The Cyber Excepted Service (CES) is the Department of War’s (DoW) fully operational, enterprise-wide personnel system designed to build and manage a world-class civilian cyber workforce. Authorized by 10 U.S.C. § 1599f, CES provides the strategic advantage of agility in recruiting, developing, and retaining elite talent, which is critical to the success of our national security cyber missions. The system’s foundational policies were developed through a key partnership between the DoW CIO, the Principal Cyber Advisor (PCA), and the Under Secretaries of War for Personnel & Readiness (P&R) and Intelligence & Security (I&S). Since its initial launch, CES has matured into a robust personnel system that has been successfully integrated into key organizations such as U.S. Cyber Command, JFHQ-DoW Information Networks, DISA, and the Service Cyber Components. FY26 NDAA Section 1113 further expands CES program eligibility to critical roles within combatant commands, defense agencies, and field activities that support U.S. Cyber Command. The Department remains committed to the strategic expansion of CES and enhanced personnel flexibilities to strengthen the joint cyber mission and its workforce.