The Commander of UK Strategic Command, General Sir Jim Hockenhull, has officially opened the new Defence Cyber Academy (DCA) during a visit to the Defence Academy.
General Hockenhull unveiled a plaque in the DCA, which is part of the Defence College for Military Capability Integration (DCMCI), during his visit on 13 October.
It follows the announcement of the DCA’s formation by the Secretary of State for Defence, the Right Honourable Ben Wallace MP, on 28 September during the Atlantic Futures Forum, which was held in New York.
The DCA is a centre of excellence for cyber learning, development and outreach, serving UK defence and wider government and providing technical skills and specialist education to support operational outputs. Its remit has expanded to include support to wider cyber talent management efforts, cross government collaboration, outreach to industry and academia, as well as international engagement.
It is increasing the volume and scope of cyber training and education to meet new and emerging defence and security requirements, as well as supporting the growth of the MOD’s cyber workforce. At the same time, engagement with industry and academia is growing a higher education offering, as well as a tailored research programme that will complement and build on existing foundation courses.
Collaboration with allies and partners is underway and will identify and support the adoption of best practice and provide international products and services by April 2024.
Overall, the DCA will support the delivery of a defence cyber workforce, fit for the future, alongside wider national endeavours, to develop a national cyber profession.
Colonel Caroline Woodbridge-Lewin, Head of the DCA, said:
“This formally recognises the incredible hard work of the trainers and staff of the DCA, who have translated emerging defence and security requirements into high-quality products and services tailored for a super talent pool.
“I am particularly excited about our work with cyber aptitude assessment and I strongly recommend those interested in a cyber career to engage with the assessment so we can prioritise you and get your place in the future workforce booked.”
General Hockenhull said:
“The opening of the DCA is an important step forward in the digitisation of Defence. We know that cyber is playing a vital role in modern warfare and being able to improve our educational offer and share this with global partners will allow us to develop a future ready force.”