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Thursday, March 28, 2024

California Selected to Field One of First National Guard Cyber Protection Teams

The National Guard Bureau (NGB) announced Wednesday the California Army National Guard has been selected to field one of three initial Cyber Protection Teams (CPT), placing the California Guard at the forefront of the nation’s cyber-defense network.

The California Guard will field its CPT in fiscal year 2017, along with Georgia and a regional CPT from Michigan, Indiana and Ohio, NGB said.

According to NGB, “the California Guard is uniquely postured to support the CPT mission, having a large number of soldiers who work within the information technology or academic sector, and who may offer expertise and competencies on cutting-edge cyber defense policies, tactics, techniques and procedures.”

"This Army Guard Cyber Protection Team is a critical enabler of our mission to protect California and the homeland from complex cyber threats," said Maj. Gen. David S. Baldwin, Adjutant General for the California National Guard. "The CPT adds much needed depth to on-going efforts with other government agencies, industry and academia to mitigate cyber data breaches, compromises and attacks on critical infrastructure and key resources."

The primary focus of the California Guard’s CPT will be to support the Army Cyber Command (ARCYBER) in protecting the Armed Forces and the nation from cyber threats. Once established, the California Guard CPT group will undergo specialized cyber training to qualify as Army Cyber Soldiers. These cyber courses are 4 to 12 months in duration and are among the Army’s most academically challenging, NGB said.

"The Army is actively developing a total force of elite, trained, trusted and disciplined cyber professionals,” said Lt. Gen. Edward Cardon, commanding general of ARCYBER at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. “The Army National Guard’s CPT … is another step in the right direction. Citizen Soldiers are already an essential part of the ‘Total Army,’ so these cyber professionals, many of whom bring private sector experience, will enhance the Army’s cyberspace capabilities and capacities."

The California Guard was selected from a pool of 32 packets representing 45 states, territories and the District of Columbia, NGB said, noting that, “The Army National Guard plans to activate a total of 10 CPTs by fiscal year 2019.”

For more information on the California Guard’s Cyber Protection Team, contact Capt. Will Martin, public affairs specialist, at 916-799-9525 or [email protected].

California Selected to Field One of First National Guard Cyber Protection Teams Homeland Security Today
Homeland Security Today
The Government Technology & Services Coalition's Homeland Security Today (HSToday) is the premier news and information resource for the homeland security community, dedicated to elevating the discussions and insights that can support a safe and secure nation. A non-profit magazine and media platform, HSToday provides readers with the whole story, placing facts and comments in context to inform debate and drive realistic solutions to some of the nation’s most vexing security challenges.
Homeland Security Today
Homeland Security Todayhttp://www.hstoday.us
The Government Technology & Services Coalition's Homeland Security Today (HSToday) is the premier news and information resource for the homeland security community, dedicated to elevating the discussions and insights that can support a safe and secure nation. A non-profit magazine and media platform, HSToday provides readers with the whole story, placing facts and comments in context to inform debate and drive realistic solutions to some of the nation’s most vexing security challenges.

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