Cyber Operations Research Team
Advancing Army cyber capabilities through applied research, operational support, emerging technology evaluation, and partnerships across the cyber enterprise.
The Cyber Operations Research Team advances the Army's understanding of the cyber domain and its role in military operations through applied research, operational support, education, and organizational partnerships. The team works with Army and Department of Defense stakeholders to identify emerging cyber challenges, evaluate technologies, and develop practical approaches that strengthen cyber operations and mission effectiveness.
Research Areas
Post-Quantum Cryptography
Examine the operational, technical, and acquisition challenges associated with transitioning Army systems to post-quantum cryptography and building cryptographic readiness across the force.
AI-Enabled Cyber Operations
Explore the integration of artificial intelligence and computational capabilities into cyber operations, including technologies designed for tactical and edge environments.
Critical Infrastructure Resilience
Study cyber risks to defense critical infrastructure and the interdependencies between military installations, communities, government organizations, and commercial infrastructure.
Cyber Operations & Experimentation
Support Army cyber organizations through experimentation, technology assessment, research partnerships, and the development of practical tools and approaches for emerging operational problems.
Current Primary Projects
POST-QUANTUM CRYPTOGRAPHY
Post-Quantum Cryptography Inform Initiative
Examines current and future cryptographic threats and supports Army planning for the transition to post-quantum cryptography.
- Supports Army understanding of cryptographic assets and migration requirements.
- Examines implementation challenges associated with emerging post-quantum standards and timelines.
- Engages technical leaders, senior leaders, and Army organizations responsible for large-scale modernization.
AI AT THE EDGE
Pocket AICES: AI-Enabled Cyber at the Edge
Explores how artificial intelligence capabilities can be operationalized on commodity and small-form-factor hardware for tactical cyber environments.
- Uses operationally relevant user stories as research benchmarks.
- Examines AI models operating on constrained edge-computing platforms.
- Supports development of reference implementations relevant to Army equipment and tactical operations.
CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE
Jack Voltaic / Defense Critical Infrastructure
Examines cyber resilience at the intersection of military installations, government organizations, communities, and commercial critical infrastructure.
- Supports research into defense critical infrastructure resilience.
- Uses exercises and partnerships to examine cyber incidents with cascading operational impacts.
- Identifies opportunities for technology integration, modernization, and improved cyber preparedness.
Additional Research & Initiatives
Industrial Control Systems Lab
Research and experimentation supporting the study of industrial control systems, operational technology, and critical infrastructure cybersecurity.
ReFactor ODIE
Ongoing technical research and development supporting Army cyber experimentation and operational requirements.
RCDN at USMA
Supports cyber research, experimentation, and capability development within the West Point environment.
OpenRouter Testing Platform
Supports experimentation and evaluation of emerging artificial intelligence capabilities relevant to cyber research.
Mosaic Prevention in Declassification
Research examining information aggregation and disclosure challenges associated with declassification.
AI Coding & Practices
Examines emerging AI-assisted development practices and their implications for technical research and cyber operations.
Researchers
LTC Joseph Catudal
Division Chief
LTC Jason Brown
Jack Voltaic Advisor
LTC Bruce Chojnacki
Researcher
LTC Jerome Althoff
Jack Voltaic Lead
MAJ Nathaniel Rollings
Researcher
MAJ Benjamin Allison
Researcher
MAJ Nicholas Harrell
Researcher
Dr. Lubjana Beshaj
Senior Researcher · Mathematics
Dr. Adam Lowther
Senior Researcher · Humanities