Mississippi National Guard lands Cyber Protection Team

The Mississippi National Guard will host one of 10 Cyber Protection Teams that will be activated in the next three years.

Republican Sens. Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker said in a joint news release the Army National Guard expects the 10 cyber units will be activated in 23 states by the end of fiscal year 2019. Mississippi's National Guard will be part of a 39-member team with Texas and Louisiana.

It has not yet been announced where in the state the cyber unit will be based.

"The Army decision to base cyber defense units in Mississippi will give our National Guard a stronger role in protecting our nation from new and growing cyber threats," Cochran said. "This team will also create new opportunities for tech-savvy Mississippians to use their talents in ways that benefit the nation and equips our workforce with new skills."

According to the National Guard Bureau, these cyber units are designed to address emerging cyber threats facing the nation while leveraging the critical skill sets found through the private sector employment of Guard service members. Additionally, the teams would support the transition and retention of service members departing the active force for a career in the private sector.

"This selection highlights the excellent work already being done by our state's National Guard to defend our country against emerging cyber threats," Wicker said. "This team will significantly expand our current capabilities with highly-trained personnel, as well as improve existing infrastructure with new state-of-the-art equipment."

The Mississippi-based cyber protection team, as well as others being created around the nation, will provide support to the Army Cyber Command and defense cyberspace operations when mobilized for active duty.

This story was originally published December 15, 2015 at 10:51 AM with the headline "Mississippi National Guard lands Cyber Protection Team ."