FORT BENNING, Ga - 1st Lt. James J. Gusman and 1st Lt Timothy J. Hennessy took the oath of office as the U.S. Army Cyber Branch's first direct commissioned officers during a ceremony on Taylor Field, May 9.

Brig. Gen. Neil S. Hersey, the Commandant of the U. S. Army Cyber School at Fort Gordon administered the oath and welcomed the new officers into the youngest branch in the U.S. Army.

"I am proud of what these two officers have accomplished to be here today," said Hersey. "Though they still have more training ahead of them, they have proven to be the most competent and to possess the greatest potential during a very competitive selection process."

To be considered for direct commissioning, applicants must hold at least a bachelor's degree and demonstrate a professional level of competence in a cyber related field.

Both Gusman and Hennessy have extensive backgrounds in multiple areas such as information technology, information assurance, cyber security or cryptology. Both have prior Army service, and were the only two among almost 80 applicants, to receive direct commissions.

The U.S. Army authorized the Cyber Branch to grant five direct commissions per year in efforts to recruit talent possessing industry experience, relevant education, and the potential to fulfill duties required by the Army.