PANAMA CITY, Fla. –
Joshua Davis, Scientist at Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD), was recently selected to attend the Federal Cybersecurity Reskilling Academy, an effort to develop the federal workforce of the 21st century as outlined in the President’s Management Agenda.
The nation has a critical shortage of skilled personnel in the cybersecurity field, especially in the government. The goal of this program is to address that gap by providing training to existing government personnel.
The inaugural class was made up of current Federal employees who do not work in the IT field and was designed to help them build foundational skills in the field of Cyber Defense Analysis. The second cohort was open to all Federal employees, including those working in IT.
With only 20 seats available in the second cohort, Davis was grateful for having been selected.
“I feel very privileged to have been chosen,” said Davis.
Lori Zipes, Chief Engineer for NSWC PCD’s Science and Technology Department, said cybersecurity is considered a critical discipline to the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA).
“Cybersecurity is one of the three pillars in the NAVSEA Campaign Plan to Expand the Advantage and it appears in the National Defense Strategy where cyberspace is mentioned as one of the warfighting domains,” said Zipes. “There is no doubt we need all the skills we can bring to bear, to create the ‘unfair fight’ that our leaders have asked of us.”
According to the Chief Information Office website (cio.gov/reskilling), “Participants receive career mentorship and soft skills guidance to help them prepare for re-deploying into the cybersecurity workforce.”
“The Cybersecurity Reskilling program requires class participants to attend eight weeks of full-time hands-on training working with simulated networks.” said Davis “Cybersecurity professionals are currently in high demand in the United States, and among all the high-tech organizations globally.”
Zipes said the curriculum for this program’s second cohort was sure to sharpen Davis’ skill set.
“His cohort will receive training in many important aspects of cybersecurity, to include systems like Linux, and topics such as Intrusion Detection, and Incident Handling. The program also includes many practical exercises such as Capture the Flag and King of the Hill events,” said Zipes.
Commending Davis, Zipes described him as a credit to NAVSEA’s warfare centers.
“I am extremely proud that he was selected and I’m certain Josh will share his knowledge both locally and though our various platforms for high velocity learning,” said Zipes. “I look forward to the benefits this will bring for Josh, NSWC PCD, and our entire NAVSEA One Team enterprise.”