DVIDS – News – South Carolina National Guard and UofSC Aiken take the next step to improve cyber initiatives in South Carolina

Aiken, SC – Representatives of the South Carolina National Guard and South Carolina Aiken University (UofSC Aiken) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at the UofSC Aiken campus on February 1, 2021, in support of the development of a new South Carolina National Guard readiness center focused on enhancing cyber initiatives in the state.

Gen Brig R. Van McCarty of the United States Army, South Carolina’s general aide, and Dr. Sandra J. Jordan, chancellor of UofSC Aiken, signed the MOU in recognition of the agreement for the National Guard readiness center of the South Carolina to be built on the UofSC Aiken campus. The readiness center, known as the DreamPort for cybersecurity, is expected to be home to the 125th Cyber ​​Guard Battalion of the National Guard of South Carolina, currently based at the McEntire National Guard Joint Base in South Carolina. Construction of the campus facilities UofSC Aiken allows the South Carolina National Guard to take advantage of the academic partnership with UofSC Aiken, as well as use nearby cyber resources, including the US Army’s Cyber ​​Center of Excellence in Fort Gordon, Georgia and the Savannah River National Laboratory’s Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative (AMC).

“Discussions about this cyber facility have been going on for almost four years and this is the next step in advancing cyber security initiatives in the state,” said McCarty. “We are proud to be part of this joint project with UofSC Aiken. I feel it is essential to invest in the state’s future in education, training, technology and cyber initiatives and this preparation center will be a step in the right direction. “

The readiness center is expected to be mutually beneficial to the South Carolina National Guard and UofSC Aiken in the development and education of the next generation of cybersecurity professionals in the civil and military sectors.

“I am excited that today we are solidifying the partnership between UofSC Aiken and the South Carolina National Guard,” shared Dr. Jordan. “The fact that Governor McMaster has included DreamPort in his budget is the recognition that cybersecurity is a priority for our state. Today’s signature honors the intention of the National Guard, the AMC of the Savannah River National Laboratory, and the USCA to work together to promote each of our cybersecurity priorities. In addition, the National Guard’s DreamPort takes advantage of the ‘Power of Proximity’ by being located near Fort Gordon to allow greater collaboration with Army and Navy cyber missions located there. This initiative will encourage broad collaboration on many important fronts. Persistent cyber threats demand a coordinated response, so by linking the National Laboratory, Fort Gordon Cyber ​​Command, the National Guard, and UofSC Aiken, we will work together to help provide a consistent response and a future cybersecurity workforce. significant for our region and state, DreamPort, along with the university and AMC, will provide important resources for individuals, businesses and industry to help identify and mitigate their cyber vulnerabilities. ”

Construction of the South Carolina National Guard readiness center on the UofSC Aiken campus is projected to begin in 2024.