Building a career in Cyber Defense and Protecting the Alaska Air Guard Mission.

For Staff Sgt. Beau Roberts, a career in cybersecurity began with a curiosity about computers while attending North Pole High School. Today, that interest has developed into a specialized career in Cyber Defense Operations, where he helps protect the networks, information, and technology and supports the Air Force and Alaska Air National Guard’s mission.

Roberts helps protect what the entire 168th Wing depends on every day, its ability to communicate and accomplish the mission securely. As a Cyber Defense Operations Airman, Roberts works behind the scenes to defend the networks and information systems supporting the Air Force and Alaska Air National Guard's missions.

A Fairbanks-area native, Roberts joined the Alaska Air National Guard in February 2020, finding an opportunity to serve close to home while building a career in a rapidly evolving field.

His path into the military didn’t originally focus on cybersecurity. After his sister introduced him to the Air Force’s boom operator career field, Roberts visited the 168th Wing to learn more about the opportunities available. At the time, he was taking computer programming classes at North Pole High School and wanted to explore a career in computers.

“I asked about computer programming or cybersecurity jobs,” Roberts said. His recruiter, Tech. Sgt. Wilson, helped connect him with the Communications team, where he learned more about the cyber career field. The visit led him to sign the paperwork for what was then known as Cyber Surety, a career field that has since evolved into Cyber Defense Operations.

Roberts’ current Air Force Specialty places him in a field responsible for protecting and defending military information systems. While his high school programming experience introduced him to languages such as Java, C++ and Python, his military career has expanded his technical knowledge well beyond what he initially expected.

“I had never heard of the Linux operating system before joining,” Roberts said.

His work centers on cybersecurity compliance. His responsibilities include interpreting Department of War, Air Force and federal cybersecurity requirements and helping put those policies into practice across the Wing.

A typical day may include reviewing new cybersecurity directives, conducting compliance inspections, advising leadership and system owners, researching potential security risks, and helping ensure systems meet required security standards.

His work also supports the operational units that depend on secure, reliable technology. Roberts works closely with the 210th Rescue Squadron to help ensure computer systems and equipment remain secure and mission-ready. This includes data loss prevention, software updates, and the proper destruction and documentation of hard drives.

When equipment is not updated or compliant, it can affect the ability to accomplish the mission. For Roberts, cybersecurity is not simply about protecting computers; it is about protecting the people, aircraft,t and capabilities that depend on those systems.

Building skills beyond the classroom

One of the biggest benefits Roberts has experienced through the Alaska Air National Guard is the opportunity to continue learning and developing professionally.

Through military training, specialized courses, and certification programs, he has gained experience with technologies and cybersecurity tools, expanding his career.

One opportunity was attending Cyber Discovery in Idaho, where participants worked alongside the Idaho Department of Transportation to test the security of their live network. The exercise allowed cyber professionals to identify vulnerabilities within an approved scope, document how they accessed the network, and provide the state with information that could help strengthen its defenses.

He learned about ethical hacking, how to do it and why, and its importance. He also learned about the legal side and how to work with companies, the scope you work within, and the defined boundaries of what you can and cannot do.

They were looking into expanding to the State of Alaska after working with Idaho.

“Imagine someone walking in with military uniforms stating, Can we hack your network.” He said they hope to work more with state leadership to expand and expose more people to the capabilities they can provide.

The training introduced Roberts to pen testing, commonly known as ethical hacking. Rather than exploiting a network maliciously, pen testing uses authorized methods to identify weaknesses before someone with harmful intentions can take advantage of them.

Using tools introduced by the 168th Wing Communications team, Roberts applied his knowledge in a real-world environment.

He also participated in Arctic Shield and traveled to Little Rock, Arkansas, for Cyber Shield, a national-level cyber exercise bringing together military and other cybersecurity professionals, including international participants from Mongolia.

At Cyber Shield, Roberts chose a pen testing course. The challenging instruction pushed him outside his comfort zone and required him to apply his knowledge in new ways.

