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Summary of DoD Manual 8140.03 - Cyberspace Workforce Qualification and Management Program

The Department of Defense (DoD) has recently released the DoD Manual 8140.03, which outlines the Cyberspace Workforce Qualification and Management Program. The program is designed to develop and maintain a skilled and qualified cyberspace workforce that can operate in coordination with warfighters, businesses, and mission system owners. The manual includes five sections, with each section providing details on different aspects of the program.

Purpose

The DoD Manual 8140.03 serves a crucial purpose in implementing policy, assigning responsibilities, and prescribing procedures for the qualification of personnel identified as members of the DoD cyberspace workforce. The manual plays a significant role in identifying members of the DoD cyberspace workforce based on the cyberspace work role(s) of the position(s) assigned.

The primary objective of the manual is to establish a standardized framework for qualifying personnel within the DoD’s cyberspace workforce. By defining the cyberspace work roles and establishing the qualifications required for each role, the manual ensures that individuals possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform their duties effectively.

For example, the manual outlines certifications and training requirements for different cyberspace work roles. These requirements may include certifications such as CompTIA Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), among others. By setting these standards, the manual ensures that individuals in the DoD cyberspace workforce possess industry-recognized qualifications.

Additionally, the manual assigns responsibilities to various entities involved in the qualification and management of the DoD cyberspace workforce. This includes cybersecurity program managers, cybersecurity workforce development offices, and cybersecurity education and training providers. By clearly defining these roles and responsibilities, the manual ensures effective coordination and collaboration among different stakeholders.

Overall, the DoD Manual 8140.03 plays a vital role in establishing a qualified and capable DoD cyberspace workforce. It provides a framework for identifying, training, and managing personnel based on their specific cyberspace work roles, ensuring that the DoD is equipped with skilled cybersecurity professionals who can effectively defend against evolving threats in the digital landscape.

For more detailed information on the purpose and implementation of the DoD Manual 8140.03, you can refer to the manual itself or visit the official DoD website for additional resources and documentation.

Applicability

The DoD Manual 8140.03 is applicable to a wide range of entities within the Department of Defense (DoD) and outlines the qualifications and requirements for personnel assigned to positions requiring the performance of cyberspace work. The manual’s applicability extends to various DoD components and organizational entities, including:

  • OSD (Office of the Secretary of Defense)
  • Military Departments
  • Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS) and the Joint Staff
  • Combatant Commands
  • Office of Inspector General of the Department of Defense
  • Defense Agencies
  • DoD Field Activities
  • Other organizational entities within the DoD

The manual ensures that all DoD personnel assigned to positions involving cyberspace work adhere to the qualifications and standards outlined in DoDI 8140.02. This instruction provides specific guidance on the identification and classification of cyberspace work roles.

For example, DoDI 8140.02 identifies various cyberspace work roles such as Cybersecurity Analysts, Information Systems Security Professionals, Cyber Operations Planners, and more. These roles require individuals to possess specific knowledge, skills, and abilities to effectively perform their duties.

By implementing the guidelines and requirements outlined in the DoD Manual 8140.03, the DoD ensures that personnel across different components and organizational entities possess the necessary qualifications and competencies to carry out cyberspace work. This helps strengthen the DoD’s overall cybersecurity posture and ensures the protection of critical information and systems.

For more information on the applicability of the DoD Manual 8140.03, you can refer to the manual itself or consult DoDI 8140.02 for specific details on cyberspace work roles and their requirements.

Responsibilities

Section 2 of the DoD Manual 8140.03 outlines the responsibilities of various entities involved in managing the cyberspace workforce within the Department of Defense (DoD). These responsibilities ensure effective qualification and management of personnel engaged in cyberspace work. Some of the highlighted responsibilities include:

  • The DoD Chief Information Officer (CIO) collaborates with other entities to provide recommendations to the Cyberspace Workforce Management Board (CWMB) for approval regarding the development of DoD cyberspace workforce metrics. This collaboration helps in establishing standardized metrics to assess the proficiency and capabilities of the cyberspace workforce.

