Military Leaders Brief Congress on Cyber Security Protection Efforts

U.S. military officials briefed House lawmakers about efforts to protect U.S. networks from existing and emerging cyber threats.

Air Force Gen. Joseph Lengyel, chief of National Guard Bureau, told the House Appropriations Committee defense subcommittee that the guards helped monitor foreign activities in the past midterm elections.

The meeting highlighted how the National Guard and military reserves are providing cyber warfare training, intelligence support, foreign interference monitoring and coordination with industry to help improve national cyber security, the Department of Defense said.

Army Reserve Chief Lt. Gen. Charles Luckey said cyber operations teams are being deployed nationally to help the Army Cyber Command and other government agencies improve cyber readiness.

The Joint Reserve Intelligence Centers are working with the Defense Intelligence Agency to provide cyber warfare training and real-time intelligence support to combatant commands, support agencies, the intelligence community and Navy fleets, according to Navy Reserve Chief Vice Adm. Luke McCollum.

Air Force Reserve Chief Lt. Gen. Richard Scobee said his component will transition some information technology support, service and sustainment to the private sector in an effort to allow personnel to focus on “mission assurance and active defensive cyber operations.”