500,000 cybersecurity positions are vacant across the US
Lockheed Martin and White House ONCD in tie-up
Lockheed Martin engaged with the White House’s Office of the National Cyber Director (ONCD) at the ‘Good-Paying Cyber Jobs for Veterans and Military Spouses’ workshop held in Washington, D.C., earlier this month.
The event brought together leaders from various sectors to tackle the pressing issue of an estimated 500,000 unfilled cybersecurity positions across the US.
The ONCD advises the President of the United States on cybersecurity policy and strategy.
The workshop, hosted by the ONCD, focused on the critical shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals in the US and emphasised the need for robust US government-industry collaboration. A particular highlight was the focus on leveraging the US military community as a critical talent pool for filling these crucial roles.
Lockheed Martin, a prominent US defence contractor with a significant US veteran workforce, showcased its dedication to addressing this challenge and underscored its commitment to creating meaningful job opportunities for veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses.
Key challenges and solutions:
- Skills-based hiring: Many US service members possess extensive practical experience in high-stakes cyber environments. Lockheed Martin advocates for more efficient pathways to employment that recognise and leverage the skills veterans acquire through their US military service.
- Security clearance issues: The transition from US military service often results in the loss of existing security clearances, which can be a barrier to employment in sensitive roles. Lockheed Martin calls for streamlined processes to expedite the issuance of security clearances for US veterans.
- Flexible work arrangements: US military spouses frequently face relocations, hindering their career progression. The company is exploring expanding remote work opportunities, even in classified environments, to offer more stable and transferable employment options.
Looking ahead
The ONCD workshop marked a pivotal moment in addressing the US cybersecurity workforce crisis by highlighting the vital role of veterans and military families in this field. Lockheed Martin is committed to partnering with the US government, industry, and advocacy organisations to fortify America’s cyber defences and ensure a robust and skilled cybersecurity workforce.
Featured image: The ONCD workshop marked a pivotal moment in addressing the US cybersecurity workforce crisis. Credit: Tima Miroshnichenko
