Norwich University IW Interns and 10th Mountain Division Soldiers Unite for Cutting-Edge Information Warfare Exercise

Earlier this month, Norwich University welcomed a group of Norwich Information Warfare Interns and 10th Mountain Division soldiers for an Information Warfare Exercise (IWE). Exercise participants gained hands-on experience, worked with experts in the field of IA/IW, and received training in the study of propaganda, cybersecurity, deep fakes, disinformation, and information advantage. Participants worked as a team in a simulation to develop several Information Advantage (IA)/IW courses of action. The IWE combined cutting-edge technology and the latest information, concepts, and knowledge in the IA/IW domain.

NUARI's president, Phil Susmann, attended the exercise's final briefings on August 4. Joining Phil for the briefings was Rear Admiral Dan MacDonnell, U.S. Navy (Ret). MacDonnell, Norwich Class of 1985, served as chairman for the Department of Defense (DOD) reserve military intelligence steering committee, the deputy chief for the National Security Agency Central Security Service (NSA/CSS), the principal advisor to the director (NSA) and its board of directors; and as the senior U.S. Navy Reserve information warfare and signal intelligence officer in the U.S. Navy.

During the final briefing, each team outlined their IW operational plan and the IW cyber tactics created for the project.

It is important to note that Norwich University was among the first institutions of higher learning to integrate cybersecurity into undergraduate education, and today, Norwich University and NUARI are leading in IW education, experiences, and research in this growing field. Additional applied research projects are being developed to educate students, allowing them to engage effectively in the information environment. As countering malign influence continues to grow as a priority across defense, intelligence, and foreign policy communities, this internship was an ideal learning opportunity for students, and we appreciate their added value.

The missions of Norwich University, the Norwich DoD Cyber Institute, and NUARI support strengthening the pillars of a resilient society through rapid research, development, and education in cybersecurity, defense technologies, and information advantage. We work with our partners to train and educate future leaders and continually innovate to advance knowledge and technologies in various fields. This IWE is an extension of that vision.