Since 2008, UMBC Training Centers has served as a trusted training partner to the United States Air Force, delivering specialized technical and leadership development programs that have prepared nearly 800 Airmen for critical roles in Cyberspace Operations.
Client Background
Organization: United States Air Force
Primary Training Focus: Cyberspace Operations, Infrastructure Support, Network Analysis, Leadership Development, and On-Net Operations
Partnership Duration: 17+ years (2008–Present)
Training Model: On-demand group courses and open enrollment options
Challenge
The US Air Force required flexible, high-quality training solutions to:
- Build and maintain critical cyber warfare capabilities across multiple installations
- Upskill Airmen to meet emerging cybersecurity workforce demands
- Prepare personnel for specialized roles including Endpoint Analyst, Interactive On-Net (ION) Operator, and Infrastructure Support
- Provide leadership development alongside technical skill-building
- Support geographically distributed units across Maryland, Texas, Georgia, and Hawaii
The USAF needed a training partner capable of delivering cutting-edge technical content without the constraints of long-term contracting arrangements, allowing for maximum operational flexibility.
Solution
Over the years, UMBC Training Centers repeatedly developed and delivered the training programs needed to meet USAF operational requirements at the time of request.
Training Delivery Model
- 75 customized group courses serving 734 Airmen
- 60 Airmen trained through open enrollment courses
- Total trained: 794 Airmen
- Flexible engagement: No long-term contracts required, enabling rapid response to changing mission needs
Specialized Cohort Program
We designed and implemented the Digital Network Exploitation Analyst Course (DNEAC), a cohort-based reskilling program that ran for three iterations. This program successfully transitioned Airmen from other career fields into high-demand cyber roles:
- Endpoint Analyst
- Interactive On-Net (ION) Operator
- Infrastructure Support specialist
Geographic Reach
Training was provided to USAF Cyber Operations units across several CONUS and OCONUS locations including:
- Maryland
- Texas
- Georgia
- Hawaii
Course Offerings
Leadership & Professional Development
- Emotional Intelligence for Leaders
- Leadership and Communication
- Leadership Development Program (LDP)
- Critical Thinking, Logical Reasoning, and Structured Analytic Techniques
- SHRM – CP/SCP (Human Resources certification)
Engineering
- Fundamentals of Engineering – Civil
- Fundamentals of Engineering – Power
- Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP)
Core IT & Cybersecurity Skills
Programming & Development:
Operating Systems:
- Linux User Fundamentals and Administration
- Red Hat Linux (124, 134, 135, 190, 199)
- Windows Internals and Command Line Interface
Networking:
Security & Analysis:
- EC-Council CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)
- EC-Council CHFI (Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator)
- ISC2 CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Pentest+
- CompTIA CySA+
- Introduction to Malware Analysis
- Intermediate Malware Analysis
- Malware Triage
Advanced Cyber Operations:
- Metasploit Framework
- Penetration Testing Methodology
- Persistent Attack & Exploitation
Results & Impact
Quantitative Outcomes
- 794 Airmen trained across 17 years
- 75 customized group courses delivered
- 4 states with active training operations
- 3 successful cohorts of DNEAC graduates reskilled into critical cyber roles
Qualitative Impact
- Enhanced mission readiness for a number of USAF units
- Successfully bridged skill gaps through targeted reskilling programs
- Maintained operational flexibility through on-demand training model
- Built sustainable cyber workforce capabilities across multiple installations
Strategic Value
Our partnership demonstrated that high-impact training can be delivered effectively without long-term contractual commitments, providing the USAF with:
- Rapid response to emerging training needs
- Cost-effective skill development
- Adaptability to changing mission requirements
- Access to current industry certifications and methodologies
Broader Government Impact
Beyond the Air Force, our training solutions have supported:
- Other military branches: Army, Navy, Marine Corps
- DoD agencies: NSA, DISA
- Federal civilian agencies: SSA, DHS, Bureau of the Fiscal Service (US Treasury)
Conclusion
Our enduring partnership with the United States Air Force demonstrates our ability to deliver mission-critical training that adapts to evolving operational needs. From foundational IT skills to advanced cyber operations, we have consistently provided the USAF with the training solutions necessary to maintain technological superiority and mission readiness.
The flexibility of our engagement model, combined with the breadth and depth of our course catalog, has made us a reliable partner for building the Air Force’s cyber workforce—one Airman at a time.
For more information about our training capabilities or to discuss how we can support your organization’s requirements, please contact us to arrange a consultation.