Source: National Security Agency NSA
Feelings of pride, accomplishment, and excitement came over West Point cadets in the Indian Treaty Room of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on Nov. 15, 2024 as The Honorable Harry Coker Jr., National Cyber Director, stepped to the podium.
“Good afternoon and welcome to the White House” said Coker, kicking off an event to celebrate cadets from the U.S. Military Academy (USMA) for winning the National Security Agency’s (NSA) 2024 Cyber Exercise (NCX). The NCX is a three-day cyber competition that showcases the talent of future military and civilian leaders.
After Director Coker welcomed everyone, a video was presented highlighting the NCX and the three-day competition, which featured participants from the U.S. military academies, senior military colleges, and NSA development programs.
Continuing with his remarks, Director Coker shared a story about receiving a phone call from then-Deputy Assistant National Cyber Director Daniel “Rags” Ragdale. “If the White House thanks sports teams, why not also thank America’s future cyber leaders,” Ragdale asked. Director Coker laughed when recalling the exchange and mentioned that this event was not only thanking the participants for the hard work they had already done, but the work he knew that they would be doing in the future for the nation. Highlighting the ‘Duty, Honor, Country’ motto of West Point, he ended his speech saying, “I could not be prouder to welcome you all to the White House. Thank you for your hard work.”
Next Maj Gen Matteo Martemucci, Deputy Chief of the Central Security Service, shared his gratitude to all the teams that put together the event and shared his belief that “Cybersecurity is National Security.” He also mentioned that the significance of the room the event was happening in wasn’t lost on him as it was once the State, War and Navy Building. Highlighting how important the cyber mission is today, he shared that anyone in the audience could simply look up Volt Typhoon to understand the importance of cybersecurity and understand what a crucial skill all the competitors have. He finished his speech by saying that he was very proud of all the future cyber warriors in the room.
Next up in the distinguished list of speakers was Jen Easterly, Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), who stepped up to share her appreciation of her own West Point experience and how she never quite imagined being the Director of CISA. She shared her belief that NSA is the most technically exquisite agency in the U.S. government and that she was proud of all of the cadets and students who participated in the NCX. Easterly also underscored Maj. Gen. Martemucci’s earlier comments about Volt Typhoon and the importance of the cyber mission. She ended her speech saying, “Cyber is a team sport and it’s the best thing to be a part of.”
The ceremony ended with Director Coker calling out the individual teams that made up USMA’s NCX contingent, each named after the academy colors of black, gold and grey, that won different events during the competition. Highlighting the critical skill and team development also provided from the West Point teachers, Director Coker shared that the NCX made him humbled and enthusiastic for the future.
After the ceremony was over, the cadets and participants were able to take tours of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building led by White House interns. Following the tour, there was a reception held on the patio overlooking the West Wing where cookies with the White House logo were served to top off the 2024 NCX with a sweet seal of approval.
Visit here for more information on the NCX. If you are an aspiring academy cadet, midshipman, or attending one of the 6 Senior Military Colleges and you would like to participate in NCX, contact the respective cyber departments to learn more about their cybersecurity programs and how to participate.