UNG Cyber Unit
"Attack, Defend, Exploit."
University of North Georgia · Boar's Head Brigade// Overview & Mission
What We Are
The Cyber Unit is a specialty co-curricular unit under the UNG Boar's Head Brigade, designated in May 2023, focused on training in cyber-related events and cyber leadership. Members are assigned to various companies in the Brigade and may include both cadets and civilian students.
How We Operate
Member assignments are determined by the Office of the Commandant of Cadets with input from the ROTC Faculty Advisor. The unit participates in competitions, conducts research and development, networks with high-level leaders, and builds team soft skills.
MISSION — The mission of the Cyber Unit is to turn cadets into Cyber / Signal / Military Intelligence leaders who can operate proficiently in tactical environments. This is achieved through cohesion with civilian talents, participating in competitions, networking with high-level leaders, conducting research and development related to the cyber field, and building team soft skills.
// Advisors
ROTC Faculty Advisor
Assigned by the Department of Military Science. Advises the unit and schedules performances with input from the unit. Serves as the approving authority for off-campus events and competitions.
Cyber Department Faculty Advisor
Provides mentorship to unit members from the civilian academic side, bridging military and technical domains. An alumni advisor may also be assigned to assist with alumni relations when needed.
// Unit Structure
Chain of command flows top-down. Dashed borders indicate advisory / civilian-equivalent roles.
* Element color schemes are stylistic only — all elements interface with blue, red, and purple team concepts regardless of assignment.
// Roles & Responsibilities
First person in the chain of command. Responsible for the health, morale, welfare, training, and discipline of the entire unit.
- Principal liaison to the Commandant's Office and Military Science Department
- Establishes tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) for the unit
- Approves all corrective training and disciplinary actions
- Submits annual recruitment plan each August
- Selects uniform standards for competitions and practices
Civilian equivalent to the OIC, primarily in charge of civilian student management and coordination. Chairs joint leadership meetings.
- Coordinates operations with the Cyber Institute and CyberHawks
- Responsible for civilian accountability at all practices and events
- Assumes 1SG duties if the 1SG is absent
- Ensures training continuity when OIC/XO/1SG are unavailable
Second person in the chain of command; assumes OIC responsibilities in the OIC's absence. Principal staff officer of the unit.
- Plans and executes all competitions the unit competes in or hosts
- Works with the OIC and CyberHawks to plan events
- Can assume duties of S-1 through S-5 when positions are unfilled
- Serves as the Civil Military Operations Officer (CMO) for outside contacts
Third person in the chain of command. Commands the unit during training and is primarily responsible for training execution.
- Runs all aspects of practice and ensures personnel are trained to standard
- Determines and posts the weekly practice schedule
- Primary disciplinarian; handles issues at his/her level per Blue Book policy
- Maintains the unit's ABC Roster and TO&E
- Supervises Element Leads in performance of duties
Responsible for the training and discipline of their individual element. Elected by the 1SG and OIC.
- Coordinate with 1SG to mentor and guide subordinates
- Follow or create element training schedules
- Document subordinate progress and report to 1SG
- Take place of 1SG when he/she is absent
- May conduct scheduled uniform and equipment inspections
Leads the competition-focused element, which can draw from both junior (Blue) and senior (Red) members. Functions as an Element Leader within a dedicated competition-prep environment.
// Membership Qualifications
Open to both cadets and civilians. To be considered a member, you must:
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher
- Participate regularly in Cyber Unit training
- Remain in good standing with the University
- Submit absence requests to the 1SG or OIC at least 2 days prior
- Uphold the UNG Honor Code and Anti-Hazing Policy
- Complete a C.I.P.H.E.R project to advance in rank
Promotion Path
New members must complete Promotion Week - a physical aptitude test (cadets only), cyber-related challenges, team building exercises, and a C.I.P.H.E.R project. Successful completion designates a member as a "Tech." Completion of two C.I.P.H.E.R projects promotes a Tech to an Architect (gold lightning patch). Leadership positions (OIC, XO, DTL, 1SG, Element Leads) are distinguished by wearing the full golden Cyber patch.
// Sister Organization
CyberHawks — UNG Cybersecurity Club
The CyberHawks are UNG's civilian-focused cybersecurity club, open to all enrolled students. Where the Cyber Unit operates within the ROTC Boar's Head Brigade, the CyberHawks train and mentor students of all year groups to compete in national cyber competitions — fielding Red and Blue Team squads (HackHawks) and hosting their own annual capture-the-flag event, the Goldrush Gauntlet.