The U.S. Department of Defense recently announced a program that will strengthen cyber defenses and the defense industrial base’s capacity to compete in the cyber domain.
The Cyber Mastery Incentive Pay (C-MIP) program, which will launch on Oct. 1, will modernize how the department incentivizes its Cyberspace Operations Forces assigned to U.S. Cyber Command. It links pay directly to certified skill mastery and the performance of exceptionally demanding duties. There will be two types of pay.
Skill Incentive Pay will reward work role skill level as established by U.S. Cyber Command. The goal is to encourage soldiers to pursue continuous technical growth.
Special Duty Pay will reward specialists who grow their skills by serving as instructors, certified work role trainers or in advanced cyber duties. It will be a monthly incentive for members performing duties that Cyber Command designates as exceptionally demanding.
“Cyber domain capabilities are high-demand, low-density skill sets critical to our daily warfighting operations,” Anthony Tata, under secretary of defense for personnel and readiness, said. “It is a strategic initiative to attract, develop, and retain the specialized workforce needed to counter threats, deter aggression, and dominate the cyber domain.”
The assistant secretary of defense for cyber policy will oversee the C-MIP framework.