WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Representatives of U.S. Army Cyber Command and Second Army and faculty from National Defense University hosted a visit of congressional staff to NDU's campus May 3. The staff members participated in a wide array of lessons and hands-on sessions that demonstrated the complex and dynamic world of cyber defense operations.
Brig. Gen. Patricia Frost, ARCYBER's deputy commanding general for operations, set the stage with an opening presentation on Army readiness and cyber capabilities, force-building efforts, and plans for keeping cyber operations agile in a rapidly evolving environment.
"Cyberspace is a warfighting domain that is, and will continue to be, a contested environment," Frost told the participants. "It's a space where maneuver commanders are required to understand how we operate and can deliver effects against our adversaries that enable their operations."
The group also heard from retired Rear Adm. Janice Hamby, now the Chancellor of NDU's iCollege, which offers education on cyberspace strategies and security-focused information and technology.
"By taking students and visitors on these 'cyber terrain walks' we expose them to some very compelling lessons about the fragility and interdependence of our digital networks and critical infrastructure," Hamby explained. "You will be able to bring back to your principal a better understanding of the implications of reliance upon and operating from a man-made domain and a recognition of the value proposition of investing in both education in the domain and in network and critical infrastructure enhancements."
Part of the day's events included talks by senior cyber noncommissioned officers from the 780th Military Intelligence Brigade, part of ARCYBER's operational force. The NCOs provided real-world views from working cyber professionals, including the rigorous initial training required to qualify for the 17-series Cyber Military Occupational Specialty, the consistent upkeep of certification requirements, and an overview of daily operations to strike and defend against adversaries.
"The technical skills and innovation required of a cyber Soldier are some of the most demanding in the Army, but the hard work, adaptability and dedication to the mission is essential to fight and win in cyberspace," said Command Sgt. Major Sheldon Chandler of the 780th. "With such a highly technical career field, retention can sometimes be an issue within the Cyber force. In my experience, I have found that a Soldier is a Soldier regardless of their specialty, and if you employ them every day in service of the mission, they remain committed to serving our Army and the nation."
Congressional staffers got a chance to learn and experiment in NDU's cyber education lab, including an overview of the threats cyber intrusions can pose to physical infrastructure, how to conduct and defend against distributed denial of service attacks, and the persistent threats that require ARCYBER to maintain nimble and effective capabilities.
During her discussion with staff members, Frost also noted that one of the key ways cyber forces can maintain their readiness and capabilities is through partnership with private industry.
"We are entering a collaboration with the technology industry that will help the Army both gain and drive innovation of new capabilities. This helps us to construct and maintain more defensible networks, a necessity to stay ahead of our adversaries in the cyber domain," Frost said.
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ABOUT US: United States Army Cyber Command and Second Army directs and conducts integrated electronic warfare, information and cyberspace operations as authorized, or directed, to ensure freedom of action in and through cyberspace and the information environment, and to deny the same to our adversaries.
Interested in becoming an Army cyber Soldier or civilian employee? Check out the career links at www.arcyber.army.mil
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