Australian Army enhances cyber warfare training with first Exercise Cyber Sentinels.

In a groundbreaking occurrence, Australian and US military cyber experts collaborated in the inaugural classified-level cyber exercise of its kind. This event, known as Exercise Cyber Sentinels, took place in Canberra this month and was hosted by the Australian Defence Force (ADF). It served as a tactical rehearsal for cyberspace operations, pioneering innovations in integrated force training and reinforcing international partnerships.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

Over 90 ADF personnel and 60 individuals from the US Fleet Cyber Command and Marine Corps Forces Cyberspace Command actively participated in the 12-day Exercise Cyber Sentinels (Picture source: ADF)

During the exercise, participants engaged in a dynamic battle, devising strategies and defending cyber assets within an environment that closely mimicked real-world cyberattacks. Notably, this marked the first occasion when the exercise was organized and conducted at the classified level.

The Persistent Cyber Training Environment in Australia served as the host platform for this year's exercise, whereas previous editions were held in collaboration with global partners. Over 90 ADF personnel and 60 individuals from the US Fleet Cyber Command and Marine Corps Forces Cyberspace Command actively participated in this 12-day endeavor. Observers from Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom also contributed their insights.

Major General Ana Duncan, Head of Cyber Warfare, emphasized that Australia's role in hosting Exercise Cyber Sentinels was aligned with Defense's broader initiatives aimed at enhancing coherence and resilience in cyber operations. This exercise exemplified the commitment to scaling up and optimizing Australia's cyber and information operations capabilities, as highlighted in the Defense Strategic Review.

She stressed the importance of collaborating with partners to bolster Defense's readiness, asserting that partnerships were pivotal in strengthening cyber resilience within Australia and the neighboring region through networking, cooperation, and capacity development.

Vice Admiral Craig Clapperton, Commander of the US Fleet Cyber Command and US 10th Fleet, acknowledged the historic partnership with Australia as essential to Fleet Cyber Command's sustained advantage in the Pacific. He emphasized that exercises like Cyber Sentinels played a crucial role in enhancing readiness and further solidifying the vital partnership, ultimately working toward the shared objective of ensuring a safe and secure Indo-Pacific region.

Defense News October 2023