Photo By Maj. William Carraway | Major George Allen transfers the guidon of the Georgia Army National Guard’s 170th...... read more read more
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The Georgia Army National Guard’s 170th Cyber Protection Team, one of the first Cyber Protection teams created by the National Guard, welcomed its second commander during a change of command ceremony at Fort Gillem August 5, 2018 as Maj. George Allen relinquished command to Capt. Michael Mallon.
“What it takes to be good at cyber is unwavering dedication and thousands of hours of your own time that you have put in,” said Allen addressing the assembled Soldiers of the 170th.
The 170th Cyber Protection Team was one of the first three CPTs established by the National Guard in 2015. Cyber protection teams, like the 170th, can be deployed worldwide by the Department of Defense.
In December 2016, the unit received notice that it would be activated and the following year, the 170th was mobilized in support of the three primary missions of the DOD’s cyber strategy: Defending DoD networks, systems, and information; defending the U.S. homeland and U.S. national interests against cyberattacks of significant consequence; and providing cyber support to military operational and contingency plans.
“We have been deployed for a year, said Allen. “The more we have learned as a team the more sobering the picture is.”
Allen recounted recent headlines involving cyber crimes and accusation of election meddling by foreign governments.
“We face everything from military and industrial espionage to information and cyber crime that touches every American. We definitely have a vital mission and a lot of work ahead.”
Allen, a native of LaPorte, Texas, led the 170th CPT from its inception in 2015 and through their mobilization in 2017. It was his third deployment following mobilizations to Afghanistan and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. A 2006 graduate of Duke University, Allen will follow up his successful command with an assignment to the Georgia Army National Guard’s Joint Force Headquarters in Marietta.
Succeeding Allen as commander of the 170th CPT, Mallon, A 2008 graduate of Boston University has served in the 170th since its creation in 2015. He advances from his previous position as protection team chief of the 170th. He holds a master’s degree in information technology security from Boston University and was the honor graduate of his signal captains career course.
Mallon thanked his family and Soldiers for their support as he assumed command of the 170th.
“Now, let’s get back to work,” said Mallon concluding his remarks and the ceremony.
| Date Taken: | 08.05.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 08.05.2018 22:46 |
| Story ID: | 287380 |
| Location: | FOREST PARK, GEORGIA, US |
| Web Views: | 1,211 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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