  • The Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness (USD(P&R)) provides oversight and prescribes human resources guidance, develops recommendations for training and education, and identifies manpower and personnel systems for data capture. This oversight ensures the availability of qualified personnel, adequate training programs, and effective human resource management within the cyberspace workforce.

  • The Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security (USD(I&S)) oversees the development and management of intelligence (cyberspace) workforce element work roles and coordinates qualification data collection. This ensures the alignment of intelligence-related cyberspace work roles with established qualification standards and the collection of necessary qualification data.

  • The Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) and DoD Component heads provide recommendations to the CWMB for approval regarding the development of policies, procedures, and processes required to manage the cyberspace workforce. This collaborative effort aims to establish consistent policies and processes that govern the qualification and management of personnel involved in cyberspace work across the DoD.

By clearly defining these responsibilities, the DoD ensures a coordinated and effective approach to the qualification and management of its cyberspace workforce. It enables the development of standardized metrics, appropriate training and education programs, and the implementation of policies and procedures that support the overall objectives of the Cyberspace Workforce Qualification and Management Program.

For further information on the responsibilities outlined in Section 2 of the manual, please refer to the DoD Manual 8140.03 itself for specific details.

Qualification Program Objectives and Procedures

The DoD Manual 8140.03 outlines the Qualification Program objectives and procedures, which aim to develop and sustain a skilled and capable cyberspace workforce within the Department of Defense (DoD). This program utilizes the DoD Cyberspace Workforce Framework (DCWF) to establish a common understanding of cyberspace concepts, principles, and applications. The Qualification Program consists of foundational, resident, and Continuous Professional Development (CPD) requirements.

Some of the highlighted objectives and procedures of the Qualification Program include:

  • Qualification Requirements for Cyberspace Workforce Positions: DoD personnel filling cyberspace workforce positions are required to be qualified and operate in coordination with warfighters, businesses, and mission system owners. This ensures that individuals in these positions possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) to effectively contribute to cyberspace operations.

  • Continuous Review and Update of KSAs: The KSAs of the DoD cyberspace workforce are continuously reviewed and updated to align with evolving cyberspace technologies, threats, and best practices. This ensures that the workforce remains current and capable of addressing emerging challenges in the cyberspace domain.

  • Foundational and Resident Qualification Requirements: DoD civilian employees and Service members assigned to cyberspace work roles must achieve the foundational and resident qualification requirements within specific timelines. Civilian employees have 9 months, while Service members have 12 months to complete these requirements. This ensures that personnel receive the necessary training and education to perform their roles effectively.

  • Management of Qualification Requirements: The Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) and DoD Components are responsible for managing the development and implementation of qualification requirements in the resident and CPD areas. This involves defining the specific knowledge and skills needed for each work role and establishing processes to assess and validate the qualification of personnel.

  • Qualification Requirements for Contractors: Contractors engaged in cyberspace work must meet foundational qualification requirements upon commencing their assignments. This ensures that even contractors working alongside DoD personnel possess the necessary qualifications to contribute to cyberspace operations.

By implementing these objectives and procedures, the DoD ensures that its cyberspace workforce is equipped with the required knowledge and skills to support its mission. The Qualification Program promotes continuous learning, adherence to standards, and a coordinated approach to workforce development within the cyberspace domain.

For more detailed information on the Qualification Program objectives and procedures, refer to Section X of the DoD Manual 8140.03.

Qualification Areas

Section 3 of the manual details the qualification areas for the DoD cyberspace workforce. The Qualification Program includes three qualification areas: foundational, resident, and CPD. The following are some of the highlighted areas and requirements:

Foundational Qualification Areas

Foundational Qualification Areas

The DoD Cyberspace Workforce Qualification and Management Program outlines the qualifications required for each DoD Cyberspace Work Role at up to three levels of proficiency. These qualifications are categorized into Foundational, Resident, and Continuous Professional Development (CPD) requirements, aimed at developing and sustaining a skilled and qualified cyberspace workforce. The program ensures that the workforce can effectively operate in coordination with warfighters, businesses, and mission system owners.

