Cyber Aptitude Assessment: Finding the Next Generation of Enlisted Cyber Soldiers

Abstract

As noted in the 2013 DoD Cyberspace Workforce Strategy, not all cyberspace personnel will have a STEM background, but instead will come from a broad variety of backgrounds. The problem is trying to find personnel having the knowledge and aptitude for cyberspace operations. There are many instruments available to measure knowledge, but there few that measure aptitude.

The traditional military approach of over-selecting numbers of personnel for training to fill requirements may not be the best approach for cyberspace forces. Selecting the right personnel and investing in them will be as important as investing in the correct hardware and software. While making progress in selecting and filling cyber positions, the DoD is steadily losing ground. General Keith Alexander (former head of the USCYBERCOM) noted in 2013 “[USCYBERCOM’s] progress, however, can only continue if we are able to fulfill our urgent requirement for sufficient trained, certified, and ready forces to defend U.S. national interests in cyberspace”.