FORT A.P. HILL, Va. –
The Virginia Army National Guard’s Bowling Green-based 91st Cyber Brigade hosted more than a dozen civilian employers and provided not only a first-hand look at what their employees do in their military careers but also an opportunity to learn about the mission of the Army National Guard’s first cyber brigade during an Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve Boss Lift Oct. 19, 2018, at Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia.
”Employers share a critical partnership as they rely on the talents of our Soldiers who learn key skills working in government and business,” said Col. Adam C. Volant, commander of the 91st Cyber Brigade. “This is a unique relationship in that both sides benefit from new competency built in one side and shared with the complimentary role presented by Citizen Soldiers. “
Aviation crews from the Sandston-based 2nd Battalion, 224th Aviation Regiment, 29th Infantry Division transported the employers via UH-60 Black Hawks to Fort A.P Hill where they met with Soldiers, fired on the 9mm range, toured military vehicles used by the Fredericksburg-based 229th Brigade Engineering Battalion, and received briefings from Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams, the Adjutant General of Virginia, Volant and ESGR representatives.
“The purpose of the Boss Lift Program is to show employers what the military does, and by doing so, make them stronger advocates for ESGR,” said Monica G.Hazelwood-Frisby, Virginia National Guard employer support specialist. “These bosses were nominated by their employees, who are also Guard and Reserve members, so that their bosses can see first-hand some things their employees do.”
“Cyber is a truly unique space where highly sought talents are needed,” Volant said. “We are fortunate to have an extremely high retention rate and the appreciation of employers and associates alike.”
The 91st Cyber Brigade was activated as the Army National Guard’s first cyber brigade Sept. 17, 2017, and it provides training and readiness oversight for cyber units across 31 states and deploys personnel to meet the demands of growing cyber mission sets throughout the U.S. Army and Department of Defense.
As part of the activation, the 91st Cyber Brigade was reflagged from the 91st Troop Command, and the Fairfax-based 123rd Data Processing Unit was divided into the 123rd and 124th Cyber Protection Battalions. The brigade also serves as the higher headquarters for 125th and 126th Cyber Battalions stationed in Columbia, South Carolina, and Hanscom Air Force Base in Bedford, Massachusetts, as well as an additional battalion that has not been stationed. The 11 previously approved Army Cyber Protection Teams stationed across the country will also align under the 91st Cyber Brigade for training and validation management.
Photos: 91st Cyber Brigade hosts civilian employers during Boss Lift at Fort A.P. Hill