Educating the Future: Cyber Warfare and the Next

Generation
Published on: June 8, 2014


In an ever changing and interconnected world, the influence of computers is rapidly
increasing. The IDF is training Israels youth to battle cyber threats even before they enter
the military.
Israel has been called the startup nation and is distinguished for producing the highest number
of entrepreneurs per capita in the world. As Israeli society becomes more connected to the
internet, cyber threats are also becoming more prominent.
When we look at data centers and information systems, they are almost entirely located in the
cyber dimension. Everything can be attacked potentially. Everything is cyber, said Maj. Gen.
Uzi Moshkovitz, the head of the IDF Telecommunications Branch, in April. This puts a nation
such as Israel at great risk because it faces constant threats from its enemies which try to breach
this cyber infrastructure.

Cyber defense is also becoming increasingly important for the IDFs Intelligence Corps. In order
to prepare the next generation soldier for cyber warfare, the IDF has implemented programs to
educate high school students in information technologies, computer science, and cyber defense.
A Higher Standard of Technology Education
Last year, the IDF implemented the Heights Program, a high school level education program for
students in the 10th, 11th, and 12th grades. The program is designed to teach high school
students the basics of cyber defense, explained Lt. Col. S., Head of the Cyber Education Branch
of the Intelligence Corps. By educating teachers and creating a demanding curriculum, the IDF is
raising the bar for cyber education. Better classes and better lessons will allow for better
preparation to make the students into cyber defense experts, Lt. Col. S. explained.
The 400 students who participate in the Heights Program face a challenging and demanding
workload of 900 hours. On a daily basis, they learn programming languages, networking
infrastructure, and how to deal with cyber threats. For example, the students analyze and
research computer viruses to learn how they work, multiply, and infect computer systems. The
coursework is on par with undergraduate technology programs and pushes students to
become the best in the cyber field.

In order to create a high standard of learning in the classroom, the Cyber Education Branch puts
its educators through two rigorous courses of 200 hours before they teach material to the
students. Although the IDF trains the teachers, writes the syllabus, and provides the books and
lessons, soldiers do not actually teach in the classroom.
Similarly, the Fulfillment Program works with students in an after school and summer camp
setting. According to Lt. Col. S, cyber experts must possess the passion and curiosity to
accomplish a variety of goals. The Fulfillment Program gives students the opportunity to make
use of these qualities and refine their cyber skills.
Skills for the Future
The cyber programs contribute directly to the students military service and provide participants
with invaluable skills for the future. [These skills] can be used everywhere: In the army, in their
academic courses later on, or in the high tech industry. Its a high level of information and a
lifetime of knowledge that the students are gaining, concluded Lt. Col. S.
Overall, the Cyber Education Branch of the IDF Intelligence Corps is not only teaching students
to bolster national defense, but also giving them precious expertise that enables them to succeed
in the academic and working worlds after their army service.
Battleground of the Future: Inside the Unit that Connects the IDF
Published on: May 19, 2014