In a significant acknowledgement of the next generation’s role in safeguarding the nation, senior leaders from the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) convened at the Pentagon on August 4, 2025, to honor top-performing student interns from the Virtual Institutes for Cyber and Electromagnetic Spectrum Research and Employ Maven internship program, known as VICEROY. These students have made impactful contributions to ongoing cyber and national security missions, underscoring the strategic importance of cultivating skilled talent within the defense cyber workforce.
Acknowledging Rising Cyber Talent
The event was hosted by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering and brought together leading figures including Emil Michael, the Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering; Mark Gorak, Director of the Cyber Academic Engagement Office; Kevin Rudd, Principal Director for Integrated Sensing and Cyber; and Chester Maciag, VICEROY National Director. The gathering marked a milestone in recognizing emerging professionals whose work is helping bridge the gap between innovation and operational defense needs.
Emil Michael emphasized the value of fresh ideas and adaptability in defense technology, stating,
“Their fresh perspectives on navigating a digital world and ability to quickly adopt and implement ever-evolving technology provide us an advantage in our mission to modernize our forces. The Department of Defense values bold thinkers. We need people who aren't afraid to take risks, who move quickly and who adapt to complexity.”
The event was not just a ceremony but a clear signal about the future-ready workforce the Department of Defense seeks. The VICEROY internship program aligns closely with national priorities to rebuild military capabilities, restore warrior ethos, and reestablish deterrence in an increasingly contested cyber and electromagnetic environment.
VICEROY Internship Program: From Classroom to Cybersecurity Frontlines
The VICEROY program is merit-based and designed to embed top students from academic institutions across the country into real-world defense research and operational sites. This year’s seven honored interns were selected from hundreds participating in the program for distinguished performance in diverse roles supporting the DoD’s cybersecurity mission.
These interns worked at notable host sites including the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific, and the Air Force Research Laboratory. Their contributions ranged from operational support to cutting-edge research in areas such as quantum-resilient cryptography, drone security, electromagnetic warfare, and artificial intelligence applications for cyber defense.
Chester Maciag highlighted the critical nature of their contributions,
“The department faces over 20,000 unfilled cyber roles today — many in critical mission areas. VICEROY interns aren't waiting to make a difference. They're applying their knowledge now, supporting warfighters and driving solutions where the threat is most acute.”
This reflects the interns' role not only as learners but as active contributors in one of the nation’s most important defense domains.
Strengthening the Cyber Workforce Ecosystem
The United States’ national security increasingly depends on expertise in the digital and electromagnetic spectrum realms, and programs like VICEROY represent a vital pipeline for building that expertise. Mark Gorak emphasized how the interns stand out for their experience and readiness, saying,
“Every day you spent in this program has built your competitive advantage. You now carry experience, clearances and a mission-first mindset that sets you apart.”
Beyond just technical skills, the program imbues participants with an operational understanding that is crucial for integrating new technologies into defense systems effectively and swiftly. This real-world preparedness ensures that the interns are not only future leaders but can make immediate operational impacts.
The collaboration within the defense ecosystem also extends to partnerships with innovation hubs such as the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and academic institutions that specialize in cutting-edge cyber education. Doug Beck, Director of DIU, stressed the critical role of such partnerships stating,
“Harnessing the American spirit and building the pipeline of skilled, dual-fluency talent with authentic experience and expertise in both the tech sector and national security is a critical differentiator for the United States.”
DIU helps bolster the defense tech ecosystem, ensuring that the US retains an edge in cyber capabilities.
Symbolism and Recognition
To honor their achievements and contributions, each intern received a VICEROY challenge coin from Emil Michael. This coin symbolizes the department’s gratitude and the intern’s official entry into the national security cyber workforce.
Michael remarked during the ceremony,
“I am proud to recognize our future cyber leaders who have chosen to dedicate their talents to defending our nation in the digital domain — a domain that grows more critical and more contested every single day.”
This statement emphasized the importance of cyber defense in contemporary security strategies and the recognition that the next generation’s talents are indispensable.
Building a Resilient National Cyber Posture
The recognition of VICEROY interns aligns with broader efforts by the Department of Defense to address workforce shortages in cyber roles and enhance technological modernization. The program is seen as a model for integrating young, highly skilled talent into the Department’s research and development ecosystem with a focus on practical, mission-oriented experience.
Through embedding students in actual defense projects, VICEROY ensures that these emerging professionals gain hands-on exposure to current challenges and solutions in cyber and electromagnetic warfare environments. This approach cultivates leaders who are technologically adept and who deeply understand the strategic and operational contexts of national security.
Maciag concluded by underscoring the program’s ongoing importance,
“VICEROY will remain essential as the department continues to rebuild the military by aligning emerging threats with technical capability. We are forging the next generation of cyber and spectrum leaders — individuals who understand global context, master advanced technologies and are ready to deliver operational impact on Day 1.”
The Road Ahead for Cybersecurity Talent
With cyber threats evolving rapidly and geopolitical tensions increasing in the digital domain, the significance of nurturing skilled talent cannot be overstated. The Department of Defense’s acknowledgement of young, emerging leaders through the VICEROY program is a strong indicator of where cybersecurity workforce development is headed.
In addition to feeding talent into defense, the program creates a pipeline of experts who may shape cybersecurity policy, innovation, and operational practice across government and industry. Such a holistic approach is critical for maintaining national security in an era where threats increasingly exploit technological vulnerabilities.
As the US continues to safeguard its interests across multiple fronts, the infusion of innovative young minds into its cyber defense apparatus ensures a robust response to persistent and emerging challenges, safeguarding the nation’s critical infrastructure and defense systems.