Q&A: Mechatronics student earns elite commission in the U.S. Army

Kyle Rex will step off the graduation stage at Texas A&M University into his role as a U.S. Army cyber operations officer, validating his years of effort in both academic and military training. He credits the combination of his mechatronics major, embedded systems minor and years in the Army ROTC and Corps of Cadets with earning him the highly selective military commission.

What is the role of a cyber operations officer and why is it important?

A cyber operations officer is responsible for leading soldiers in conducting defensive and offensive cyber operations to protect U.S. networks and systems. This includes identifying vulnerabilities, analyzing threats, responding to cyber incidents and planning and executing cyber missions. Beyond the technical aspects, cyber officers are leaders first, responsible for training, mentoring and leading teams in high-stakes environments where decisions can have strategic-level impacts.

The role is critical because modern warfare extends far beyond physical domains. Cyber operations directly impact national security, infrastructure and military effectiveness. Protecting against cyber threats ensures the integrity of communications, weapons systems and critical data.

What makes the cyber operations officer commission so competitive?

The cyber branch is one of the smallest and most selective branches in the Army. It requires a strong technical background, along with demonstrated experience in cybersecurity or programming. Candidates must also show leadership ability, strong academic performance and practical application of their skills through internships, research or competitions. Because of the limited number of slots and the high demand, only a small percentage of applicants are selected.

Have you always known you wanted to go into national service?

I had planned on entering national service since high school, when I received and accepted a four-year Army ROTC scholarship. Service has always been important to me, as many of my family members have served before me, and this was my opportunity to continue that legacy while applying my technical interests in a meaningful way.

How did you become interested in serving in this particular position, and what about it enticed you the most? 

As I progressed through my engineering coursework, I realized cyber operations was the most applicable Army branch for the technical skill set I was developing. What excited me most about the role is that cyber warfare is already happening every day, often unseen by the public. The idea that my work would be actively used to defend U.S. systems and counter malicious actors in real time was extremely motivating. 

What drew you to pursue a major in mechatronics and a minor in embedded systems?

I was drawn to mechatronics because of its multidisciplinary nature. It combines electrical, mechanical and software engineering, allowing me to develop a well-rounded technical foundation and understand how complex systems operate as a whole. My minor in embedded systems was a natural extension of that interest. Many of my mechatronics courses introduced embedded programming and hardware integration, and I wanted to go deeper into how software interacts directly with physical systems.

How did your coursework in mechatronics and embedded systems build the technical foundation needed for cyber operations?

My coursework gave me a strong understanding of how systems function at both the hardware and software levels. In mechatronics, I learned system modeling, control systems and mechanical-electrical integration. In embedded systems, I worked directly with microcontrollers, low-level programming and hardware interfacing. This combination is highly relevant to cyber operations because it provides insight into how vulnerabilities can exist not just in software, but in physical and embedded systems. Understanding the full system stack allows for more effective identification and mitigation of threats.

Describe hands-on learning opportunities that were especially impactful in preparing you for this career. 

One of the most impactful experiences was my mechatronics capstone project designing and manufacturing a hydraulic bucket and thumb attachment system for the Brokk 70 demolition robot in support of nuclear waste cleanup operations. I led project management, electrical and manufacturing efforts, taking the system from concept to a TRL-6 prototype.

Additionally, my internship at Sandia National Laboratories has been extremely valuable. I 

worked on developing and testing DC-DC power converter systems, designing printed circuit boards and validating hardware through hands-on testing and simulation. This experience strengthened my ability to connect theory to real-world application.

I have also participated in multiple cyber competitions and exercises, including the National Security Agency (NSA) Cyber Exercises and Cyber Siege, where I worked on both defensive and offensive scenarios. These experiences were critical in developing practical cybersecurity skills in realistic environments.

How did your overall experience at Texas A&M shape your path to this achievement? What skills did you develop that made you a strong candidate for the position?

My experience at Texas A&M, especially through the Corps of Cadets and Army ROTC, played a major role in shaping my leadership and discipline. I held multiple leadership positions, including platoon leader, where I was responsible for training and managing over 50 cadets. Academically, my engineering coursework developed my problem-solving and technical skills, while my internships and projects gave me real-world experience applying those skills. These combined experiences helped me become a well-rounded candidate with both the technical expertise and leadership ability required for the cyber branch.

What advice would you give current students interested in mechatronics, embedded systems or cyber operations?

Get involved early and pursue hands-on experience whenever possible. Coursework is important, but applying what you learn through projects, internships and competitions is what truly builds your skill set. Also, don’t limit yourself to one area, understanding multiple disciplines will set you apart, especially in fields like cyber where systems are interconnected. Finally, develop both your technical skills and leadership abilities. The ability to lead and communicate effectively is just as important as technical knowledge, especially in roles where you’ll be responsible for a team.

What are you most looking forward to in your role, and how do you hope to make an impact through your service?

I am most looking forward to leading soldiers and applying my technical skills in real-world operations that directly contribute to national security. I hope to make an impact by strengthening cyber defenses, contributing to mission success and developing the soldiers I lead. Long term, I want to be part of advancing the Army’s cyber capabilities and helping adapt to the evolving digital battlefield.