He also took advantage of Air Force Credentialing Opportunities On-line with AF COOL, which provides eligible Airmen opportunities to pursue industry-recognized credentials related to their military careers. Through this program, Roberts completed CompTIA PenTest+ training and successfully passed the certification exam. The certification expanded his understanding of ethical hacking and network vulnerabilities. Roberts said earning the certification helped him progress in his career. It also gave him a professional credential he will have after his military service.

“It’s good for my job in the Air Force but also for my resume for when I get out,” Roberts said.

The military has given him opportunities to pursue training and prepare for potential future career paths in specialized roles.

Protecting more than a network

While professional development has been an important part of Roberts’ experience, protecting military networks is what makes his position especially meaningful.

The 168th Wing relies on secure information systems to support its KC-135 air refueling mission and the 210th Rescue Squadron’s rescue operations. Reliable networks and data services allow Airmen to execute the mission. In today’s increasingly connected operational environment, cybersecurity vulnerabilities can create consequences far beyond an individual computer.

“If the network is compromised, our lethality is compromised,” Roberts explained.

His work includes helping units maintain compliance, identifying potential vulnerabilities, and educating personnel on their responsibilities as users of military information systems. He also instructs cyber liaisons throughout the Wing, helping extend cybersecurity awareness beyond the Communications team.

One of the biggest challenges is keeping pace with technology. Software changes, new vulnerabilities emerge, and updates must often be completed within tight timelines. Roberts said flexibility is essential because priorities can change quickly and no two days are exactly alike.

“The biggest part of my job is being able to be flexible,” Roberts said. “Nothing is ever the same. Our Comm motto is always adapt.”

He also emphasizes attention to detail, persistence, and integrity. Sometimes protecting a network means telling someone that a requested solution cannot be used because it does not meet security requirements. In those situations, his responsibility is to help find another way to accomplish the mission without creating risk.

Cybersecurity starts with every Airman

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a time to reinforce the importance of protecting the information, systems, and networks supporting military operations and everyday life.

“Something as simple as delaying a required computer update can leave a vulnerability unaddressed and create an opportunity for an adversary to gain access,” said Robets. “Keeping your computers in compliance essentially shuts the door on potential cyber attacks.”

He encourages Airmen to take annual Cyber Awareness training seriously, complete required updates on time, and stay alert for suspicious emails. “Cybersecurity postures should be taken seriously.”

If something looks suspicious, Roberts recommends taking the time to verify it through an official source rather than clicking a link or responding immediately. A sense of urgency in an unexpected message can be a warning sign.

If Airmen are unsure about a link, email, or cybersecurity concern, they should contact their Communications team for assistance.

The same habits used to protect military networks can also protect personal information and family devices.

Serving at home while building a future

For Roberts, joining the Alaska Air National Guard offered a unique opportunity to serve in the community where he grew up while developing a career with opportunities that extend far beyond Alaska.

Through his service, he has traveled to Guam, participated in national-level exercises, worked alongside other military organizations, and gained experience with specialized cybersecurity tools and training. He also values the people he has met and worked with, as well as the opportunity to support missions. Being part of the 168th Wing has allowed him to combine his interest in technology with a direct connection to the military mission and the community he calls home.

“I was able to meet Mad Dog Mattis at our community Military Appreciation banquet. There are so many opportunities and benefits from serving,” said Roberts.

For anyone considering military service, Roberts encourages them to explore the opportunities available. “If you are thinking of joining, I would say go for it. I think the military offers a lot of opportunities. I feel the military offers stability. I do the things I really enjoy, but I do also have a safety net.”

As cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, Roberts and the 168th Wing Cyber Defense team remain focused on adapting and protecting the systems that enable the mission.

His career shows how an interest discovered in high school can grow into a specialized profession, opening doors to advanced training, professional certifications, and opportunities to serve.

Reliable Cyber systems and data services provide the foundation commanders need to coordinate and accomplish the mission effectively. Roberts plays a major role in the Air Force and Alaska Air National Guard mission by supporting the KC-135 Air Refueling mission and the 210th Rescue mission.

Legal Disclaimer:

EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.