Learning new tricks of the trade

Photo By Staff Sgt. Alexander Skripnichuk | Houston Morgan, a mobile team instructor from Fort Gordon, Ga., teaches students from 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division the basics of network security in Grafenwoehr, Germany, Oct. 6. (U.S. Army photo taken by Sgt. Alexander Skripnichuk, 7th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)  

GRAFENWOEHR, GERMANY

10.24.2014

Story by Sgt. Alexander Skripnichuk 

7th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

GRAFENWOEHR, Germany – In today's Army, there is a new battlefield: cyberspace. In October, Soldiers from 1st Brigade Combat Team, “Ironhorse,” 1st Cavalry Division sharpen their minds and hone their skills by participating in a course on network security during their stay in Grafenwoehr, Germany.

The course normally requires two months of study followed by two weeks of intense classroom instruction, but since the Soldiers are in Germany for Combined Resolve III, a waiver was granted to condense the class.

For the Soldiers, it didn't mean they had less to do, but rather they had the same amount of work and half the time.

A small group of Soldiers were up to the challenge, although there was no guarantee that they would all pass.

For five days, they studied subjects such as the proper disposal and destruction of sensitive documents, acceptable use of government computers, and system security.

“This is the foundation course for network security,” said Houston Morgan, a mobile team instructor from Fort Gordon, Georgia. “This is a five day boot camp and I am glad I was able to come out here.”

Cpl. Joshua Oxentenko, an information systems technician for Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st BCT, is the man responsible for making this class possible.

“This past year we have been very busy,” said Oxentenko. “It took me some time but I was glad that I could get an instructor all the way from Georgia to come out here.”

Oxentenko is responsible for managing the brigade's computer network, maintaining proper network connectivity, and trouble-shooting and fixing issues that arise.

Ironhorse Soldiers have been very busy this year. After preparing for and taking part in Combined Resolve II earlier this summer, the Soldiers immediately began to prepare for Combined Resolve III.

For Soldiers in 1st BCT that are responsible for working on computer networks, a Network Security Plus certification allows them to do some core functions within the brigade, such as: provide Soldiers an internet account with proper access and the ability to train others in the proper handling of sensitive material so that it cannot be lost or stolen.

The loss of sensitive material or the disruption of a computer network, which allows Soldiers to effectively communicate with others, could lead to a serious disruption in the brigade's operations.

Oxentenko said that some Soldiers' certificates have already expired, leaving them unable to issue internet privileges or operate on network equipment, which added a great deal of extra work for people who still had valid certifications.

After completing the difficult course, the Soldiers will be entrusted to work with highly sensitive computer and network equipment.

Oxentenko said that with more Soldiers now qualified, it will make it much easier for them to maintain a fully operational and secure network during their stay in Germany for Combined Resolve III.

Ensuring uninterrupted communications, proper treatment of sensitive material and smooth running network operations, will allow 1st BCT to continue to participate in the massive multinational training exercise, Combined Resolve III.

• Date Taken: 10.24.2014
• Date Posted: 10.24.2014 14:43
• Story ID: 146001
• Location: GRAFENWOEHR, DE