Alaska Guard, Mongolia Conduct Cybersecurity Exchange

EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska - The Alaska Air National Guard launched a new partnership with Mongolia through the State Partnership Program. The collaboration aims to develop cybersecurity training for the newly formed Mongolian Cybersecurity Command, with the Alaska team playing a pivotal role in designing and exchanging training curricula.

A group of AKANG experts, including members from the 168th Wing Communications Flight and 176th Communications Squadron, recently traveled to Mongolia to meet with the Mongolian cybersecurity team. The goal was to craft a training program tailored to the Mongolian Cyber Command's needs. The training, part of the State Partnership Program, enhances collaboration and interoperability with Mongolia and global allies.

SPP began in 1993 and pairs Guard elements with partner nations worldwide. It builds enduring relationships through mutual training engagements and subject matter expert exchanges.

Chief Master Sgt. Brandy Thanos emphasized that the working group's mission was to identify the Mongolian team's training needs and create a targeted curriculum for future cybersecurity exchanges. The group also fostered positive relations with their Mongolian counterparts, strengthening the partnership. A comprehensive reference library was developed to support future training.

"Through collaboration, the teams were able to identify and prioritize desired training targets based on shared core knowledge topics and work roles," said Thanos. "This information provides a targeted training curriculum from which to develop a focused training plan for future exchanges."

During the exchange, Tech Sgt. James Gilchrest led a session on information assurance manager roles, while Thanos facilitated a roundtable discussion to understand the Mongolian team's training needs.

"The team was able to adapt and develop additional products as needed to advance working group discussions and objectives," said Thanos. "The primary intent for this exchange was to establish an understanding of the cyber command's current structure and needs as a developing cybersecurity organization."

Thanos also introduced the Department of Defense Cyber Workforce Framework, providing a foundational overview of key elements such as work roles, knowledge, skills, abilities and tools. The discussion helped both teams establish common ground and identify priority areas for training.

Common cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities were discussed, with Staff Sgt. Steven Laszloffy and Gilchrest providing insights.

The cultural exchange component of the trip was equally valuable.

"Both teams experienced esprit de corps while exchanging cultural backgrounds," said Thanos. "Alaska participation and enthusiasm for sharing in local culture and customs furthered positive relations."

"I'm excited to connect and continue the training," said Gilchrest. "It was easy to work with them, and I can see their eagerness."

The exchange represents a significant step in supporting Mongolia's growing cybersecurity capabilities while reaffirming the importance of international collaboration to address cyber threats. The efforts of the Alaska Air National Guard and the Mongolian Cybersecurity Command have paved the way for continued engagement and mutual growth in cybersecurity and the State Partnership Program.

The SPP has been successfully building relations for more than 30 years and now includes 105 partnerships with 115 nations.