The Foundational Qualification Areas encompass education, training, and personnel certifications that provide the fundamental knowledge and skills needed for cyberspace work roles. These areas lay the groundwork for building expertise in specific disciplines within the cyberspace domain.

Some of the highlighted bullet points from Section 3 of DoD Manual 8140.03 (DoDM 8140.03) related to the foundational qualification areas include:

  • Education: The program identifies specific education requirements that individuals need to meet to qualify for cyberspace work roles. This may include degrees or certifications in relevant fields such as computer science, cybersecurity, or information technology.

  • Training: The program emphasizes the importance of training to develop practical skills and hands-on experience in cyberspace operations. This may involve completion of specific training courses or programs that cover topics such as network security, incident response, or secure coding practices.

  • Personnel Certifications: To validate expertise and demonstrate proficiency in specific areas of cyberspace operations, individuals may be required to obtain industry-recognized certifications. These certifications serve as proof of competence and provide assurance of the individual’s ability to perform their assigned cyberspace work role effectively.

By focusing on these foundational qualification areas, the DoD Cyberspace Workforce Qualification and Management Program ensures that individuals possess the necessary knowledge and skills to contribute to cyberspace operations. This comprehensive approach to workforce development plays a vital role in strengthening the DoD’s cybersecurity posture and ensuring the protection of critical information systems.

Education:

  • A secondary education diploma or equivalent is required for all DoD Cyberspace Work Roles at all proficiency levels.
  • Higher education and degree discipline requirements are evaluated and enacted on a role-by-role basis, ensuring that individuals possess the necessary academic background for their specific cyberspace work role.
  • In some cases, continuous work experience in the relevant discipline can be demonstrated as an alternative to a formal degree. This recognizes the value of practical, hands-on experience in the cyberspace domain.
  • DoD Components are responsible for establishing processes to document, review, validate, and approve continuous cyberspace work, ensuring that individuals without formal degrees can showcase their expertise.
  • When considering education qualifications, OSD and DoD Components are encouraged to leverage the expertise and guidance provided by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and National Security Agency (NSA) Centers of Academic Excellence. These centers promote excellence in cybersecurity education and can offer valuable insights into educational requirements for cyberspace work roles.

By outlining the education requirements for each work role, the DoD Cyberspace Workforce Qualification and Management Program ensures that individuals have the necessary educational foundation to perform their assigned duties effectively. Whether through formal degrees or continuous work experience, education plays a critical role in developing a skilled and competent cyberspace workforce.

Training:

  • Training programs within the DoD Cyberspace Workforce Qualification and Management Program must cover 70% of the core task and KSA content of the work role, aligned with the applicable proficiency level. This ensures that individuals receive comprehensive training specific to their assigned cyberspace responsibilities.
  • Approved training must be completed within the past 5 years, ensuring that individuals stay updated with the latest knowledge and skills in the rapidly evolving cyberspace domain. However, individuals with continuous work experience in the relevant discipline can demonstrate their ongoing competence without time restrictions.
  • OSD and DoD Components are responsible for documenting a list of acceptable training offerings and their relevance to specific work roles and proficiency levels. These offerings are then submitted to the Cyberspace Workforce Management Board (CWMB) for inclusion in the appropriate work role qualification matrix. This centralized approval process ensures that training aligns with program requirements.
  • It’s important to note that all external training offerings, whether government-developed, sponsored, or commercial products, require prior approval from the CWMB to ensure compliance with the program’s standards and criteria.

By establishing clear guidelines for training, the DoD Cyberspace Workforce Qualification and Management Program ensures that individuals receive the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively perform their cyberspace work roles. The program promotes continuous learning and up-to-date training, enabling the cyberspace workforce to stay proficient in their respective domains.

Personnel Certifications:

  • Personnel certifications within the DoD Cyberspace Workforce Qualification and Management Program must be accredited to the International Organization for Standards/International Electrotechnical Commission Standard 17024. This ensures that certifications meet rigorous international standards and provide credibility and recognition in the cyberspace field.
  • To maintain their relevancy, certifications must undergo annual review and re-accreditation within 5 years. This ensures that certified individuals stay updated with the latest industry practices and technological advancements.
  • The experience foundational qualification option offers an alternative path to validate and document knowledge acquired through practical experience in performing the tasks of a work role or multiple work roles within a DoD environment. This recognizes the value of hands-on experience in building expertise and provides flexibility in meeting the qualification requirements.

