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 | June 21, 2022

National Guard Soldiers, Airmen Train on Cybersecurity

By Maj. Robert Taylor, Idaho Army National Guard

BOISE, Idaho – The Idaho Army National Guard hosted Guard members from seven states June 4-18 for a regional cyber exercise that included assessing the security of a dozen Idaho agencies.

Cyber Discovery provided a week of cybersecurity training for more than 50 Soldiers and Airmen from the National Guard in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington and Wyoming. During the second week, teams assessed Idaho Courts, the Idaho Department of Labor and school districts in 10 counties.

“This exercise assesses the level of cybersecurity awareness and implementation across multiple state, local, territorial and tribal agencies throughout Idaho and builds the capability of cyber Soldiers and Airmen in our region,” said Col. Dan Lister, chief of information, Idaho Army National Guard.

The exercise was conducted under the Department of Defense Cyber Innovative Readiness Training program. The Cybersecurity Infrastructure Security Agency trained Guard members, who assessed local government agencies’ cybersecurity efforts. Each mission partner received a 200-page report.

“There’s a benefit for our team to have a mutual third party provide an overview of our controls with regard to cybersecurity,” said Jennifer Dvorak, chief information security officer for Idaho Courts. “It helps us understand where to focus our energy.”

Agencies can use the assessments to apply for grants and additional funding for improvements.

Participants who completed the exercise earned a qualification in Cyber Resiliency Review and External Dependencies Management.

“The training from CISA was invaluable to learn how to properly conduct a cyber resiliency assessment,” said Master Sgt. Eric Wilkens, North Dakota Air National Guard. “The value of the training was taking that training and immediately turning around and utilizing it with a mission partner. We were also able to give back to a community partner, which embraces what the National Guard is all about.”

In addition to the exercise, Idaho Army National Guard cyber Soldiers briefed Idaho Technology Services, the information technology directorate for the Office of the Governor, on a recent penetration test. 

“The test itself was unquestionably the most thorough and difficult we’ve endured,” said Jeff Weak, ITS director. “Not only was it the best to date, the report and out-brief were exceptional as well. I appreciate all they did for us, and I look forward to working with the Idaho Army National Guard in the future on some of the remediation actions.”

The assessment took more than a month to complete and saved the state more than $500,000.
 

 

 

Related Articles
The 17th Field Artillery Brigade deployed from Joint Base Lewis-McChord to the Orchard Combat Training Center in March to increase warfighting readiness and hone lethality in a rigorous, realistic training environment aligned with the challenges of modern combat. The OCTC enabled the brigade to collectively train in a contiguous battlespace with unfamiliar terrain and numerous live firing locations.
Orchard Combat Training Center Hosts HIMARS Training
By Mike Freeman, | March 26, 2025
BOISE, Idaho - The 17th Field Artillery Brigade deployed from Joint Base Lewis-McChord to the Orchard Combat Training Center in March to increase warfighting readiness and hone lethality in a rigorous, realistic training...

Michigan National Guard Biathlon Team members compete at the Chief National Guard Bureau Biathlon Competition, held this year at the Mount Itasca Winter Sports Center in Coleraine, Minn., from Feb. 28-March 5, 2025.  The annual competition is held in one of three host states, Minnesota, Utah and Vermont, and is open to National Guard members in all 54 states and territories.
Michigan Guard Team Competes at Biathlon Championship
By 2nd Lt. Paige Bodine, | March 20, 2025
LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan National Guard Biathlon Team competed at the Chief National Guard Bureau Biathlon Championship at Mount Itasca, Minnesota, from Feb. 28-March 5. The annual event brings together top competitors...

The Idaho National Guard deployed 10 UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters and more than 80 Soldiers to Fort Belvoir, Virginia, Jan. 10-11 on a year-long mission to support the Joint Emergency Evacuation Plan.
Idaho National Guard Deploys Helicopter Company To DC Area
By Mike Freeman, | Jan. 14, 2025
BOISE, Idaho - The Idaho National Guard deployed 10 UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters and more than 80 Soldiers to Fort Belvoir, Virginia, Jan. 10-11 on a year-long mission to support the Joint Emergency Evacuation Plan in the...