14 February 2019
To my West Point Class of 1970 Classmates,
I write to ask for your help supporting the West Point Class of 1970 Cyber Leaders Conference.
Our Army faced crushing challenges when we graduated. Each of you, in your own way, dedicated your service to our country and helped save the Army. Your efforts laid the foundation for the Army of today. I am still in uniform, and have served in combat with the men and women of our Army and they are the finest Army our country has ever fielded.
Once again, the country and the Army face a new challenge that many regard as existential. This battlefield domain did not exist when we graduated. Cyberspace is the new arena of this conflict and the battle is already joined. Three recent articles help us all understand the magnitude of the threat. David Ignatius wrote in The Washington Post, 2/8/19 (https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/the-us-military-is-quietly-launching-efforts-to-deter-russian-meddling/2019/02/07/4de5c5fa-2b19-11e9-b2fc-721718903bfc_story.html?utm_term=.66334b594f12), describing the efforts of US Cyber Command, led by Army GEN Paul Nakasone, “aggressively targeting Russian manipulation.” The Wall Street Journal, 2/9/19 (https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-internet-divided-between-the-u-s-and-china-has-become-a-battleground-11549688420), detailed China’s drive to divide the internet in two and to dominate where they are able. Finally, the Bloomberg Businessweek, 1/10/19, provided “The Digital Iron Curtain” (https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2019-01-10/china-s-digital-silk-road-is-looking-more-like-an-iron-curtain) detailing China’s construction of the Digital Silk Road in Africa. These articles spell out the dire consequences if we are not successful.
In a recent letter to each of you, LTG(R) Rhett Hernandez, West Point Cyber Chair, commended our class for initiating the West Point Class of 1970 Army Cyber Leaders Conference, which will interconnect cadets, faculty, and Army Cyber Leaders of all ranks to keep our warriors connected in real time to this fast-moving battlefield domain. I’ve actually spoken several young grads who became Cyber warriors, and who believe this conference interface will uniquely serve young officers and cadets alike. The inaugural Cyber Leader Conference can happen within a year of our 50thClass Reunion in the Spring of 2020. At just over $2 million, we’re more than 80% of our financial target goal of $2.5 million, so we still need your financial support to make the Class of 1970 Cyber Leaders Conference a reality.
Many years ago, generous class members created the Class of 1970 National Conference on Ethics in America. This conference thrives today as an invaluable contribution to West Point cadets and countless others. We are very close to making the Cyber Leaders Conference a perpetual contribution of the Class of 1970 to West Point, to the Army, and to our country.
I close with a big thank you to all who have made or will make an effort to provide what is within your means to support the Class of 1970 Cyber Leaders Conference and celebrate this contribution during our upcoming reunion.
“Serve with Integrity”
Fred Lough, COL, MC, USA
Online Donation: www.westpointaog.org/giveto70
