An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | Nov. 6, 2019

Pa. Guard cyber branch supports 2019 election

By Staff Sgt. Zane Craig Pennsylvania National Guard

FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. – About 30 members of the Pennsylvania National Guard joined state agencies at three locations Nov. 5 to help ensure the security of the commonwealth’s election.

A Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) team focused on network monitoring, while teams at Fort Indiantown Gap and Horsham Air Guard Station concentrated on social media reporting.

“The cyber team is essential because from past experience, there has been interference in prior elections and Pennsylvania has been targeted,” said Maj. Christine Pierce, Pennsylvania defensive cyber operations element team chief. “It’s a critical mission because there is a valid threat out there.”

The PEMA team ensured that public-facing state websites like the election returns site operated without interruption while the other teams monitored social media.

“Election Day is not just about cyber for us,” said Air Force Maj. Gen. Anthony Carrelli, Pennsylvania’s adjutant general, who added that the Guard usually would not respond to a power outage unless there is a threat to life or property, but “Election Day is different. We’re here to keep those polls open. The idea is to have all polling stations open and available, to include the electronic systems.”

The focus of the Pennsylvania Guard members activated Nov. 5 was cybersecurity, with several points of vulnerability.

“There is the potential for the voting systems themselves to be hacked into, but they are not networked. Cybersecurity is most critical when the counties are consolidating the votes and electronically transmitting the data to the Department of State, which certifies the elections,” said Pierce.

The Army cyber team and the 112th Cyber Operations Squadron have been working together for years on the elections initiative, she said.

Added Carrelli: “We’ve been working for years to get to this one day. You can’t just treat this as a single-day event; election security is every day.”

Since 2016, the Pennsylvania Guard cyber branch has partnered with the Pennsylvania Office of Homeland Security and expanded to work with the private sector, colleges and universities, and a range of agencies at the local, state and federal levels.

 

 

Related Articles
U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Anthony Gonzalez, fire protection craftsman assigned to the 156th Civil Engineer Squadron, Puerto Rico Air National Guard, extinguishes a fire during a Deployment for Training (DFT) at Aviano Air Base, Italy, June 25, 2025. During the DFT, the 156th CES developed their skill proficiency in a new area of responsibility while supporting real-world projects that support the U.S. European Command operations.
Puerto Rico Air Guard Conducts Deployment for Training at Aviano
By Senior Airman Victoria Jewett, | July 7, 2025
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy — U.S. Airmen with the Puerto Rico Air National Guard 156th Civil Engineer Squadron conducted a Deployment for Training June 16-27 in Italy to develop their skills proficiency within the U.S. European...

Airmen from the 168th Wing Medical Group, along with their counterparts from other Air National Guard units, conduct radiation monitoring during field training at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Michigan, June 2025. The training enhances the unit’s ability to detect and respond to radiological threats in deployed or contingency environments.
Alaska Air Guard 168th Medical Group Trains for High-Stakes Missions
By Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey, | July 7, 2025
ALPENA COMBAT READINESS TRAINING CENTER, Mich. — The Alaska Air National Guard 168th Wing Medical Group continues to strengthen its operational edge, proving lethality in today’s battlespace isn’t just about combat power -...

Civic leaders and newly commissioned U.S. Air Force pilot trainees gather with the 168th Wing KC-135 Stratotanker aircrew following an aerial refueling mission during Red Flag-Alaska 25-2, June 24, 2025. The event provided participants with a unique opportunity to witness the complex coordination and precision required for refueling U.S. and allied aircraft in flight. This experience highlighted the critical role the 168th Wing plays in sustaining readiness and strengthening defense capabilities throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
Civic Leaders Fly With Alaska Air Guard During Red Flag Alaska 25-2
By Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey, | July 3, 2025
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska – The Alaska Air National Guard’s 168th Wing hosted a civic leader flight June 24 that offered local leaders an opportunity to view an aerial refueling mission over the Joint Pacific Alaska...