCAP™) and Certified Professional in Python Programming (PCPP™). These certifications open the door to career advancement opportunities in both the military and the civilian IT sector, where Python programming is in high demand.
The need for soldiers to acquire Python programming and scripting (P&S) skills is part of the broader training requirements for 17C and 17A MOS qualifications. As part of their Military Occupational Specialty Qualification (MOSQ), soldiers in these roles must demonstrate proficiency in P&S to successfully perform their duties in Cyber operations. While there are several paths to fulfilling this requirement, such as attending in-person courses at Fort Eisenhower or completing specialized training programs like those offered by SANS, the virtual PCEP™ bootcamp offers an accessible and flexible alternative. The bootcamp not only provides certification but also allows soldiers to meet their training needs remotely, making it ideal for those balancing military commitments with other responsibilities.
This bootcamp is also part of the larger push by the U.S. Army to train and prepare soldiers for the rapidly evolving field of Cyber defense. As cyber threats continue to grow in complexity and scale, there is a critical need for soldiers who are skilled in Cyber operations, including coding and programming. By offering programs like the PCEP™ bootcamp, the Army is ensuring that its personnel are equipped with the latest technical skills and certifications to protect national security interests. Moreover, these efforts help address the increasing demand for skilled Cyber professionals both within the military and across the broader technology sector.
The program’s success is a reflection of the Army’s commitment to providing relevant and accessible training for soldiers transitioning to new specialties. By focusing on foundational technical skills such as Python programming, the Army ensures that soldiers are ready to face the challenges of the Cyber domain. With more soldiers like Young, Agli, and Perdomo completing certifications and reclassifying into the Cyber field, the Army is not only preparing its personnel for the future of military operations but also bolstering the U.S. military’s capability to defend against an increasingly digital and interconnected world.
For soldiers interested in transferring to Cyber, the PCEP™ bootcamp serves as an essential resource that bridges the gap between their previous military roles and the technical requirements of the Cyber branch. As the military continues to invest in Cyber education and training, soldiers can expect even more opportunities to enhance their skills, advance their careers, and contribute to national security efforts.