Boots to Cyber DoD-approved
SkillBridge Program
Boots 2 Cyber is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) specializing in Operational Technology (OT) and Industrial Control Systems (ICS) cybersecurity for the Defense Industrial Base and critical infrastructure sectors.
We support national security by developing the next generation of OT cyber talent—transitioning service members into roles that protect industrial environments, manufacturing systems, utilities, defense contractors, and other mission-critical operations.
Program Expectations
Participants must:
- Attend required live sessions
- Complete all assigned coursework
- Maintain professional conduct
- Use their issued Boots 2 Cyber Warrior Email for all training activities
- Adhere to cybersecurity ethics and OPSEC rules
This is a hands-on program requiring consistent engagement and accountability.
Prerequisites
To maintain high employment alignment and ensure readiness, applicants must have relevant technical or operational experience to include but not limited to:
- IT, networking, cyber, or communications experience
- Electronics, avionics, signal, or systems maintenance backgrounds
- Industrial, utilities, power generation, or engineering maintenance experience
- Tactical, shipboard, aviation, or facility systems technicians with control systems exposure
- Intelligence, cyber defense, or cybersecurity operations roles
- Water, fuel, or HVAC systems technicians familiar with SCADA‑like environments
- Power distribution, electrical systems, or generator operations backgrounds
- Any role demonstrating strong troubleshooting, systems understanding, or technical aptitude
This non‑exhaustive list aligns with common military pathways that transition effectively into OT/ICS cybersecurity roles. Applicants will be evaluated on a case‑by‑case basis to determine suitability and readiness.
Applicants must also demonstrate the ability to complete a 14–15 week structured program.
These prerequisites support the SkillBridge requirement for a high probability of post-service employment.
Program Overview
Our SkillBridge program empowers transitioning service members to step confidently into the world of OT/ICS cybersecurity through immersive, hands‑on learning, real‑world scenario training, and guided skill development tailored to industrial environments.
This program is structured to build the practical skills and applied knowledge needed for OT/ICS cybersecurity roles, providing a clear and realistic pathway for participants to contribute to the protection of critical industrial environments.
The program is fully remote, offering broad accessibility while maintaining a structured learning environment. Due to required synchronous sessions, applicants in significantly different time zones (e.g., Europe or the Indo‑Pacific region) may experience scheduling limitations and will be assessed individually to ensure they can fully participate and succeed.
.
Program Duration
The program is conducted within a 120-day SkillBridge authorization window and includes comprehensive OT/ICS cybersecurity training as well as opportunities for hands-on, internship-style experience in live operational environments when available. Training pacing may vary based on platform access windows, cohort readiness, and mission-aligned opportunities.
Training Content: OT/ICS Focused
OT/ICS Cybersecurity Training Overview
Participants study a structured blend of cybersecurity and OT/ICS‑focused topics through applied learning, labs, scenarios, and the completion of digital badges and micro‑credentials. Training content includes:
Core Cyber & System Fundamentals:
- Cybersecurity fundamentals
- Linux 101
- Networking basics
- Firewalls and network security concepts
- Endpoint security principles
- API integration concepts
OT/ICS Awareness & Technical Foundations:
- ICS/OT awareness and foundational terminology
- ICS components & architectures
- OT network fundamentals and industrial communications
- IT/OT convergence considerations
- Network visibility and anomaly detection in OT environments
Threats, Risks & Industrial Cyber Defense:
- Threat landscape and threat intelligence fundamentals
- Threat actors targeting ICS and industrial systems
- Risk modeling and industrial cyber risk assessment
- Vulnerability management, scanning, and remediation workflows
- Defense‑in‑depth concepts tailored to ICS/OT environments
Applied Learning, Labs & Scenario‑Driven Training:
- Cybersecurity lab exercises
- Scenario‑based OT cyber attacks
- Blue/Red team exercises
- Incident response fundamentals for industrial environments
- Practical exposure to OT security tools, workflows, and defensive techniques (specific toolsets vary by cohort)
Micro‑Credentials & Digital Badges: Participants earn badges and micro‑credentials across all areas of study, reflecting competency in:
- Core cybersecurity and system fundamentals
- Network fundamentals
- Endpoint and network security concepts
- Vulnerability management and remediation workflows
- Security operations fundamentals
- Threat detection, intelligence, and response concepts
- OT/ICS‑specific defensive practices
- Cyber range activities, scenario‑based OT attacks, and attack emulation
- Applied lab work, hands‑on exercises, and blue/red team activities
Note: Boots 2 Cyber does not provide or require DoD 8570 industry certifications (e.g., Security+, CEH). Training emphasizes blended cybersecurity + OT/ICS skills development, applied learning, and badge‑based competency growth
Cost to Participants
In accordance with SkillBridge rules, service members do not pay for training, materials, or platform access.
All required components are covered by Boots 2 Cyber.
Employment Support
Boots 2 Cyber does not guarantee employment.
However, the program prepares participants for real-world OT/ICS roles through:
- Hands-on platform experience
- Career readiness coaching
- Resume & LinkedIn development
- Exposure to employers supporting critical infrastructure
- Practical skills aligned to entry-level OT cybersecurity expectations
Eligibility
- Active-duty service members within 180 days of separation
- Approval from the service member’s chain of command
- Fulfillment of experience prerequisites
- Commitment to all program requirements
How to Apply
- Submit an inquiry via the link below
- Complete an initial screening and prerequisite review
- Attend a one-on-one program consultation
- Receive acceptance and onboarding instructions
- Begin your SkillBridge training
