Chicopee partners with Air Force Reserve to strengthen cybersecurity

SMSgt. Cassie Beauchene discusses the Innovative Readiness Training program and the work that was completed in Chicopee.
Reminder Publishing photo by Tyler Garnet

CHICOPEE — As cyberattacks continue to pose growing risks to municipalities nationwide, Chicopee is teaming up with the Air Force Reserve to test and strengthen its digital infrastructure through an Innovative Readiness Training mission.

The Air Force Reserve hosted a Cyber Chicopee Innovative Readiness Training distinguished visitors day on July 21 to discuss the program, the scope and how other communities can apply.

The Cyber Chicopee mission was led by the Air Force Reserve, in partnership with the city of Chicopee, and supported by the Active-Duty Air Force and Massachusetts Air National Guard Components from July 13-24.

Innovative Readiness Training delivers opportunities for service members to train in a joint or total force environment to enhance military readiness, while building civil-military partnerships and providing key cybersecurity services with lasting benefits for the city of Chicopee, according to organizers of the event.

SMSgt. Cassie Beauchene, who served as the Cyber Innovative Readiness Training project lead, gave a presentation on the overall program.

The Innovative Readiness Training program originated in 1992 under the Rebuild America Initiative. Beauchene said the cybersecurity program is not meant to produce any offensive or defensive cyberspace operations.

“We’re not here to go attack an attacker,” Beauchene stated. “We’re not here to attack a threat after or someone within your network. We’re strictly here to help you defend it, to train, to learn and to assess.”

TSgt. Garrett Pinto served as the mission lead for Cyber Chicopee and gave a scope on the work that was done. He stated that it was a full-scope vulnerability assessment, both for the city’s network and the physical side of Chicopee’s infrastructure.

Pinto said that they conducted stress tests to bolster the city’s organizational security posture. The estimated service value is $420,000.

He added that there were about 50 operators across two teams dispersed at six sites within the city. “We have cyber, we have communications, we have intelligence. They’re all bringing a unique perspective to add value back to the community partner and share amongst themselves things they bring from their workplace,” Pinto stated.

SSgt. Steven Orozco was the site lead for Cyber Chicopee. He gave a presentation on the command control server that helped perform the tests in Chicopee.

Mayor John Vieau talked about how the IRT mission helped bolster the security in Chicopee. “It’s a safer day in Chicopee,” Vieau stated. “A much safer day because of our partnership. For decades, our partnership with the Air Force base has been a cornerstone of our local identity, but today, we aren’t just celebrating a geographic partnership; we’re celebrating a pioneering modern alliance that keeps our city safe”

Over the past week, Vieau stated that the city has had the privilege of working alongside members of the military, including the United States Air Force, the reserves and the National Guard.

“These elite teams have dedicated their times, specialized skills and, cutting-edge expertise to proactively cyber test our local, municipal infrastructure and our cybersecurity systems. They stress tested our networks, evaluated our defenses, and helped us fortify the vital systems that keep our clean water flowing, our power running and our public services operating securely.”

Vieau stated that this collaboration has ensured that Chicopee remains a safe, stable and secure place to live, work and raise a family.

“The threat of cyberattacks on local government is no longer a distant headline; it’s a daily reality. Our city’s information and management system is attacked thousands of times a day. Protecting a community now requires a collective, proactive shield,” he said. “Westover depends on Chicopee Electric Light for power and Chicopee Water Department for fresh, clean, potable water, and on infrastructure of the city that travels to the base; we want to make sure it happens safely and efficiently.”

For any communities looking to get involved in the Innovative Readiness Training, they can apply at irt.defense.gov.

The community can request a specialty area, describe their idea for a mission, and explain how it will benefit their community while keeping in mind what materials and other resources they can provide. The military provides licensed professionals, who serve at no cost to the community, by using existing training budgets.

Different types of IRT missions or projects that communities can apply for include civil engineering, medical and cybersecurity. If the community application meets military training requirements, it will match with an IRT mission.