Forge Institute & Arkansas Aerospace and Defense Alliance Partner to Boost Veteran Talent and Cybersecurity for Arkansas’ Defense Industry
This partnership will enhance Arkansas’ aerospace and defense sectors by providing access to transitioning service members, upskilling talent, and providing cybersecurity services to help thwart malicious hackers.
Today, the Forge Institute announced a strategic partnership with the Arkansas Aerospace & Defense Alliance (AADA). This partnership will boost access to veteran talent, enhance the cybersecurity capabilities of the aerospace & defense industry in Arkansas, and drive innovation collaborations to support national defense.
BOOSTING ACCESS TO VETERAN TALENT
The continued growth of the aerospace and defense economy in the state creates high-demand, high-paying jobs, especially for those individuals with technical experience and security clearances. One of the most readily available sources of candidates for these positions is the nationwide pool of transitioning service members, a portion of which are part of the Forge Fellowship program. According to the US Department of Labor, over 200,000 service members transition to the civilian workforce annually.
The Forge Fellowship is Forge Institute’s implementation of the DoD SkillBridge program, which allows service members to gain hands-on experiences in the civilian workforce for up to the last 180 days of their military service. The Forge Fellowship actively recruits transitioning service members from installations all over the world with the goal of bringing qualified candidates to meet the needs of Arkansas’ industries. These Fellows have access to a variety of bootcamps and courses at the Forge Academy, and access to partner training and on-the-job-learning opportunities.
“Since the Forge Fellowship began two years ago, our team has already made an impact in the lives of 120 service members and dozens of companies across Arkansas. As a 20-year veteran of the United States Marine Corps, I have a personal interest in the success of our service members as they transition into their new civilian careers. By partnering with the AADA, we are able to provide our Fellows with access to rewarding career opportunities within Arkansas’ aerospace and defense industry. Whether as an aircraft mechanic, cyber operator, or any other occupation, our Fellows have the opportunity to directly contribute to Arkansas’ economic growth.” Kenny Willoughby, Managing Director, Forge Fellowship
“Forge Institute adds to the strategic depth that Arkansas brings to National Defense by offering some of the best veteran transition and employment opportunities. The majority of transitioning veterans want to continue serving in their communities, and Little Rock Air Force Base, along with other military installations in Arkansas, offers a diverse professional workforce ready to contribute. I can attest to the incredible civilian partnerships due to my last position as the 19 Airlift Wing Command Chief, and have seen many service members benefit from Forge Institute’s Fellowship program. Their program put me in the best position for a job at the state’s biggest and best general construction company, allowing me to use my experience to advocate for and advise service members as they transition, in collaboration with Forge Institute.” Nicholas Tonino, CMSgt (Ret), Project Manager, Nabholz Corporation
There are multiple ways for transitioning service members to contribute. For example, there is a growing need for aircraft mechanics and technicians in Fort Smith, AR. Nabholz Construction Corporation, a member of the AADA, is also looking for qualified service members and construction professionals through the Forge Fellowship. Transitioning service members, regardless of their previous career field or skill sets, can find opportunities related to their previous experience, or help them transition into a new endeavor.
“The partnership with Forge Institute marks a significant milestone for AADA in fortifying the aerospace and defense sectors of Arkansas. This collaboration not only broadens our horizons in terms of expertise and resources but also opens up new pathways for our members to access talent, training, and cyber support. This partnership is a critical component of our state's defense sector infrastructure." Chad Causey, Executive Director, Arkansas Aerospace & Defense Alliance
According to the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, the aerospace/aviation sector is Arkansas’ leading export while defense is ranked third. This fast growing sector is leading the way in high-demand, high-paying job creation and economic growth for the state.
ENHANCING CYBERSECURITY CAPABILITIES OF THE DEFENSE INDUSTRIAL BASE (DIB)
The aerospace and defense sector is also under attack from malicious, nation-state cyber entities. According to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), nation-state actors are responsible for approximately 80% of all cyber incidents in the aerospace and defense sector, and there has been a 50% increase in cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure, including aerospace and defense, over the past year.
Through this partnership, Forge Institute will help enhance AADA’s member organizations compliance with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) requirements. In order to do business with the DoD, over 300,000 organizations will be required to be compliant with CMMC requirements. Forge Institute will promote best practices, offer training, and perform cyber assessments to support compliance with DoD cybersecurity requirements. Additionally, it will provide access to an incident support line to help protect sensitive unclassified information shared with contractors and subcontractors. Upcoming workshops and seminars will help small businesses understand not only the technical requirements but how to build a roadmap towards compliance that they can afford.
DRIVING INNOVATION FOR NATIONAL DEFENSE
Forge Fellows also participate in the Forge Institute Summit. This annual event focuses on bringing together academia, industry, the military, the intelligence community, and others to build trusted relationships with a singular purpose - to understand risks and forge collaborations to robust our nation’s defenses. Last year’s Summit saw over 390 registrations which included 7 military units, 13 colleges and universities, 137 companies and critical infrastructure organizations, and 34 government agencies from 20 states. Previous speakers have been from the Arkansas National Guard, the intelligence community, major cybersecurity vendors, critical infrastructure leaders, national defense hawks, and members of the Arkansas Congressional Delegation. The Summit ignites collaboration to support cyber defense, leverage emerging technologies, and enhances the region’s growth as the arsenal of democracy.
Forge Institute is also prioritizing the growth of a sustainable, defense-focused innovation ecosystem in Arkansas and the region. The recently announced Phoenix Xcelerator is a 12-week startup accelerator program for aerospace and defense companies looking to accelerate their innovation to mission. The Embers Xcelerator is a 12-week pre-accelerator program supporting lab-to-market tech commercialization, new entrepreneurs, students, and researchers looking to make the leap to entrepreneurship.
“Forge Institute’s advanced research & development, startup, and other defense programs leverage robust partners across academia, industry, federal labs, and military mission owners to forge alliances to support innovative solutions that help solve critical homeland and national defense challenges. And it’s happening right here in Arkansas.” Lee Watson, Chairman & CEO, Forge Institute
Arkansas companies wishing to learn more about Forge Institute’s programs should visit www.forge.institute.
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Key Facts
Forge Institute and the Arkansas Aerospace and Defense Alliance (AADA) have partnered to create a more robust cybersecurity environment for members of the AADA.
The partnership creates a pathway to a trusted and qualified pool of transitioning service-members seeking employment in the aerospace and defense industries. Forge will also leverage its other programs and private-public partnerships to further enhance these industries.
Arkansas’ Aerospace and Defense Industries are the state’s leading exports.
