Cyber security ‘boot camp' approved by ROTC Published Feb. 23, 2005 By Francis L. Crumb Air Force Research Laboratory-Rome Public Affairs ROME, N.Y. (AFPN) -- A cyber security boot camp course here was approved as professional development training for Air Force ROTC.The advanced course in engineering is one of 10 such programs in the country to carry this designation, and the only program with a formal academic component, officials said. It is associated with Syracuse University."This designation recognizes the national caliber of the (program)," said Dr. Kamal Jabbour of Syracuse University, who has directed the boot camp at the Air Force Research Laboratory’s research site here for the past two years. "Additionally, it enables future cadets to travel to the (course) on military orders, wear their uniforms during the 10-week program, hold security clearances and report to a military chain of command."Officials said they developed the course in 2002 to address the challenge of President Bush's national strategy to secure cyberspace by developing the top students in Air Force, Army and Navy precommissioning training programs and the best among civilian college students, into the next generation of cyber security leaders.Through a public-private partnership, the course challenges engineers to become original thinkers, problem-solvers and technical leaders, officials said. The boot camp is a four-credit course offered through the university's engineering and computer science curriculum and is funded by Congress.Additionally, the National Science Foundation has recognized the course as an official intern program for "Scholarship for Service" cyber fellows.During its first two years, 40 students from 25 colleges in 17 states completed the course, said Dr. Jabbour. (Courtesy of Air Force Materiel Command News Service)