In the face of the recent attack against Sony, many are looking at how to strengthen cyber security. When you think of a computer expert, the common stereotype is of a pimply-faced teenager living in his parents" basement. While that image is far from the truth, it"s true that many security experts are avoiding the military due to the strong emphasis on physical fitness.
According to the Telegraph, the United States Army is looking to change that, as they explore the idea of removing combat training from the core Army curriculum. This change is needed in order to attract the best and brightest of the "Google generation," based on comments by Lt General Robert Brown. He goes on to say:
In order to gain an intellectual advantage over adversaries in cyberspace, we will need to tap into a talent pool that may not fit the stereotypical soldier profile. Our goal is to recruit the best talent possible. For cyber, this must include individuals who anticipate and adapt to the rapid pace of innovation in the cyber world and thrive in its inherent ambiguity. Many who have these skills are not natural candidates for a military career. They grew up on Google and wear ponytails. We need to look at ways to bring them into the Army without necessarily going through the same training procedures as our combat troops.
In addition to individuals not wanting to take on combat duty and the training that it entails, improving on an information security skillset requires a focus on technology. Shifting duties for weeks at a time to other training is a detriment to building up these skills.
If the Army drops the more physical requirements, it"ll be interesting to see how many people sign up to join the cyber version of the Army.
Source: Telegraph | Image courtesy of CBS News