DOD Turns to Skills-Based Hiring to Build Next-Gen Cyber Workforce
Mark Gorak, Director, CAEO, and Principal Director for Resources and Analysis, DOD OCIO
Mark Gorak, the Defense Department’s Cyber Academic Engagement Office’s (CAEO) director and principal director for Resources and Analysis, shares how his office is shaping the future of cyber talent during the 2025 HammerCON conference in Laurel, Maryland.
Launched in 2024, CAEO has partnered with over 480 academic institutions nationwide to identify and develop the next generation of cyber professionals. The office is working to streamline academic partnerships, create equitable opportunities for smaller schools and better align education with national security needs.
Gorak also discusses the Pentagon’s shift toward skills-based hiring, beginning with a pilot program for cybersecurity roles, with plans to expand the approach across the future defense workforce.
-
Mark Gorak Director, CAEO, and Principal Director for Resources and Analysis DOD OCIO
-
Marine Corps, Coast Guard Lay Groundwork for AI Operations
Service officials are improving data and network infrastructure to support AI-enabled operations and information sharing.
2m read -
AI, Zero Trust Drive Geospatial Intelligence Modernization
NGA CIO Mark Chatelain discusses how zero trust, cloud modernization and AI are strengthening cyber resilience and accelerating geospatial intelligence.
8m watch -
Readiness Lessons From CIA's First Chief Wellbeing Officer
Former CIA Chief Wellbeing Officer Jennifer Posa discussed why workforce wellbeing is a strategic driver of mission success.
42m watch -
AI Could Transform Cyber Defense, But Security Must Come First
Axonius Federal Field CTO says agencies need greater visibility, measurable cyber readiness and tighter AI token controls to safely accelerate missions.
7m watch Partner Content