To achieve qualification in the personnel certifications area, individuals must complete the on-the-job qualification component of the qualification matrix. This component assesses the practical application of knowledge and skills in real-world cyberspace work environments. For areas not yet defined in the qualification matrix, the DoD Directive 8140.01 evaluates and recommends the appropriate qualification requirements.

Components within the DoD are responsible for establishing processes to document, review, validate, and approve continuous cyberspace work. This ensures that individuals’ ongoing experience and contributions are recognized and contribute to their qualification progression.

The experience foundational qualification option provides a valuable mechanism to validate and document knowledge gained through actual work experience, further enhancing the credibility and relevance of the qualification program.

Resident Qualification Areas

The resident qualification areas within the DoD Cyberspace Workforce Qualification and Management Program are tailored to each specific work role. The training provided in these areas covers all the essential tasks and Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) relevant to the respective work role. It ensures that individuals acquire the necessary expertise and proficiency required for their assigned responsibilities.

The development and implementation of qualification requirements in the resident and Continuous Professional Development (CPD) areas are managed by the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) and DoD Components. This ensures consistency and alignment with the overall goals of the qualification program.

Upon completion of the foundational and resident qualification requirements, individuals are eligible to engage in CPD activities to maintain and enhance their competence. To fulfill the requirements of this issuance, individuals must participate in a minimum of 20 hours per year of CPD or education activities. These activities serve to keep professionals up to date with emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in the ever-evolving cyberspace domain.

Cyberspace Personnel Information Management

Cyberspace Personnel Information Management is a critical component of the DoD’s efforts to ensure a qualified and ready cyberspace workforce. It involves maintaining comprehensive knowledge of the cyberspace workforce position requirements and ensuring that qualified personnel are available to fulfill these roles.

To support effective management, the DoD leverages existing manpower and personnel systems to gather and report essential workforce information. These systems play a crucial role in capturing and maintaining accurate data on the skills, qualifications, and readiness of cyberspace personnel.

By leveraging these information management systems, the DoD can make informed decisions regarding the allocation of resources, training and education initiatives, and the overall development of the cyberspace workforce. This proactive approach enables the DoD to effectively meet mission requirements and address emerging challenges in the dynamic cyberspace domain.

Conclusion

The DoD Cyberspace Workforce Qualification and Management Program is a vital initiative that aims to develop and maintain a skilled and qualified cyberspace workforce capable of effectively collaborating with warfighters, businesses, and mission system owners. This comprehensive program establishes qualifications for each DCWF work role at multiple levels of proficiency.

The program encompasses foundational, resident, and Continuous Professional Development (CPD) requirements, ensuring the continuous development and sustainability of the cyberspace workforce. Foundational qualification areas encompass education, training, and personnel certifications, enabling individuals to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in their roles.

To facilitate effective training, the program provides a list of approved training offerings and their relevance to specific work roles and proficiency levels. This ensures that personnel receive high-quality training aligned with their responsibilities and career progression.

By setting qualification requirements and performance standards, the DoD Cyberspace Workforce Qualification and Management Program establishes a robust foundation for a competent and capable cyberspace workforce. This workforce plays a critical role in safeguarding the DoD’s information systems and networks from cyber threats.

Furthermore, the program emphasizes the importance of ongoing training and professional development to keep personnel abreast of emerging trends, technologies, and threats in the dynamic cyberspace domain. This commitment to continuous learning enables the workforce to adapt to evolving challenges and maintain a proactive approach to cybersecurity.

In conclusion, the DoD Cyberspace Workforce Qualification and Management Program is a vital framework that ensures the DoD possesses a skilled and capable workforce to defend and secure its information systems and networks. By promoting qualification standards and fostering professional growth, this program strengthens the DoD’s cybersecurity posture in an ever-evolving threat landscape.