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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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Last week, we proudly held our 25th @DeptofWar Cyber Service Academy (CSA) Bootcamp in Washington, D.C. New scholarship recipients received information regarding academic expectations, service requirements, and internships; engaged with fellow scholars; and heard from DoW CSA https://t.co/SrhCnsTAFP Last week, we proudly held our 25th @DeptofWar Cyber Service Academy (CSA) Bootcamp in Washington, D.C. New scholarship recipients received information regarding academic expectations, service requirements, and internships; engaged with fellow scholars; and heard from DoW CSA https://t.co/SrhCnsTAFP
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@DeptofWar’s Matt Isnor and Tembi Secrist shared details about our newest cyber education and hiring initiatives with educators and industry professionals at the Virginia Cyber Education Conference in Alexandria. From CyberPatriot to Cyber Apprenticeships and Cyber Service https://t.co/1B3m6ee3Yo @DeptofWar’s Matt Isnor and Tembi Secrist shared details about our newest cyber education and hiring initiatives with educators and industry professionals at the Virginia Cyber Education Conference in Alexandria. From CyberPatriot to Cyber Apprenticeships and Cyber Service https://t.co/1B3m6ee3Yo
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Don’t wait! Apply Now. The deadline for @DeptofWar Cyber Registered Apprenticeship Program applications is 11:59 ET, July 24! To access the job announcements, go to USAJOBS or our website: https://t.co/0wMfoglR9s •For High School & College Grads & Career Changers •Fast Track https://t.co/VDacc5BH8v Don’t wait! Apply Now. The deadline for @DeptofWar Cyber Registered Apprenticeship Program applications is 11:59 ET, July 24! To access the job announcements, go to USAJOBS or our website: https://t.co/0wMfoglR9s •For High School & College Grads & Career Changers •Fast Track https://t.co/VDacc5BH8v
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To accelerate the Arsenal of Freedom, @DeptofWar CIO, Honorable Kirsten Davies, announced a historic 10-year Enterprise Software Agreement (ESA) with @Oracle worth up to nearly $7 billion. This first-ever, direct-award contract optimizes the tech budget, saves taxpayers at least https://t.co/8BNRVcMUxN To accelerate the Arsenal of Freedom, @DeptofWar CIO, Honorable Kirsten Davies, announced a historic 10-year Enterprise Software Agreement (ESA) with @Oracle worth up to nearly $7 billion. This first-ever, direct-award contract optimizes the tech budget, saves taxpayers at least https://t.co/8BNRVcMUxN
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Join the Mission: Apply now for the DoW’s Cyber RAP Apprenticeship Opportunities. Whether you’re a high school or new college grad, or are just looking to pivot your career, now is the time to apply on USAJOBS by July 24. Hear from CIO Davies about this unique opportunity. · For https://t.co/s3iT2grBCn
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Today’s innovation cycles are measured in weeks and months, not decades, which is why @DoWCIODavies Hon. Davies' visit with K-Form, DTI, and MOLG alongside @SBA_Kelly Loeffler, Hon. Michael Duffey, and the SBA team reinforced the mandate to cut the red tape stifling the https://t.co/peaxFW0we6 Today’s innovation cycles are measured in weeks and months, not decades, which is why @DoWCIODavies Hon. Davies' visit with K-Form, DTI, and MOLG alongside @SBA_Kelly Loeffler, Hon. Michael Duffey, and the SBA team reinforced the mandate to cut the red tape stifling the https://t.co/peaxFW0we6
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The @DeptofWar is prioritizing efficiency and readiness for the defense industrial base. Yesterday, the DoW Chief Information Officer @DoWCIODavies announced the suspension of CMMC Phase II requirements to cut the red tape to re-industrialize America. The Department remains https://t.co/Da9KyMMpoa
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The @DeptofWar is focused on reducing the cost of bureaucratic compliance without compromising the critical importance of cybersecurity. As @SBA_Kelly Loeffler highlighted, we want American businesses investing in their innovation and tangible cybersecurity measures, not https://t.co/z4YfDDPOBo
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The DoW is immediately suspending CMMC Phase II requirements to clear bureaucratic roadblocks for the DIB. We must scale warfighter readiness, not paperwork. What you need to know: · Phase II & costly administrative burdens are paused. · Phase I self-assessments remain firmly https://t.co/s8pQZGCdlj
