Soldiers from the 179th cyber protection team conducted defensive cyber operations training in Lincoln, Nebraska, focused on enabling large-scale combat operations by protecting digital terrain and critical infrastructure that support force projection, sustainment, and medical care. The training underscored that commanders cannot maneuver, sustain, or fight at speed if networks controlling airfields, deployment planning, logistics, or medical facilities are disrupted. Participants practiced defending systems tied to deployment planning, aviation and logistics operations, and medical facilities, all of which directly influence a commander’s ability to fight and win.
Alongside traditional defensive cyber operations, the team piloted the controlled integration of artificial intelligence tools, including Gemini, to support operational planning and execution. Artificial intelligence assisted in structuring complex planning problems, organizing large volumes of technical and operational data, and accelerating the development of risk management and mission defense plans. The effort prioritized combat relevance over experimentation, aiming to translate emerging technology into practical advantages for commanders operating in contested environments.
All artificial intelligence assisted outputs were reviewed and validated by soldiers so that commanders, rather than algorithms, retained decision authority. The training stressed responsible, repeatable standards for artificial intelligence integration that improve speed and clarity without weakening discipline, security, or accountability. By pairing defensive cyber operations with emerging technologies, the 179th cyber protection team is developing frameworks that help commanders move faster, sustain longer, and operate with confidence. Lessons from the exercise are intended to shape future training and support wider efforts to modernize how the army conducts and prevails in large-scale combat operations.
