Members of industry who sat on a panel Thursday at AFA’s CyberFutures Conference seemed to embrace the potential for the association’s CyberPatriot high school cyber defense competition to spread—even beyond US borders. Duke Ayers, program manager for SAIC’s Cyber Network Exercise System, said while the competition is still growing domestically, it would be counterproductive to limit its growth. Getting international participants would increase the breadth of experience and real-world exposure, both of which would only improve the skills of participants, he said. Some cross-border relationships are already forming, he said, noting that he worked with Canadians in March to perform a “penetration exercise” to help with network defense. Other traditional allies, such as Britain, also are interested in these activities, he noted.
Pentagon Releases Cost of Living, BAH Rates for 2026
Dec. 30, 2025
The Pentagon will pay cost of living allowances to 127,000 service members in the continental U.S. in 2026, an increase of 66,000 members in 2025. Airmen and Guardians across the U.S. will also receive an average increase of 4.2 percent for their Basic Housing Allowance, compared to the 5.4 percent…