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The Department of War CIO is excited to announce that the Cyber Apprenticeship Program application window is now open on USAJOBS. 🇺🇸 @POTUS and @SecWar, gave us a mandate. Under the leadership of @DoWCIODavies, the @DeptofWar is aggressively moving out on programs that stress https://t.co/4ZBwho90ZC The Department of War CIO is excited to announce that the Cyber Apprenticeship Program application window is now open on USAJOBS. 🇺🇸 @POTUS and @SecWar, gave us a mandate. Under the leadership of @DoWCIODavies, the @DeptofWar is aggressively moving out on programs that stress https://t.co/4ZBwho90ZC
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🎆The Department of War salutes America on its 250th anniversary. 🇺🇸 Forged in battle, our nation now looks toward a golden age of prosperity and innovation led by @POTUS. As @SecWar drives the next generation of military innovation, the DoW CIO is laser-focused on a singular https://t.co/5polC60U0D
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RT @SecWar: The cyber domain is a battlefield—and America’s warfighters are leading the way. The warriors of @US_CYBERCOM and @NSAGov are…
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📣  Update on the DoW Cyber Apprenticeship Program 📣 Thank you for the amazing interest in the DoW cyber apprenticeship opportunities originally slated for June. We are experiencing a brief delay but expect the opportunities to be posted very soon! We appreciate your https://t.co/hCNAG42pAB 📣  Update on the DoW Cyber Apprenticeship Program 📣 Thank you for the amazing interest in the DoW cyber apprenticeship opportunities originally slated for June. We are experiencing a brief delay but expect the opportunities to be posted very soon! We appreciate your https://t.co/hCNAG42pAB
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We have received an incredible amount of interest in the pilot of the Cyber Registered Apprenticeship Program! If you are interested in applying, please set up an account with USAJOBS, get your USAJOBS resume ready now, the initial application window will not stay open for long. https://t.co/KoCVCN6pxJ We have received an incredible amount of interest in the pilot of the Cyber Registered Apprenticeship Program! If you are interested in applying, please set up an account with USAJOBS, get your USAJOBS resume ready now, the initial application window will not stay open for long. https://t.co/KoCVCN6pxJ
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The DoW CIO remains dedicated to cultivating the nation's premier cyber talent. 🇺🇸 Last week, the Cyber Academic Engagement Office (CAEO) attended the CyberDNA event at the @NavalAcademy, reviewing impressive research on ethical hacking, drone disruption, and AI prompt https://t.co/10dxFrY2bl The DoW CIO remains dedicated to cultivating the nation's premier cyber talent. 🇺🇸 Last week, the Cyber Academic Engagement Office (CAEO) attended the CyberDNA event at the @NavalAcademy, reviewing impressive research on ethical hacking, drone disruption, and AI prompt https://t.co/10dxFrY2bl
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Yesterday at SAP NOW, @DoWCIODavies  highlighted the Department's ongoing efforts to transform and modernize our systems for the next era of global innovation. In coordination with @POTUS, @DeptofWar, and @SecWar, the DoW is operationalizing AI, reinforcing critical supply https://t.co/IJtxP0mF9R Yesterday at SAP NOW, @DoWCIODavies  highlighted the Department's ongoing efforts to transform and modernize our systems for the next era of global innovation. In coordination with @POTUS, @DeptofWar, and @SecWar, the DoW is operationalizing AI, reinforcing critical supply https://t.co/IJtxP0mF9R
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Empowering the warfighter is the relentless objective that drives every program." ⚡️ The @DeptofWar Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) Strategy is LIVE. To execute @POTUS' EO 14409, we are taking decisive action to:  🛡️Harden military networks  ⚔️Empower the Joint Force  🇺🇸Solidify https://t.co/MNRMT8hLeu Empowering the warfighter is the relentless objective that drives every program." ⚡️ The @DeptofWar Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) Strategy is LIVE. To execute @POTUS' EO 14409, we are taking decisive action to:  🛡️Harden military networks  ⚔️Empower the Joint Force  🇺🇸Solidify https://t.co/MNRMT8hLeu
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ICYM: @DoWCIODavies was featured on Fed Gov Today ON Sunday to discuss Digital Transformation of the United States Department of War's IT and Cyber programs. You can watch her interview at the link below. https://t.co/C1tkbrT5DO
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Happy Fathers Day from the DoW CIO family to yours. @DoWCIODavies and the rest of the CIO team join with @POTUS Trump, @VP Vance, and @SecWar Pete Hegseth in honoring the fathers across this great land! https://t.co/0iRu5HGwLl
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Hon Davies will be on FedGov Today this Sunday to discuss Digital Transformation of the @DeptofWar's IT and Cyber programs. You can watch her interview at 10AM on ABC7 in Washington, and on-demand on their streaming platform. https://t.co/EYRS8VIjkw
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