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Two programs exist to educate cadets on leadership and cyber security. AFIT's ROTC Immersive Cyber Education (ICE) program, and AFRL's Advanced Course in Engineering (ACE) program at Rome Labs. Both educate and train the nation's future generation of cyber warriors.
ROTC Cadets are strongly encouraged to research both programs.
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AFIT's ROTC ICE program is a multi-week course that takes place during the undergraduate academic summer break at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT). The program consists of an instructional component, hands-on-labs, officer development, and capstone Hackfest event.
The objective of the ICE program is to develop the next generation of cybersecurity leaders through an intense program that immerses students in the cybersecurity discipline while educating them on becoming future military leaders. This program covers a wide variety of cybersecurity related disciplines to develop original thinkers and technical leaders who can solve real-world problems in the area of cybersecurity.
Digital ICE Brochure WPAFB News Story About Hackfest Event.
Wright-Patterson AFB in Dayton, Ohio at AFIT/Center for Cyberspace Research
ICE is open to Academy and Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadets between their junior and senior years in college. Students must carry at least a 2.75 GPA, be a U.S. citizen and be in good standing in their detachment. Students from all programs of study are encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to students majoring in computer engineering (CE), computer science (CS), electrical engineering (EE). However, the program is not litmied to CE, CS, and EE majors. Anyone with a technical background is encouraged to apply. For example, technically-oriented civil engineers interested in protecting Operational Technology.
If you have already submitted your application, login to update your submission.
What if I don't have a security clearance?
Security clearances are not required to attend ICE.
What if my major isn't specifically electrical engineering (EE), computer science (CS) or computer engineering (CE)? Can I still qualify?
Apply! ICE requires you to be a motivated individual with a positive attitude who is willing to learn new things. While preference will be given to those who are EE, CS, CE, it should not discourage you from applying. If you are a highly motivated individual not in EE, CS, or CE, but are very interested in the program, apply and provide an explanation of your qualifications via the 100-word biography and commander recommendation portions of the application. The knowledge gained and skills learned at ICE can benefit a future officer regardless of their undergraduate degree or career field.
Do I get paid for my time at ICE?
Students should not expect to recieve additional pay such as cadet training pay.
Will I receive per diem while at ICE?
Yes. Cadets will receive the Government Meal Rate (GMR), similar to being Active Duty at a training location that provides or makes meals available. After acceptance into the program, Cadets provide their bank account information to ROTC ICE staff, DTS profiles are created, and cadets will receive per diem. ROTC ICE staff will make every effort to advance students their per diem upon arrival at the program.
With GMR, students are encouraged to eat at WPAFB's Dining Facility (DFAC), but are not required to. Students will receive appropriate per diem on their travel days. For more information, ask ROTC ICE staff or read Joint Travel Regulation (JTR) section 020304.
What format should the commander's nomination have?
Nominations can be as formal or informal as the commander wants to make them. The intent is for the commander to have a chance to share things about the applicant that are not reflected on a transcript. A simple memo stating that the cadet is in good standing in the detachment can be uploaded as part of the application.
Can I drive to the program or do I have to fly?
We follow the AFROTC PDT guidelines for student travel, which are found in the PDT Manual. If you are interested in driving to ICE, discuss with your Detachment Commander and ROTC ICE Staff.
How is Airfare arranged?
AFIT arranges cadet travel to and from the course for USAF & USSF at DAY airport between 1100 - 1900 hours on the specified arrival date. Students should expect to depart between 0600 - 2000 hours on the specified departure date.
Students accepted to the program will fill out a Defense Travel System (DTS) worksheet. The point of departure (POD) indicated on your orders is the one you specify on your PDT Volunteer Statement.
If I fly to ICE, how do I get around town?
While cadets are not authorized to have their own rental car, the ROTC ICE program coordinates with the host base Logistics Readiness Squadron (88 ABW/LRS) to procure government and commercial transportation.
In 2023, ROTC ICE partnered with the 88 LRS, and rented several large (12-pax) and small (8-pax) vans. The graduates of the ROTC ICE 2023 program deserve much credit! They proved themselves to be responsible stewards of both governement and commercial equipment while maintaining safety. Because of their outstanding achievement, the privileges associated with procuring vans for Cadets will be pursued in ICE 2024.
If the cadet-led transportation proves problematic, ROTC ICE staff will revert to previous years transportation schedule. A bus will shuttle cadets to/from mission-essential activities only which are class, the dining hall, the gym and one trip to the USAF museum. No other transportation will be provided for night and weekend activities.
Will I share a room with another student?
No. The Wright-Patterson Inns facility houses the students for many weeks. Students stay in individual rooms. Students may have visitors but must abide by AF PDT guidelines. When students visit each other's rooms, doors will remain open.
Air Force Cyberspace Technical Center of Excellence (AF CyTCoE)
Air Force Institute of Technology
2950 Hobson Way
Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio 45433-7765
Email: AFIT.CyTCoE.Workflow@us.af.mil
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