Menendez, Booker Applaud Selection of NJ Army National Guard for Special Multi-State Cyber Protection Team

Press Release

After an exhaustive review process, U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker today applauded the selection by the National Guard of the New Jersey Army National Guard to serve with the New York Army National Guard as a combined Cyber Protection Team (CPT). New Jersey will have a primary CPT station located at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. Latham Armory, in Albany, will serve as the Unit's Mission Command center and additionally, space at the Rome Joint Reserve Intelligence Center will be used to accommodate cyber protection team mission requirements.

"I applaud General Grass for selecting New Jersey's highly capable, proven Army National Guard to become a member of the NY-NJ Cyber Protection Team," said Sen. Menendez. "We understand all too well that our region has long been a target for our adversaries around the world and our Army National Guard is uniquely positioned -- with the experience, training and capacity -- to respond to the ever-growing threats to our cyber financial networks."

"Today's news is a testament to the unique capabilities New Jersey's National Guard and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst provide to the region and nation, which is why I stood with my colleagues in strong support of this important initiative," said Senator Booker. "Having played a critical role in protecting our region during catastrophic events like Superstorm Sandy, I know the NY and NJ National Guard is prepared to defend us from the increasing cyber threats facing our nation today."

In a letter to the Army National Guard's Chief, Menendez and Booker joined New York Senators Schumer and Gillibrand to urge for swift approval of a proposal allowing the New York and New Jersey Army National Guards to form a joint team focused on addressing the growing cyber security threats in New York and New Jersey. The new team would leverage their existing relationships with the Department of Homeland Security and their extensive training, to focus on combatting increasing cyber security threats to the region's critical infrastructure and networks.

These cyber units are designed to address the emerging cyber threats facing our nation while leveraging the unique and critical skill sets found through the private sector employment of our Guard Service Members. Additionally, these teams support the transition and retention of Service Members departing the active force for a career in the private sector, allowing these members to continue their service while retaining the tremendous military investment made in their training.

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