Civil Air Patrol team seeks second consecutive national championship

Published Feb. 19, 2013

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- The Colorado Springs Civil Air Patrol cadet squadron at Peterson AFB has advanced to the national finals of CyberPatriot March 14-15 in Washington, D.C. The team returns to the finals to defend its 2012 title against 13 other finalists from across the United States.

This event is the largest cyber security competition in the world, with 1,225 teams participating to defend their networks against simulated cyber attacks.

"This competition showcases some of the brightest young people in the country and opens the door for lifelong opportunities," said Lt. Col. Jeff Mueller, Colorado Springs Cadet Squadron CAP commander. "These cadets distinguish themselves on a national stage. Civil and military leaders take notice."

This all-volunteer team trains several hours per week under the instruction of Capt. Bill Blatchley, CAP coach.

"I am so proud of how these students study and practice. I am confident we will succeed again this year," Blatchley said.

CSCS is one of three CAP teams to make the finals and has some of the most junior members of all of the finalists.

CyberPatriot is open to all junior ROTC high school units and CAP squadrons in the United States. Teams consist of two to six members with two coaches. Established in 2009, CyberPatriot is designed to inspire students to pursue careers in cyber security or other science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines. Finalists of this cyber defense competition receive scholarships, prizes from sponsors and often make connections that lead to internships and jobs in government and the private sector.

CAP is the official U.S. Air Force auxiliary and is open to all U.S. citizens aged 12 and older. It is predominately made up of volunteers who are not members of the Air Force. The CSCS focuses on cadet (members aged 12-21) training activities including ground search and rescue, and air navigation. The CSCS has 60 members and is one of the largest squadrons in the Colorado CAP.

The CSCS has the opportunity to be the first team to win CyberPatriot twice. They are the only team from Colorado to advance to the national finals.

Civil Air Patrol cyber competition