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.
// 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
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
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 NCOIC duties if the NCOIC is absent
- Ensures training continuity when OIC/XO/NCOIC are unavailable
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
Creates OPORDs, CONOPs, and training schedules in coordination with the OIC, XO, NCOIC, and DTL.
- Builds the semester training schedule
- Ensures all training aligns with the Unit's plan and Advisor's goals
- Assists the XO in planning all competitions and events
- Assumes principal staff officer role in the XO's absence
Manages all official Cyber Unit social media accounts (Instagram, Discord channels) and handles public-facing communications.
- Creates and distributes tryout and recruitment posters
- Plans and executes fundraising events in coordination with the XO
- Ensures performance requests originate through the MLC Operations Center
Responsible for the training and discipline of their individual element. Elected by the NCOIC and OIC.
- Coordinate with NCOIC to mentor and guide subordinates
- Follow or create element training schedules
- Document subordinate progress and report to NCOIC
- Take place of NCOIC when he/she is absent
- May conduct scheduled uniform and equipment inspections
An advanced training element leader who operates within a separate sub-element designated as the Blue Team. Functions as an Element Leader within a dedicated advanced-skills 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 NCOIC 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, NCOIC, Element Leads) are distinguished by wearing the full golden Cyber patch.