In a RealClear Defense op-ed, Chris Simpson, director of the Center for Cybersecurity at National University, calls on higher education institutions and the military community to partner in strengthening the nation’s cybersecurity workforce. With more than half a million cybersecurity positions unfilled nationwide, Simpson explains that veterans and military spouses represent a powerful yet underutilized talent pool capable of filling these critical roles. He highlights National University’s San Diego Cyber Clinic, created in partnership with San Diego State University, Cal State San Marcos, and the San Diego Cyber Center of Excellence, as a model for how hands-on, student-run programs can provide both training and real-world experience.
Simpson emphasizes that closing the cybersecurity skills gap requires flexible education models, practical experience, and a fundamental shift in hiring practices to value veterans’ and military spouses’ transferable skills. “The cybersecurity industry needs the discipline, adaptability, and leadership that military-affiliated learners bring,” he writes. “By reimagining education and workforce pathways, we can protect our national security while empowering those who have already served.”
Read the full article by Chris Simpson on RealClear Defense. Learn more about National University’s Center for Cybersecurity and its mission to prepare working adults and military learners for high-demand careers at nu.edu.
