The following interview was completed with Lieutenant Colonel A. A. “Cotton” Puryear & Lieutenant Colonel Congson
Lt. Col. A. A. “Cotton” Puryear, VDF public information officer:
Q. How does the Virginia Defense Force collaborate with the National Guard Cyber Brigade in terms of training, exercises, and operational deployments to enhance cybersecurity readiness and response capabilities?
A. Members of the Virginia Defense Force’s 31st Cyber Battalion take part in a validation exercise administered by the Virginia Army National Guard’s Fort Belvoir-based 91st Cyber Brigade and Fairfax-based Information Operations Support Center. The validated personnel are then eligible for participation in cybersecurity missions in the Commonwealth of Virginia as directed by the Virginia Department of Military Affairs. Another cyber validation exercise is scheduled for later this year. Read more about the cyber validation exercise conducted in 2022 at https://ngpa.us/30007.
Q. Could you outline any future plans or initiatives of the Virginia Defense Force in further strengthening its partnership with the National Guard Cyber Brigade and enhancing cybersecurity resilience at the state and federal levels?
A. The Virginia Defense Force will continue to recruit the best and brightest cyber security professionals and grow capabilities and force structure based on recommendations by the VDF leadership and as directed by the Adjutant General of Virginia.
Q. What are some of the key missions or activities that the Virginia Defense Force undertakes to augment the National Guard Cyber Brigade in protecting critical infrastructure and ensuring cybersecurity resilience?
A. The Virginia Defense Force provides cyber network defense capabilities as directed by the Virginia Department of Military Affairs.
Q. Could you elaborate on the training programs and exercises conducted by the Virginia Defense Force to prepare its members for cyber defense roles within the 91st Cyber Brigade?
A. When requested by 91st Cyber Brigade, the Virignia Defense Force takes part in training and exercises in order to enhance the VDF’s ability to provide cyber network defense to support the Commonwealth of Virginia and Virginia Department of Military Affairs.
Q. What are some of the challenges or obstacles faced by the Virginia Defense Force in fulfilling its mission to augment the National Guard Cyber Brigade, and how are these challenges addressed?
A. Recruiting is one of the biggest challenges, and the VDF is always looking for highly-qualified cyber professionals to join. Current VDF cyber personnel are frequently networking with other professionals in the industry and discussing possible opportunities to serve.
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Lt. Col. Congson, commander of the Virginia Defense Force’s 31st Cyber Battalion:
Q. Can you please provide insights into the specific roles and responsibilities of the Virginia Defense Force within the 91st Cyber Brigade, particularly in safeguarding state and federal infrastructure such as state facilities, electrical, and gas infrastructure?
A. The Virginia Defense Force cyber capability is with the 31st Cyber Battalion under the 1st Regiment. The 31st Cyber Battalion supports the Virginia Army National Guard’s 91st Cyber Brigade by providing cyber network defense capabilities as directed by the Department of Military Affairs.
Q. How do you ensure seamless coordination and communication between the Virginia Defense Force and the National Guard Cyber Brigade during cyber defense operations and exercises?
A. I communicate regularly with my Virginia Army National Guard counterpart on cyber operations, training and trends.
Q. In what ways does the Virginia Defense Force leverage its unique capabilities and expertise to complement the efforts of the National Guard Cyber Brigade in addressing emerging cyber threats and vulnerabilities?
A. Many of our members are distinguished cybersecurity professionals with prestigious firms, professors in academia and industry. We promote the sharing of new technologies and industry insights across several sectors.
Q. Can you share any specific examples or instances where the Virginia Defense Force has played a significant role in enhancing the cybersecurity posture of state and federal infrastructure in collaboration with the National Guard Cyber Brigade?
A. The VDF does not execute any support to federal infrastructure as the VDF operates under Title 44 of the Code of Virginia. Within the Commonwealth of Virginia, the VDF conducts cyber network defense operations when directed by the Virginia Department of Military Affairs.
Q. How does the Virginia Defense Force stay updated with the latest cybersecurity trends, technologies, and best practices to effectively contribute to cyber defense missions alongside the National Guard Cyber Brigade?
A. Like the Virginia Army National Guard, the VDF has members who come from the private industry to bring their combined expertise to support training and the mission. Advanced topics such as generative artificial intelligence, cybersecurity frameworks and industry trends are part of our training curriculum between drill weekends.
Q. How does the Virginia Defense Force engage with other state defense forces and military entities across the country to share experiences, lessons learned, and best practices in cyber defense?
A. The Virginia Defense Force participated in cyber exercises with other state defense forces such as Texas and Maryland. We also participated in the State Guard Association of the United States cyber exercises where the VDF placed second nationwide at the first contest.
Q. Can you discuss the process of recruitment and selection within the Virginia Defense Force for cyber defense roles, and the ongoing efforts to expand and enhance the cyber capabilities of its personnel?
A. Each member of the VDF goes through the same background check, recruitment and Initial Entry Training program. Before a candidate gets selected for cyber, they are interviewed for their knowledge, skills and abilities and aligned with the needs of the VDF. VDF cyber specialists who provide their current cybersecurity certifications, complete their initial training with the battalion, serve in the battalion for six months and are approved the the battalion commander are approved to wear the CYBER tab on their uniform about their VDF unit patch.
Source: Email with StateDefenseForce.com
