Army's Cyber Strategic Seminar application now open

WASHINGTON — The Army is accepting applications for the Secretary of the Army’s Cyber Strategic Seminar, a yearlong, part-time professional development program that builds emerging cyber leaders across the Total Army and Department of the Army civilian workforce. Now entering its third year, the seminar is conducted with U.S. Army Cyber Command and led by the Army Principal Cyber Advisor.

“Our people, both uniform and civilian, are the bedrock of the Army," said Brandon Pugh, Principal Cyber Advisor to the Secretary of the Army. "The Secretary of the Army's Cyber Strategic Seminar provides a crucial forum for aspiring Army leaders to develop the skills and understanding necessary to confront the ever-evolving challenges of cyberspace.”

Selected participants will take part in a series of events, meetings and briefings with leaders from across the U.S. government, private industry, academia and foreign partners — gaining experience that strengthens written and oral communication skills and competitiveness for future leadership roles.

The application window is open now through Oct. 7, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. EDT. A selection panel will convene Oct. 15, with notifications to applicants no later than Nov. 30. The first seminar event is scheduled on or about Jan. 21, 2026.

“As a company grade officer, I walked in laser-focused on the tactical fight and walked out understanding the strategic battlespace the U.S. Army and DoD face,” said Maj. Connie P. Ho. “That transformation was forged through candid discussions on real-world cyber issues alongside my fellow participants, senior leaders, and industry partners — an experience that gave me a new level of confidence and fundamentally rewired how I approach complex challenges.”

Eligibility spans the Total Army — active duty, Army Reserve and Army National Guard — and Department of the Army civilians across all MOS/AOC and career fields. Targeted grades include NCOs — sergeant to master sergeant, warrant officers — warrant officer 1 to chief warrant officer 3, commissioned officers 1st lieutenant to major, and civilians GG/GS-9 to GG/GS-13. Applicants should be familiar with cyber operations, cybersecurity, operational technology, network security, artificial intelligence and electronic warfare topics; hold at least a fully adjudicated SECRET clearance; be available for TDY travel about once or twice per quarter; and meet administrative criteria regarding flags, separations, PCS and retirements.

“Traditionally, the Army can be a top-down place partitioned by your job expertise. In Cyber we can't have ideas and ways of thinking constrained that way," said Capt. Brandon Gonzalez. "The seminar was a forum for ideas and thinking to exchange from all ranks, experiences, across services and other agencies of the government cyber domain. I learned new perspectives and made contacts that will remain for the rest of my career."

How to apply

Prospective applicants can access the application on the “SECARMY Cyber Strategic Seminar Program” Microsoft Teams page using the code listed in the MILPER 25-358.

Those unable to access Teams may email usarmy.pentagon.hqda-secarmy.mesg.pca-cyber-strategic-seminar@army.mil with the subject line “CY26 Cyber Strategic Seminar Applicant – (LastName, First Initial)” to receive the form.

Program questions can be sent to the same email with the subject “CY26 Cyber Strategic Seminar Question – (add topic here).”

The Cyber Strategic Seminar builds on earlier iterations that highlighted how targeted education and cross-sector engagement help the Army identify and develop talent for the cyber mission.

For more information or to apply by Oct. 7, visit the Teams page or contact the Office of the Principal Cyber Advisor at the email above.