What Is Policy 8140? DOW Explains Initiatives in New Cyber Workforce Framework
With the rapid development of technology, the need for a skilled workforce is a top priority for many federal departments. The Department of War (DOW) 8140 Policy is a talent management framework that replaces the Department of Defense 8570 guidelines. DOW 8140 is an authoritative reference designed to standardize work across all cyber operations, with a strong focus on education. The policy aims to harness proficiency in performance, includes training and education to grow the cyber workforce and emphasizes flexibility, adaptiveness and response.
In terms of continuing education, policy 8140 implements qualification maintenance for all cyber positions in the DOW. Each individual must log a minimum of 20 hours per year, participating in professional development or education activities. Three new roles have also been introduced: information system security officer, data pipeline specialist and analytic support officer.
“This is where you can grow yourself as a professional. You can start gaining more upscale in your current profession of a certain role. Or you could advocate to your supervisor that you want to grow into other roles,” said Matthew Isnor, chief of Cyber Workforce Development for the DOW, at this year’s AFCEA TechNet Indo-Pacific in Honolulu.
There's content out there that we want to make sure that we validate, that we can go through that aligns to the framework, and aligns to work roles.
This fall, the Curriculum Alignment Tool (CAT) was released. The artificial intelligence-enabled platform serves as a mobile bridge, connecting cybersecurity workforce needs with corresponding training.
“Everyone inside the department, you have an alignment to a work role. We are trying to get it as expansive as possible. Look, there's tons of great certifications, training, range of environments, conferences, other areas from academia, from certifications and academia. There's content out there that we want to make sure that we validate, that we can go through that aligns to the framework, and aligns to work roles,” said Isnor.
To enhance response, the DOW’s close relationship with military service academies has proven beneficial in enforcing these educational initiatives. Military service schools have already mapped corresponding content with the defense cyber workforce framework. Some have even changed curricula to align with the framework. The GI Bill, Skill Bridge and approved affiliate training programs are all eligible for funding for 8140 recognized certifications.
TechNet Indo-Pacific is co-sponsored by AFCEA International and AFCEA Hawaii. SIGNAL Media is the official media of AFCEA International.
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