with the WVNG and AITEC to fill the MAA capability gap within their program . Our partnership began then and continues to grow today .”
Critical Infrastructure Protection Battalion
The AITEC also includes the Critical Infrastructure Protection ( CIP ) Battalion , which globally executes assessments and training specializing in protection , cyber operations , mission assurance , port security and resilience , infrastructure visualization and bombing prevention . The battalion is made up of teams from the HQDA , DISA , USCG and DHS . Last year , the CIP Battalion conducted nearly 140 critical infrastructure and port security assessments and trained 9,530 personnel directly involved in the protection of critical infrastructure and key resources .
“ Requirements and processes differ across the agencies . The AITEC bridges those gaps through our interoperable teams ,” says Luther . “ When the Army mission assurance teams travel to a site , they rely on the existing connections within the other teams . When assessing Army or DISA infrastructure , it ’ s not uncommon to leverage the DHS team for beyond the fence vulnerabilities such as power generation that may not be part of the Army ’ s infrastructure but impact it just the same .”
The DISA Mission Assurance Operations Center ( MAOC ) was established in 2019 and is made up of soldiers and airmen from the CIP Battalion of the WVNG who focus on intentional man-made threats , such as terrorist or cyber attacks or active shooters ; accidental man-made threats such as train derailments or supply train shortages ; and natural hazard events such as hurricanes or tornadoes .
“ The team enhances the ability to understand the nature and risk to DISA-provided supporting infrastructure and the connectivity to ground-based infrastructure linked to critical assets supporting mission partner strategic missions ,” says Major Jeremy Samples , director of operations for the DISA MAOC . “ This also supports military surge requirements , the implementation of new infrastructure and the refreshment of existing infrastructure .”
According to Samples , as threats and hazards change , the team ’ s focus also changes .
“ Recent Presidential Executive Orders and DOD requirements have placed an increased priority on cybersecurity , especially in our supply chain and supporting infrastructure ,” he says . “ In addition to DISA ’ s mission assurance program , the WVNG is a key element supporting DISA ’ s supply chain risk management program , focusing on building supply chain resiliency and strengthening policies .”
Samples says West Virginians are a factor in much more than just mission assurance for DISA .
“ United States European Command has selected DISA and the WVNG to lead the U . S . Locked Shields Team in 2023 ,” he says . “ This is a unique international cyber defense exercise offering the most complex technical live-fire challenge in the world . This annual exercise enables cybersecurity experts to enhance their skills in defending national IT systems and critical infrastructure under real-time attacks . The focus is on realistic scenarios , cutting-edge technologies and simulating the entire complexity of a massive cyber incident , including
“ The West Virginia National Guard is the hub for training and deploying National Guard assessors and trainers to assist the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency .”
strategic decision-making , legal and communication aspects .”
The USCG team conducts assessments that focus on highrisk targets , waterways , critical infrastructure , cyber , law enforcement capabilities and emergency management capabilities that support a port . The USCG Headquarters Domestic Port Security Evaluation Division is responsible for conducting port security assessments and evaluating overall security statuses , gauging effectiveness and identifying opportunities for security enhancements .
“ The assessments provide an all-hazards look at the port ’ s overall ability to detect threats , share Marine Transportation System and intelligence information , prevent attacks , protect critical infrastructure and key resources and respond effectively to terrorist attacks ,” says Master Sergeant Jason Skidmore , a member of the USCG Port Security Assessment Team . “ It also identifies opportunities to mitigate risk and enhance security within the maritime domain by combining potential threat scenarios with vulnerability assessments . The results may help comprehend the port ’ s overall security status and assist stakeholders in determining how best to invest limited security resources .”
The DHS conducts analyses on regional trends and threats impacting homeland security . The team offers site assistance visits , buffer zone protection planning , infrastructure survey tool visits , infrastructure visualization platform development , counter IED training and regional / headquarters infrastructure analysis support .
“ The homeland security team currently focuses on assisting the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency in the risk management of the agency ’ s 16 critical infrastructure sectors ,” says Captain Mike Howard , executive officer of the DHS team . “ The WVNG is the hub for training and deploying National Guard assessors and trainers to assist the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency .” •
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