The Future of Cyber Warfare: Training the Next Generation of Cyber Warriors

 

Introduction

The cyber warfare landscape is rapidly evolving, and the need for highly skilled cyber operators is greater than ever.  As a Senior VP with a military background, I want to share my perspective on how Cyber Command (CYBERCOM) 2.0 is playing a critical role in workforce training in this new era and the implications for the cybersecurity community.

 

The Evolving Training Landscape 

There is a major push to professionalize both civilian and military cyber workforces. This shift is crucial because, as many of us with military experience know, there can be a tension between a service branch’s priorities and CYBERCOM’s specific needs. For example, if CYBERCOM needs highly trained cyber operators, a service branch might acknowledge the need but prioritize its core missions first– like ships or aircraft- potentially delaying the provision of those personnel.

CYBERCOM’s increased autonomy over its own training pipelines opens up a significant opportunity for industry to step in and fill a critical void. Statistics show that the number and skill level of cyber professionals varies considerably across the force creating a need for training providers to bridge the talent gap.

 

Industry’s Role: Addressing the Training Gap

This is where industry partners like MANTECH can play a pivotal role. Our Advanced Cyber Training Program (ACTP) is a prime example of how industry can deliver specialized, high-quality training. Since 2009, ACTP has been at the forefront, equipping military, intelligence, and government personnel with the skills needed to master the complex work of cyber. We’re skilled at training cyber developers with the knowledge and know-how to perform with precision. We’ve already proven our capability in training cyber developers for the NSA, but the growing capacity challenges within government schoolhouses are a concern for both the NSA and CYBERCOM.

The logistics are complex. When the NSA offers training slots, service branches face logistical hurdles in getting their personnel to the training location. It’s not as simple as just sending people; it involves Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders, travel arrangements, and various administrative processes. Industry can ease these burdens by:

• Expanding Training Capacity: Providing additional training slots to increase the number of students.
• Delivering Remote Training: Using virtual or distributed training options to reach personnel at their duty stations (e.g., Pensacola for the Navy, Georgia for the Army, San Antonio for the Air Force).
• Providing Curriculum and Facilitators: Equipping service branches with the necessary curriculum and trained instructors to conduct their own training locally.

CYBERCOM is actively seeking industry’s help in addressing these training challenges. The needs are diverse, ranging from curriculum development and instructors to new facilities and delivery methods.

 

The “Special Training” Imperative

Another key concept that emerged from the discussion was the idea of “special training.” CYBERCOM is beginning to use this term to describe on-demand, highly specialized training that addresses specific, emerging needs. This could include training on a unique capability, a novel target set, or a new defensive strategy.

I see “special training” as being akin to certifications versus a degree. It’s about acquiring highly focused expertise in a particular area. The ability of industry to quickly respond to these “special training” requirements is critical. We must be able to identify emerging needs, create tailored training programs, and deliver that training effectively.

This brings me to a crucial point: what does advanced cyber operations training really look like? We have on-the-job training and other programs, which are like a “100-level” undergraduate course for our cyber warfare engineers. But what’s the “Top Gun” equivalent in the cyber domain?

 

The “Top Gun” of Cyber

What would an elite “Top Gun” program for cyber operators look like?

Remember the opening scene of Top Gun which highlighted the need for advanced air combat maneuvering training to counter emerging threats?  We need a similar elite training environment for cyber operators. Imagine a program, perhaps at MANTECH, where the most promising operators are chosen for intensive, specialized training against the world’s most skilled adversaries. This kind of program would offer invaluable experience that simply cannot be replicated on the job.

This is where MANTECH’s ACTP comes in. We’re at the forefront of creating such a program delivering high-quality, consistent, and rigorous training for both developers and operators. Our goal is to build a talent pipeline of cyber warriors equipped with the skills needed to fill critical gaps. This intensive, specialized training goes far beyond basic on-the-job training, developing individuals who can continuously advance and refine their skills as the cyber landscape evolves.

 

Conclusion: Shaping the Future of Cyber Warfare Training

The insights shared at the National Cryptology Foundation event underscore the urgent need to evaluate and evolve our approach to cyber warfare training. With its agility and expertise, industry has a vital role to play in partnering with the military and CYBERCOM to meet these challenges.

At MANTECH, we are committed to being at the forefront of this effort. By leveraging our experience and innovative training programs like ACTP, we can help shape the future of cyber warfare training and ensure that our nation’s cyber warriors are equipped to face the threats of tomorrow.