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In the News

News | April 28, 2026

Department of War Launches Cyber Apprenticeship Program to Accelerate Skills Based Hiring for a Future-Ready Workforce and Bolster National Security

By DoW CIO

April 28, 2026, WASHINGTON, D.C.  –  

Yesterday at the U.S. Department of Labor’s National Apprenticeship Week National Signing Day Ceremony, the U.S. Department of War (DoW) Office of the Chief Information Officer (CIO) announced the launch of the Cyber Registered Apprenticeship Program (Cyber RAP) - a landmark initiative designed to rapidly cultivate a new generation of elite cybersecurity professionals.

Driven by the vision of President Trump, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, and Honorable Kirsten Davies, the DoW is aggressively shifting away from a “degree first” mindset in favor of skills-based, day-one readiness.  The Cyber RAP directly answers Secretary Hegseth’s mandate for hands-on, experiential learning—reinforcing his directive that "policies don't drive transformation; people do." By creating a robust, non-traditional talent pipeline, this program equips the American workforce to deliver on the President's vision of “peace through strength” and ensures the U.S. maintains its decisive technological edge.

“This program is a critical investment in our people and the bedrock of our national security,” said Mrs. Marci McCarthy, DoW CIO Director of External Engagements. “The Cyber RAP provides a direct pathway for dedicated individuals to join our mission, securing the vital networks, infrastructure, and weapon systems that our Warfighters depend on every single day.”

Program Overview & Summer 2026 Launch

Launching as a pilot in the Summer of 2026, the 12-month paid marks a significant first step in energizing the Department’s commitment to workforce innovation and rapidly delivering leading-edge expertise to the warfighter. The program delivers a competency-based curriculum that blends online learning with immersive labs and on-the-job training. Mentored by senior DoW cyber experts, apprentices will master critical, hands-on skills in security operations, network defense, ethical hacking, and AI-driven cyber threat analysis.

 

 

Key features of the DoW Cyber RAP include:

  • Structured Career Pathways: Prepares participants for vital, high-demand roles, including Cyber Defense Analyst, Cyber Defense Infrastructure Support Specialist, and Cyber Defense Incident Responder.
  • Industry-Recognized Certifications: Equips apprentices with valuable, in-demand credentials to accelerate their careers and enhance DoW operational efficiency.
  • Direct Placement: Offers the opportunity for conversion into a permanent cyber position within the Department of War upon successful completion.
  • Continued Education: Provides graduates pathways to earn cyber-related degrees through the DoW Cyber Service Academy, ensuring long-term growth and mission contribution.

More information on the DoW Cyber RAP program can be found at: https://dowcio.war.gov/Cyber-Workforce/Cyber-Workforce-Development/Cyber-Apprenticeship-Program

Please direct any questions regarding applications for the Cyber RAP Program to: osd.mc-alex.dod-cio.mbx.cyber-rap@mail.mil

Please direct any media questions to Pentagon Press Operations: osd.pa.dutyofficer@mail.mil

