SAGAMI DEPOT, Japan — A Cyber mission element from the Multi-Domain Effects Battalion (MDEB), 3rd Multi-Domain Task Force’s, partnered with joint and allied forces to conduct defensive cyber operations as part of Keen Sword 25 from Oct. 23 to Nov. 1, 2024.

A MDEB Defensive Cyber Operations (DCO) Mission Element partnered with Japanese and Canadian cyber professionals to defend mission critical infrastructure from adversary intrusions on a live cyber range. Using various cyber tools, the teams successfully mapped the network, discovered red team intrusions and then conducted hunt operations to restore full network operability.

“Cyber mission elements are a key component of multi-domain effects battalions that provide allies and the joint force additional cyber capability able to protect key infrastructure, enhance overall mission readiness across the full spectrum of military operations, and counter emerging digital threats in today’s complex operational environment,” said Lt. Col. Pablo Diaz, Commander of the 3rd MDEB.

The mission element executed multiple training iterations against a live adversarial red team alongside their allied partners.

The training objectives for the MDEB cyber mission element were to validate the readiness of the DCO mission element, refine standard operating procedures, and to build relationships with allied partner cyber units.

“My team integrated with our partners, leveraged cyber tools, and defended several critical infrastructure networks against a dynamic red team on a live network. It was a great training event where we were able to apply our skills and collaborate with our allies,” said MDEB Cyber Officer in Charge 2nd Lt. Lucas Bires.

Keen Sword is a biennial, joint, and bilateral field-training exercise involving U.S. military and Japan Self-Defense Forces personnel, designed to increase readiness and interoperability while strengthening the ironclad U.S.-Japan alliance.

Keen Sword 25 is the latest iteration of the exercise which was first conducted in 1986. Keen Sword provides realistic, relevant training that increases the Joint Force’s abilities to plan, communicate, and conduct complex multi-domain operations.

By SGT Perla Alfaro

CAMP DAWSON, W.Va. ­­– As the late July heat continues to scorch, cyber Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and civilians assembled in the foothills of a remote training base in West Virgina to hone their skills to build an effective defensive cyber force.

Every year, the Army Cyber Protection Brigade (CPB) plans, prepares, and executes Exercise Grungy Zion (EGZ) to simulate a joint task force employing defensive cyber operations across multiple echelons. From July 22 to August 3, 2024, the CPB deployed teams to Camp Dawson, W.Va., Orlando, Fla., and Fort Eisenhower, Ga. to participate in this exercise.

For the CPB task force staff and the brigade’s subordinate battalions, this was an opportunity to validate how information is received, managed and communicated to the Cyber Protection Teams (CPTs) that were operationally engaged in the training scenario.

“Exercise Grungy Zion is the Cyber Protection Brigade’s annual certification exercise,” said Col. Christopher Stauder, CPB commander. “Historically, this exercise has been focused on certifying mission elements, cyber protection teams, and battalion-size task forces. This year the CPB took a giant step forward in certifying the brigade headquarters as a maneuver element and by incorporating multiple partners into this exercise.”

This year’s exercise was the first time the Army’s sister service cyber elements participated in EGZ, working alongside their Army counterparts. Some of the partners included elements from Marine Corps Forces Cyber, Navy mission elements, Multi Domain Task Force mission elements, Army Reserve and National Guard CPTs, and signal professionals from the 60th Signal Battalion (OCO).

“Working joint with the Army during EGZ has been exceptional,” said U.S. Marine Corps Cpt. Michael Goff of 652 CPT, U.S. Marine Corps Cyberspace Operations Battalion. “This is the first time my team had an Army crew integrated with us. It has been a huge success, because they are proficient in all the tools, allowing us to achieve success much faster than normal.”

EGZ also demonstrated how the advancement of technology forces cyber elements to continuously transform how they train and fight to become a more competent force. This includes protection of mission-essential information as well as networks supporting infrastructure, logistics, and communication between joint and multinational allies and partners.

“It feels nice to be hands-on developing and learning new skills,” said Spc. Andrew Stout, 155 CPT, 1st Cyber Battalion, CPB. “Cyber is important, because it provides a broad range of assets and technical support to help the Army complete its mission all over the world.”

In the past, the exercise has taken place on Fort Eisenhower and Camp Dawson; each year new remote locations participate in the training. This is the fourth year the CPB has hosted EGZ and due to its success, plans to continue the exercise for many years to come.

“EGZ is successful because it stresses our units to see what operational load we can handle,” said 1st Lt. Luke Meyer, 155 CPT, 1st Cyber Battalion, CPB. “It measures how we respond in real time, our processes, and hunting capability to react to any cyber threat that might pop up.”

By Lloyd Bedford