MMA Cadets Excel in Spring Army JROTC Cyber Capture the Flag Competition

The Army JROTC program at Missouri Military Academy (MMA) showcased remarkable improvement in their recent participation in the Army JROTC's second Cyber Capture the Flag event for the 2023-2024 academic year. Following a strong performance in the initial competition, MMA’s cyber cadets set their sights on even greater success. The cadets secured impressive finishes, taking first, second, fourth, fifth and seventh places out of 31 competing teams. This was a significant leap from their previous standings at their first competition, where they finished second, sixth, ninth and 15^th.

The timed competition required cadets to use deductive reasoning and research skills while working in a high-stress environment. It covered wireless technology, web browsing, data storage, risk assessment, peripherals, mobile devices, malware, hardware/hardware security, cyber warfare/defense, CIA triad and cyber history.

MMA Spring 2024 Capture the Flag Competition Teams and Rankings:

• First Place: Team Chocolate Chips — Cadets Eric Shellabarger, Michael Pfeifer and Tiago Ruas
• Second Place: Team S’mores — Cadets Alexander Lazslo, William Larson and Aidan Maristany-Diaz
• Fourth Place: Team Oreos — Cadets Jose Gabriel Elizondo Villarreal, Emilio Gomez and Gabriel Rodriguez Sanchez
• Fifth Place: Team Thin Mints — Cadets Hayden James, Bret Sietsema and YiChen Chen
• Seventh Place: Team Caramel DeLites — Cadets Mbaye Diagne, Rogelio Avendano Sanchez and Charles McWilliams

The cadets' journey to success is a testament to their dedication and the comprehensive training provided by MMA’s AJROTC Cyber Program. When the cadets competed in the first competition, they had only four months of cyber training. By the second competition, they had honed their skills with nearly a full academic year of experience.

MMA’s AJROTC Cyber Program is part of the Army's initiative to integrate STEM curriculum in high schools across the nation. As one of approximately ten schools participating in the Army JROTC Cybersecurity Pilot program, MMA offers cadets a challenging and relevant experience that prepares them for careers in the cyber workforce, postsecondary studies and military service.

Cybersecurity is crucial for protecting sensitive information and maintaining national security. MMA’s cyber program equips cadets with the skills needed to address cyber threats, making them valuable assets in the workforce and military. As demand increases for cybersecurity professionals, this program opens up numerous job opportunities for cadets, ensuring a bright future in a rapidly growing field. 

Learn more about MMA’s cybersecurity program here.