Social Media Feed

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The Honorable Kirsten Davies, thanked her Five Eyes CIO counterparts for their hard work and candid discussion last week as part of the Defense CIO Forum (#DCIOF) and Combined Digital Leadership Summit (#CDLS). “This was my first time leading the US delegation to the CDLS and I https://t.co/2N3iCSGBmp The Honorable Kirsten Davies, thanked her Five Eyes CIO counterparts for their hard work and candid discussion last week as part of the Defense CIO Forum (#DCIOF) and Combined Digital Leadership Summit (#CDLS). “This was my first time leading the US delegation to the CDLS and I https://t.co/2N3iCSGBmp
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The @DeptofWar successfully wrapped the Combined Digital Leadership Summit (#CDLS 26.1) last week. Together with our Five Eyes partners, we are accelerating joint digital warfighting capabilities and moving hashtag#ProjectArcadia into operational reality. The core mission: https://t.co/GZ690pibFA The @DeptofWar successfully wrapped the Combined Digital Leadership Summit (#CDLS 26.1) last week. Together with our Five Eyes partners, we are accelerating joint digital warfighting capabilities and moving hashtag#ProjectArcadia into operational reality. The core mission: https://t.co/GZ690pibFA
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The @DeptofWar CIO's Office is proud to announce our Workforce Innovation Directorate’s (WID) has been awarded the 2026 Government Information Technology Council’s Workforce Development Award! This award, presented by the Advanced Technology Academic Research Center (ATARC), https://t.co/5KXxjogR31 The @DeptofWar CIO's Office is proud to announce our Workforce Innovation Directorate’s (WID) has been awarded the 2026 Government Information Technology Council’s Workforce Development Award! This award, presented by the Advanced Technology Academic Research Center (ATARC), https://t.co/5KXxjogR31
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In a high-stakes environment, isolated data can cost us the tactical advantage. The @DeptofWar's business systems must communicate seamlessly to be effective. The new Business Enterprise Architecture (BEA) Guidebook is the master blueprint that makes this interoperability happen. https://t.co/hPl5Y8wRFU In a high-stakes environment, isolated data can cost us the tactical advantage. The @DeptofWar's business systems must communicate seamlessly to be effective. The new Business Enterprise Architecture (BEA) Guidebook is the master blueprint that makes this interoperability happen. https://t.co/hPl5Y8wRFU
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Pictured from left to right: Brandon Cross and Holly Yuan, University of Wisconsin-Stout; Brian Scavotto, North Carolina A&T; and Amith Kamath Belman, San Jose State University
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Congrats to the ASCEND Challenge winners announced at the NCAE-C Symposium! 🏆 The @DeptofWar Office of the CIO commends Holly Yuan & Brandon Cross (UW-Stout), Brian Scavotto (NC A&T), and Amith Kamath Belman (SJSU). Your groundbreaking AI & cyber frameworks are forging the next https://t.co/DHiTiTP0f3 Congrats to the ASCEND Challenge winners announced at the NCAE-C Symposium! 🏆 The @DeptofWar Office of the CIO commends Holly Yuan & Brandon Cross (UW-Stout), Brian Scavotto (NC A&T), and Amith Kamath Belman (SJSU). Your groundbreaking AI & cyber frameworks are forging the next https://t.co/DHiTiTP0f3
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The @DeptofWar CIO, Hon @DoWCIODavies, is excited to highlight the Cyber Academic Engagement Office (#CAEO) Community Exchange “Listening Room” at this year’s Center for Academic Excellence (CAE) in Cybersecurity Symposium in Pittsburgh, PA. Over the past week, this space https://t.co/E2yir592XM The @DeptofWar CIO, Hon @DoWCIODavies, is excited to highlight the Cyber Academic Engagement Office (#CAEO) Community Exchange “Listening Room” at this year’s Center for Academic Excellence (CAE) in Cybersecurity Symposium in Pittsburgh, PA. Over the past week, this space https://t.co/E2yir592XM
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Pictured left to right in the Listening Room: Michael Tu, university of Purdue NW University; Dr. Emanuel El-Sheikh, University of West Florida; Scott Nelson, acting PD CEAO; Adel Elmaghraby, University of Louisville; and Omar Garada, Dcode
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The Dept of War CIO’s Cyber Academic Engagement Office kicked off the annual National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) Symposium, by challenging universities to join the "front lines" of the nation's cyber defense,” and highlighted @POTUS, @DeptofWar https://t.co/BlM8f9TvpD The Dept of War CIO’s Cyber Academic Engagement Office kicked off the annual National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) Symposium, by challenging universities to join the "front lines" of the nation's cyber defense,” and highlighted @POTUS, @DeptofWar https://t.co/BlM8f9TvpD
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Pictured left to right: Scott Nelson, Acting Principal Director of the DoW CIO Cyber Academic Engagement Office delivering the keynote at the NCAE-C Symposium; representatives of the 28 new NCAE-C institutions at the certification ceremony.
