Cyber Academic Engagement Office (CAEO)

Cyberspace evolves faster than traditional workforce environments. The nation requires adaptive thinkers, technical experts, and ethically grounded cyber professionals who are mission-ready on day one. CAEO oversees:

• Direct alignment with the DoW and the its cyber workforce needs.
• Influence over national cybersecurity curriculum standards.
• Access to real-world problem sets, applied research opportunities, and talent pathways.
• Shaping the future of cyber education, at scale.

The CAEO was established by the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024, section 1531 codified at 10 U.S.C. § 2192c, to serve as the focal point for cyber-related academic matters. Its mission was updated by the NDAA 2026 to reflect the evolving challenges and priorities in the cyber domain. These updates direct the Department to:

• Collaborate with academic institutions to develop defined cybersecurity curricula
• Establish measurable workforce competencies and outcomes
• Promote best practices in cyber education and drive outreach into schools and the community
• Build sustainable talent pipelines into federal cyber missions

Mr. Mark Gorak leads strategic engagement between the Department of War (DoW) and academia as Director of the Cyber Academic Engagement Office and Principal Director for Resources & Analysis within the CIO organization. He oversees the CIO’s core functions, driving cyber workforce development in the DoW.