INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The new 127th Cyber Protection Battalion is the first unit of its kind in the Indiana National Guard, established for a changing battlefield.
The unit’s nearly 100 Guard members will provide mission command to a cybersecurity company, a cyberwarfare company and two cyberprotection teams.
The 127th falls under the only cyberbrigade in the Army National Guard, the 91st Cyber Brigade based in Virginia, and will be commanded by Maj. Rose Gilroy. Gilroy is a native of Princeville, Illinois, who most recently served as the chief of Capabilities Branch, Resource Integration Division, for the Army National Guard in Washington, D.C.
“It’s an honor and incredibly humbling to be selected as part of the team that stands up the 127th Cyber Protection Battalion in the Indiana Army National Guard,” said Gilroy. “This unit is special. The unique capabilities and capacity we build to support our state, the Joint Force and our nation cannot be overstated. The stationing of this unit in Indiana is a tremendous statement to the state’s commitment to readiness along with the incredible talent and industry partners within its borders.”
The battalion will train many Hoosier Citizen-Soldiers to become cyberoperations specialists able to defend cybernetworks. In addition to the world-class cyber training facility at Muscatatuck, Indiana’s strong cyberinfrastructure and top-notch academic institutions were key in Indiana’s selection for this battalion.
The additional training, certification and benefits the National Guard will provide to Soldiers create a stronger and more marketable civilian employee at a time when cybersecurity jobs are in high demand.
“Cyber is no longer only a concern of local, state and federal governments; it’s a major priority of industry,” said Gilroy. “We know industry recognizes the value of our Soldiers, their extensive training, and their unwavering commitment to excellence.
“At the same time, the Army National Guard, Army Cyber Command, and U.S. Cyber Command recognize the tremendous value of our cyber Soldiers working with leaders and partners full time in their civilian careers,” she said. “The partnerships we build and the skills that are honed on a daily basis are absolutely invaluable to all parties.”
This battalion and its mission set align with state initiatives and benefits. Indiana National Guard leaders are collaborating with local and statewide businesses to work with IT and cyberassets.
“Indiana is fortunate to have Rose lead the state’s first up-and-coming cyberbattalion,” said Brig. Gen. Dale Lyles, Indiana adjutant general. “She brings an exceptional background and leadership qualities we need to get this battalion on its feet and leading the way to battle the cyber challenges in our technology-driven environment.”