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The Dept of War CIO’s Cyber Academic Engagement Office kicked off the annual National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) Symposium, by challenging universities to join the "front lines" of the nation's cyber defense,” and highlighted @POTUS, @DeptofWar https://t.co/0liZC7C5ND The Dept of War CIO’s Cyber Academic Engagement Office kicked off the annual National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) Symposium, by challenging universities to join the "front lines" of the nation's cyber defense,” and highlighted @POTUS, @DeptofWar https://t.co/0liZC7C5ND
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Clockwise from upper left: Ms. Ayanna Baker (Cyber Human Capital Program Analyst), Mrs. Marci McCarthy (DoW CIO Director of External Engagements), Acting Secretary of Labor The Honorable Keith Sonderling, and Ms. Chimia Nelson (DoW CIO Program Director); Seated: DoL Acting
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The Department of War CIO announces the launch of our new DoW Cyber Registered Apprenticeship Program (#CyberRAP). Yesterday, during the National Apprenticeship Week signing ceremony at the Department of Labor, Mrs. Marci McCarthy, Director of External Engagements, kicked off the https://t.co/qRJT5sfZyM The Department of War CIO announces the launch of our new DoW Cyber Registered Apprenticeship Program (#CyberRAP). Yesterday, during the National Apprenticeship Week signing ceremony at the Department of Labor, Mrs. Marci McCarthy, Director of External Engagements, kicked off the https://t.co/qRJT5sfZyM
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🦅 @DeptofWar CIO, the Honorable Kirsten Davies, joined the 71st Siouxland/Washington Conference & Steak Reception, sharing an inspiring message of collaboration 🤝 with Senate and Congressional members and the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce. Emphasizing the vital partnership https://t.co/eSXro6KLT7 🦅 @DeptofWar CIO, the Honorable Kirsten Davies, joined the 71st Siouxland/Washington Conference & Steak Reception, sharing an inspiring message of collaboration 🤝 with Senate and Congressional members and the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce. Emphasizing the vital partnership https://t.co/eSXro6KLT7
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Moving at the speed of war! 🦅 Yesterday at the Potomac Officers Club Digital Transformation Summit, DoW CIO Hon. Kirsten Davies delivered a powerhouse keynote to defense and industry leaders that are moving at the speed of war to deliver capabilities to our Warfighters that are https://t.co/uN7gmstX6B Moving at the speed of war! 🦅 Yesterday at the Potomac Officers Club Digital Transformation Summit, DoW CIO Hon. Kirsten Davies delivered a powerhouse keynote to defense and industry leaders that are moving at the speed of war to deliver capabilities to our Warfighters that are https://t.co/uN7gmstX6B
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@DeptofWar, the Honorable Kirsten Davies, formally announces the onboarding of five new senior leaders to the team today. Read more at: https://t.co/UUcM1GUGUV https://t.co/08puLxMVKw @DeptofWar, the Honorable Kirsten Davies, formally announces the onboarding of five new senior leaders to the team today. Read more at: https://t.co/UUcM1GUGUV https://t.co/08puLxMVKw
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The Hon. Kirsten Davies drove home the sense of urgency she feels to make lasting change for the Warfighter and the nation. This is “not business as usual,” as significant changes are underway in how the @DeptofWar develops IT and cyber tools. Under the leadership of @POTUS and https://t.co/nwyGhf6yHf
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The DoW CIO, Hon Kirsten Davies, is pleased to announce that Mrs. Marci McCarthy (@marcimccarthyUS) has been appointed as the new Office of the CIO Director of External Engagements. Mrs. McCarthy will be responsible for shaping our strategic communications and leading our https://t.co/OeE4e11ufg The DoW CIO, Hon Kirsten Davies, is pleased to announce that Mrs. Marci McCarthy (@marcimccarthyUS) has been appointed as the new Office of the CIO Director of External Engagements. Mrs. McCarthy will be responsible for shaping our strategic communications and leading our https://t.co/OeE4e11ufg
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The DoW CIO is excited to announce Ms. Kayla Huthoefer Nelson as our new Chief of Staff. In this role she will support executive decision-making, organizational coordination, and leadership priorities across the @DeptofWar information, technology, and digital modernization https://t.co/kZZnHGqgzE The DoW CIO is excited to announce Ms. Kayla Huthoefer Nelson as our new Chief of Staff. In this role she will support executive decision-making, organizational coordination, and leadership priorities across the @DeptofWar information, technology, and digital modernization https://t.co/kZZnHGqgzE
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Hon. Kirsten Davies, @DeptofWar CIO, highlighted the focus driving enterprise transformation during her testimony at the House Armed Services Committee Cyber, Information Technologies, and Innovation (CITI) subcommittee. This effort will reshape all facets of our programs, https://t.co/uv3wvPVh8L Hon. Kirsten Davies, @DeptofWar CIO, highlighted the focus driving enterprise transformation during her testimony at the House Armed Services Committee Cyber, Information Technologies, and Innovation (CITI) subcommittee. This effort will reshape all facets of our programs, https://t.co/uv3wvPVh8L
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