MILITARY CYBER PROFESSIONALS ASSOCIATION INCORPORATED

Mission: The MCPA is dedicated to developing American military cyber professionals and investing in our nation's future through science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education.

Values: Loyalty to the United States, the Constitution, the American people, and each other. Duty to do what is right and what is needed. Excellence in thought, word, and action.

Vision: We are working towards a community of American military cyber professionals that is accomplishing what our nation needs, expects, and deserves. Our nation needs cyberspace secure for military, economic, and private individual pursuits. Our nation expects the American military to work together as a team. Our nation deserves a robust association of professionals dedicated to ensuring cyberspace is a national asset. This vision is what guides our strategic approach.

Premier Programs: The MCPA serves the functions of a regimental association for the American military cyber community. We host national gatherings like HammerCon (our annual convention, including multiple tracks, villages, exhibitors, speakers, scholarship, reception, and more), events within larger events like the Arcade Party and National Service Panel at DEF CON (the world’s largest hacker conference), and regional chapter meetings (where members network, learn, and earn continuing education units (CEUs) or equivalent). We provide the Order of Thor medal for recognition of excellence and special contributions to the military cyber community. We produce original research and content through publications that are free to the public, including a peer-reviewed journal (Military Cyber Affairs), a magazine (CYBER), and an activity book for kids (Cyber Snackz). During the pandemic, we ran the Lockdown Lunch and Learn (3L) weekly webinar series for 100 straight weeks. Educational activities are diverse, from members volunteering in support of K-12 STEM students in their communities, to app development, to participation in and hosting hackathons and “capture the flag” (CTF) competitions. Mentoring and transition assistance (from active duty service) is encouraged through online and local matchmaking, as well as classes. Legislative engagement is focused on educating those in the legislative process on military cyber affairs.

History: The MCPA is the byproduct of graduate research into innovation at the Naval Postgraduate School in California, funded by the US Army Cyber Command. After beginning operations in 2013, the MCPA spread by word of mouth and press coverage of events. Now there are numerous MCPA chapters distributed across the American defense community.

Organization: The MCPA is a national 501(c)(3) educational nonprofit organization and public charity led by a small Board of Directors, complimented by a robust Board of Advisors that are very senior leaders from across the broader community of interest. Daily operations and interface with strategic partners are largely handled by national MCPA leadership and staff, led by the Chief Operating Officer. Members are grouped into regional chapters led by a president and staff.

Personnel: Over 4,000 vetted members and numerous partners distributed across the American defense community, government, industry, and academia. Most of these high-quality personnel have a graduate degree and are influential leaders currently serving from the White House to conflict zones, Silicon Valley to Capitol Hill, and everywhere in between.

Finances: Membership remains free for all US government employees (uniformed and civilian, active and reserve, federal and state level) and honorably discharged US military veterans. We are volunteer fueled with operations enabled by the generosity of a diverse array of donors, partners, and sponsors. Our Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) number is 10368. Help enable our mission by making a contribution today!