April 17, 2025
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The Defense Department’s cyber workforce challenge is front and center at the 2025 Cyber Workforce Summit, and retired Army
Lt. Gen. Susan Lawrence, now President and CEO of AFCEA International, shares powerful insights on where things stand—and where they need to go. In her conversation with Francis, Lawrence emphasizes that the need for skilled cyber professionals in government isn’t just growing—it’s urgent.
Lawrence describes the Summit, hosted in partnership with the DoD CIO’s office and held at National Defense University, as a groundbreaking event. Originally expected to draw a few hundred attendees, it exceeded expectations with over 600 registrants, illustrating the scale of interest in solving cyber workforce issues. “This is the first time we’ve done something like this,” she says, noting AFCEA’s long-standing commitment to cybersecurity as a core mission area. “Three years ago, we made cybersecurity our North Star.”
The event’s focus is laser-sharp: addressing the disconnect between the high demand for cyber talent and the relatively small pool of professionals available to fill those roles. For Lawrence, part of the solution lies in engaging young people early—especially those in K–12. “We have to get to our young children... and get them excited about science and technology,” she urges, stressing the importance of hands-on experiences that build curiosity and skills from a young age.
She also highlights how quickly the threat landscape is evolving, referring to it as “the speed of the threat.” Adversaries adapt rapidly, she says, often outpacing traditional defense strategies. To stay ahead, the U.S. must out-innovate its competitors. AFCEA has responded by working with the administration on a national innovation strategy, pushing for policies that support rapid and effective technological advancement.
Another key takeaway from the Summit is the need for flexibility in career paths. Lawrence acknowledges that today’s younger workforce is more mobile, often switching jobs every few years. Rather than resist that trend, she advocates for embracing it—by creating policies that enable professionals to move between government and industry. “It’s okay if you come in and serve in uniform for four years, go to an industry partner for a couple of years and learn that side... and come back,” she explains.
Lawrence also notes a significant shift in mindset among defense leaders: an openness to treating cyber operations as a joint effort—not just among military branches, but across the public and private sectors. “If we go to war, cyber is going to be a key first element of it,” she warns, emphasizing the importance of integrating civilian expertise into defense planning and operations.
Looking ahead to TechNet Cyber, AFCEA’s premier event, Lawrence previews a packed agenda with more side stages and deeper conversations than ever before. “This is going to be our largest side-stage show,” she says, highlighting how much demand there is across government, industry, and academia to collaborate on cyber issues.
In every part of the conversation, Lawrence conveys both urgency and optimism. The challenges are great—but so are the opportunities to build a more agile, innovative, and resilient cyber workforce.
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