The Daily Scoop Podcast

Episode: The US Military’s Cyber Priorities

Date: February 24, 2026
Host: Billy Mitchell
Panelists:

• Wanda Jones Heath (Principal Cyber Advisor, Department of the Air Force)
• Ann Marie Schumann (Principal Cyber Advisor, Department of the Navy)
• Brandon Pugh (Principal Cyber Advisor, US Army)
• Dave Galapo (Senior Director for Full Spectrum Cyber, GDIT)

Overview

In this episode, Billy Mitchell moderates an insightful panel from CyberTalks, bringing together the Principal Cyber Advisors (PCAs) from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, as well as a senior industry leader, to discuss the evolving role and integration of cyber operations in US military strategy. The conversation addresses cyber's transformation from a support function to a core enabler in both kinetic (traditional warfare) and non-kinetic (cyber, information) military operations. Additionally, the panel examines operational technology (OT) cybersecurity, organizational evolution of the PCA role, the new Cyber Force generation model, and the importance of interagency and industry collaboration.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Cyber as a Core Military Enabler

[05:21–09:29]

• Integrated Deterrence: All panelists emphasized the cultural shift in the military recognizing cyber as indispensable for operational planning and mission execution, both independently and alongside kinetic operations.
  • Wanda Jones Heath: “We are in a cultural shift where cyber is at the table. We’re involved in operational plans, and it’s very important that we are now doing exercises ... integrated into operational plans. They understand and they know what cyber brings to the table." [05:52]
• Joint and Service-Centric Innovation: Ann Marie Schumann highlighted joint operations and how each branch is innovating to meet unique mission needs.
  • “There is a growing realization of ... not only the joint importance, but the importance for our unique service missions as well. And that has been a huge leap forward.” [08:35]
• Industry Perspective: Dave Galapo underscored the extensive policy, planning, and T&E (test & evaluation) efforts required to meaningfully combine cyber and kinetic effects, stressing it's “not as simple as a cyber effect along with kinetic.” [09:34]

2. Defensive Cyber Operations & Operational Technology Protection

[11:03–14:52]

• Purple Team Approach: GDIT is evolving to a ‘purple team’ model, blending offensive (red team) and defensive (blue team) strategies for enhanced OT security.
  • Dave Galapo: “What can you take from the offensive side and assist the defensive side? So think blue team … and adding a red team offensive scope to that, making a purple team…” [11:24]
• Cybersecurity by Design: The Navy is embedding cybersecurity at every stage of its new “Golden Fleet” build—especially critical as adversaries increasingly target afloat OT systems. [11:47]
• Interagency Coordination: Brandon Pugh described the Army’s efforts to pilot prioritization of critical installations and collaborate with civilian agencies to harden infrastructure outside the “wire.” [12:50]
  • “If a military base is disrupted—think they don’t have power, electric, gas—how can we move soldiers and their equipment… That’s a real concern for us.” [13:16]
• OT Cyber Workforce: All agreed on a scarcity of professionals specialized in OT cybersecurity, highlighting the need for deeper partnerships and new acquisition models.
  • Schumann: “One challenge that we’re all facing … is the low density of the skill set when it comes to OT cybersecurity … acquisition reform is really pushing us to partner from the beginning...” [14:52]

3. Evolution and Institutionalization of the PCA Role

[16:10–21:07]

• Establishing Authority and Collaboration:
  • Wanda Jones Heath detailed the process of carving out PCA authority, nurturing stakeholder relationships, and advocating for cyber interests across decades-old institutions.
    • "We have palming actions, ... we're invited to meetings without being asked. So we're not forgotten anymore." [17:34]
  • Ann Marie Schumann described shifting from strategy development (her predecessor’s task) to active implementation and institutionalization.
    • “[I] would much rather be in an implementation phase than a strategy writing phase.” [18:37]
  • Brandon Pugh approached the new role by maximizing value for Army leadership and integrating cyber considerations into rapid modernization and acquisition reform.
    • “How are we getting cyber and tech capabilities in the hands of soldiers quickly? Not in a matter of years, but ... 30 to 45 days.” [19:41]
• Industry's Evolving Relationship:
  • Dave Galapo explained that, with PCAs in place, industry partners are brought into strategic conversations much earlier, shifting from traditional client-provider to genuine collaborators. [20:34]

4. USCYBERCOM 2.0 and Cyber Force Generation Model

[21:07–25:54]

• People and Structures:
  • Brandon Pugh and Ann Marie Schumann emphasized the revised force generation model’s focus on recruitment, training, retention, and aligning forces with USCYBERCOM’s operational needs.
    • “How are we presenting the right forces to US Cybercom and making sure we retain the right forces for our cyber?” [21:49]
• Collaboration and Speed:
  • The new model demands rapid policy, process, and resourcing changes, with daily cross-component engagement and significant leadership buy-in.
    • Schumann: “This is a full speed ahead, all involved, all hands on deck effort. It is going to move very fast...” [23:16]
    • “We don’t want to just create unicorns, we need herds of unicorns.” [24:14]
• Industry’s Support Role:
  • Galapo noted industry’s parallel need to recruit and clear qualified personnel, even running programs to expose children to future cyber careers. [25:05]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Wanda Jones Heath: “We are at the table ... not forgotten anymore.” [17:34]
• Ann Marie Schumann: “I would much rather be in an implementation phase than a strategy writing phase. So that allows me to really run, hopefully not with scissors too often, but if necessary, quickly after the objectives...” [18:40]
• Brandon Pugh: "How are we getting cyber and tech capabilities in the hands of soldiers quickly? Not in a matter of years, but ... 30 to 45 days.” [19:41]
• Dave Galapo: “We need to get people who are not the cyber operators, but provide support to the cyber operators … starting at ridiculously young age to get them thinking about the mindset of what’s needed to support cyber efforts." [25:05]
• Panel Joke:
  • Billy Mitchell: "Do you take five year olds? I have a five year old. Kidding. Maybe too early." [25:54]
• Panel Achievement:
  • Brandon Pugh: "I think our first time, by the way. Look at that. You take credit for the first time." [26:11]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [05:21] Cyber's rising role in integrated defense strategies (Air Force/Wanda Jones Heath)
• [06:39] Army cyber transformation and investment priorities (Brandon Pugh)
• [08:14] Navy’s commitment and operational innovation (Ann Marie Schumann)
• [09:29] Industry partnership and kinetic/non-kinetic integration (Dave Galapo)
• [11:03] OT cybersecurity and purple team approach (Galapo, Schumann, Pugh, Jones Heath)
• [16:10] The evolution and institutionalization of the PCA role
• [21:07] Cyber Force generation, recruitment and retention (Pugh, Schumann, Galapo)

Summary Table

| Segment | Main Topics | Speakers | Time | |---------|---------------------------------------------------------------|----------------|-------| | 1 | Cyber as military core enabler, culture shift | All | 05:21–09:29 | | 2 | OT security, purple teams, workforce challenges | All | 11:03–14:52 | | 3 | PCA role evolution and impact | Advisors, Galapo| 16:10–21:07 | | 4 | Force generation model, USCYBERCOM 2.0, people focus | Pugh, Schumann, Galapo| 21:07–25:54 |

Tone & Final Thoughts

This episode balanced strategic policy insights with frank operational realities and organizational change stories. The tone was collaborative, occasionally light (see the “five year old” quip), but always focused on responsibility and urgent transformation. Across all segments, speakers emphasized joint action, speed, the importance of people, and the need for earlier industry engagement to keep America’s military ahead in the cyber domain.

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