Introduction to CyberFirst

Digital and cyber-based technology has become a core element of modern society, and is becoming a fast growing area of interest for cadets and CFAVs alike. As part of the Army Cadets STEM programme, the Cadet CIS Training Team (CCISTT) has carried out a review of courses and the GCHQ-sponsored CyberFirst programme. This has been carried out to enhance CIS training in the Army Cadets, and to inspire an interest in STEM and inform academic and career choices.

Following our successful pilot courses, we are about to roll out two qualifications nationally.

• CyberFirst Adventurers is a one-day introduction and development course, aimed at junior cadets.
• CyberFirst Defenders is a five-day residential course aimed at senior cadets.

Both courses are taught through hands-on labs and exploratory learning, and cover material such as the Internet of Things, Open Source intelligence, data analytics, web development, cryptography, and networking, along with cyber safety, legality, ethics and integrity.

Exercise Rolling Thunder

Exercise ROLLING THUNDER, which takes place on the weekend of 30-31 March, is the national Cadet CIS competition, sponsored by the HQ Regional Command and the Royal Corps of Signals. This year it takes place during the weekend of 30th/31st March and will for the first time feature a cyber stand. In addition, all participants will take part in the CyberFirst Adventurers course.