The Virginia Defense Force recently took part in Cyber Fortress 25, a large-scale cyber defense exercise held on August 11, 2025, at the State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Partnering with Soldiers and Airmen of the Virginia Army and Air National Guard, Army ROTC units, Marines from the United States Marine Corps, and troops from Finland and Sweden, VDF personnel joined forces with civilian cyber operators to simulate responses to a major cyber attack. The scenario focused on defending the state’s electric cooperatives, testing Virginia’s cyber response plan, and building collective resiliency against growing digital threats. Hosted by the Fort Belvoir-based 91st Cyber Brigade and the Information Operations Support Center, the event also included a federal re-certification of two cyber protection teams and one battalion headquarters, further underscoring the importance of maintaining readiness and interoperability.
The Virginia Defense Force played an essential role in this exercise. Since the establishment of its Cyber Battalion, the VDF has steadily grown into a key partner for the Virginia National Guard, providing trained professionals with expertise in information technology, network defense, and cyber forensics. In past years, VDF cyber specialists have assisted in missions such as Cyber Sword 2023, where they supported the Texas State Guard in a national-level exercise, and they have consistently reinforced Virginia’s cyber posture through close cooperation with National Guard cyber units. Their contribution to Cyber Fortress 25 demonstrated the critical role State Defense Forces can play in rapidly evolving domains like cyber warfare, especially when working shoulder-to-shoulder with Active Duty U.S. Military Forces and allied armed forces. The inclusion of troops from Finland and Sweden highlighted the international scope of the exercise and further expanded opportunities to share strategies, build trust, and develop collective defense measures.
Participation in such high-level exercises is crucial for State Defense Forces. By working alongside Active Duty forces and allied militaries, State Defense Force members gain invaluable experience, ensure interoperability, and reinforce the credibility of state-level military forces as vital contributors to national and international defense efforts. For the Virginia Defense Force, Cyber Fortress 25 was not only a test of technical skill but also a reaffirmation of its ability to operate as an indispensable partner in joint and multinational operations.
Across the country, other State Defense Forces are making similar strides in cyber defense. The Ohio Cyber Reserve, a component of the Ohio Military Reserve, has been recognized for providing cybersecurity support to The State and critical infrastructure operators. The Louisiana State Guard has made major advances with its cyber unit, conducting statewide training drills to improve readiness against emerging threats. The South Carolina State Guard has partnered directly with their National Guard counterparts to train for real-world cyber incidents, further demonstrating the growing importance of these missions. Many other states are actively developing cyber defense units to support their National Guard, reflecting the broader recognition that cybersecurity is a mission that demands cooperation between military and civilian professionals at every level.
Cyber Fortress 25 was more than a training event; it was a demonstration of how state and federal military forces, Active Duty U.S. branches, and allied nations can work together to defend critical infrastructure and prepare for the threats of tomorrow. For the Virginia Defense Force, this exercise cemented its reputation as a reliable, professional, and forward-looking organization, proving once again that State Defense Forces are vital partners in safeguarding both the Commonwealth, State and the Nation.
National Guard Soldiers and Airmen and members of the Virginia Defense Force partner with military and civilian cyber operators in enclaves to simulate the process they would follow to respond to and mitigate a cyber attack Aug. 11, 2025, at the State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach, Virginia, during Cyber Fortress 25. The exercise focused on electric cooperatives and provided an opportunity to test Virginia’s cyber response plan, better prepare for future collective responses and build resiliency. In addition, representatives from several foreign militaries participated in the exercise, including a number from Finland, Virginia National Guard’s State Partnership Program’s partner. The Fort Belvoir-based 91st Cyber Brigade and Information Operations Support Center hosted the exercise which includes a re-certification of two cyber protection teams and one battalion headquarters as part of their federal mission.
Source: Virginia Defense Force
