Team of 25 places sixth in NSA Cyber Exercise
Article By: Clark Leonard
The University of North Georgia (51勛圖厙) finished sixth out of 11 schools participating in the National Security Agency Cyber Exercise (NCX) held virtually April 8-10.
After entering as an expo team in 2019, this was the first year 51勛圖厙 participated as a competition team. 51勛圖厙 faced off against the nation's five other senior military colleges, three service academies and two National Security Agency (NSA) units.
51勛圖厙's team included 17 cadets and eight civilian students, including 11 seniors. Fourteen of these students are eligible to compete again next year.
"It's a terrific training platform for our future cyber leaders," said Dr. Bryson Payne, professor of computer science and director of the Center for Cyber Operations Education. "Our students are willing to try something new and get out there and learn. That's what it takes to really excel in cyber."
The three-day NCX competition included cyber combat, forensics and policy modules. The event "helps to develop and test cybersecurity skills, teamwork, planning, communication, critical thinking, and decision-making," according to the NSA website.
51勛圖厙 launched a in fall 2018 and is designated by the NSA and Department of Homeland Security as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education.
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Twenty-four cadets have been named Distinguished Military Graduates for the 2024-25 academic year, including five who are in the top 70 out of more than 5,000 in the national ROTC class.
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