Rep. Aguilar Cyberwarriors Pilot Program Takes Off

SAN BERNARDINO>> The Critical Cyberwarriors pilot program, created by Rep. Pete Aguilar, is being implemented, the United States Army announced. Aguilar’s program was included in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017, which passed the House of Representatives in May 2016 and was later signed into law. The pilot program expedites the process for individuals in the cybersecurity field to become officers in the United States Army and the United States Air Force. This program provides incentives for students at institutions that specialize in cybersecurity training, like California State University, San Bernardino, to enter the armed forces and become cyberwarriors quickly and efficiently, according to a news release from Aguilar's office. “Expanding our cybersecurity workforce is paramount to strengthening our national security,” Aguilar said. “As threats at home and abroad have become more sophisticated through rapidly evolving technology, it’s crucial that we have trained and ready recruits fighting to keep Americans safe. I’m glad that this program is moving forward and that it can empower local institutions like Cal State San Bernardino, which will allow us to invest in our growing Inland Empire talent.” Aguilar’s amendment to create the pilot program was included in the 2017 NDAA, the annual defense policy bill that directs the United States' defense programs for the year. "The Direct Commissioning program has great utility for the Army to fill key niche Cyber Mission Force work roles," said Patricia Frost, Director of the Headquarters Department of the Army, Cyber Directorate.