FORT CARSON, Colo. -- Staff Sgt. Josiah Roelfsema, a cyber operator assigned to the 127th Cyberspace Operations Squadron, supported a Joint Electric Power Range proof-of-concept exercise Aug. 17-23, 2025, at Fort Carson, Colorado.
Designed to expand defense of the nation’s electrical power grid, Roelfsema was handpicked from across all Air National Guard Cyberspace Operations Squadrons to attend the training. The exercise, led by U.S. Cyber Command’s J59 directorate, the 224th COS, and Idaho National Laboratory, aimed to provide hands-on experience using Cyber Protection Team tools on a live, grid-connected network.
Approximately 12 operators, primarily from the ANG COS/CPT community, participated in the training led by Lt. Col. Jesse Reeves and Master Sgt. Todd Keller, both from the 224th COS. INL was responsible for providing supplementary electrical grid trainers and support staff.
The initial training focused on the importance of industrial control systems/operational technology and the electrical grid, emphasizing the role of cyber operators in defending critical infrastructure. The training drew parallels to other Industrial Control Systems/Operational Technology systems, such as water treatment plants and industrial manufacturing controls, while maintaining a central focus on the electrical grid.
During the training, operators toured a complete electrical substation and related equipment to gain a firsthand understanding of the assets they are tasked with protecting.
The training then moved from observation to direct application. During a live demonstration, instructors showed how a malicious actor could manipulate controls to create kinetic effects, causing wires to physically burn.
"I gained significant insight into possible cyber effects on our electrical power grid system," stated Roelfsema. "We trained on real electrical power equipment at the range and demonstrated different potential effects via exercises.”
The exercise also stressed proactive defense, with a presentation from the 75th Intelligence Squadron on integrating intelligence into CPT operations. Operators learned what adversary artifacts look like on a network and how to prevent such attacks before they cause physical damage.
Beyond the technical skills, Roelfsema emphasized the importance of the relationships and network built during the week, which he found just as critical as the hands-on training.
"I met multiple different operators from diverse mission sets, and we shared experiences within the cyber field," he explained. "As one example, I connected with another guard member who has experience within both cyber and [civil engineering]. I then facilitated a conversation between the member and an officer-select within our own squadron for sharing ideas and planning preparations."
More than just a training event, the JEPR exercise provided invaluable partnerships with a national network of cyber operators, essential hands-on experience with live grid equipment, and direct exposure to the critical infrastructure requiring defense.