Lakewood cybersecurity training program readies vets to fight online threats

The threat of cyber attacks is one of the biggest dangers to business and national security. But a new partnership between veteran support organization RallyPoint/6 and the SANS information security company promises to get veterans trained and ready to fight that threat, all while making a smooth transition to a high paying job after a career in the military.

Rally Point/6 Chief Operating officer Kylee Durant says the CyberTalent Immersion Academy, based in Lakewood, is worth about $30,000. However, it’s free for veterans.

“It’s going to be specifically directed at security as it relates to networking infrastructure,” he said. “So, mainframes, viruses that affect a company large and small, any threats or risks to confidential information, private information.”

Experts will lead a grueling program, topic by topic, with classes running six days a week for six weeks. And throughout it all, Rally Point/6 will offer more than just homework help.

“Interview support, resume support, and then we as an organization can support them in other need areas: for example finance needs, legal needs, housing needs, education needs, family support,” Durant said.

That’s because they know transitioning back to civilian life can be difficult. In fact, easing that transition is the main mission for Rally Point/6.

The challenges for service members run the gamut. Employers don’t always understand the skills veterans possess. Likewise, some veterans who have been in the military for years don’t know how to communicate their skills because they may never have compiled a resume or done a job interview.

Others have money problems. Durant says most of the veterans Rally Point/6 works with are “E-6” or below &#8211 enlisted service members who have advanced somewhat, but make $30,000 a year or less.

The application process is just about as rigorous as the program, and includes three steps: the basic application, a skills assessment, and an interview.

During the first round of selections, Durant says they are accepting 10 individuals and looking for applicants who have some background knowledge. But Rally Point/6 does have resources for veterans to get up to speed and apply for future selections.

“We have a partnership with the Pierce County Library System, and they host what they call the ‘Microsoft IT Academy,’ which is certifications from the very, very, very basic foundational computer level, such as working with Microsoft Office,” Durant said. “And then you start go to the next step, which is the MTA, or the Microsoft Technical Academy, which is where you start to learn basic networking classes.”

Durant says they’re hoping to funnel those trainees into cyber security training in the future.

Applications are due Dec. 23. Courses begin Jan. 11, 2016, with the first class graduating May 15, 2016.