July 10, 2025 – Defense news
Estimated reading time – 2:45
Author: Cassidy section Corporal Ishmail-Pollard
Legend
The Anthony Zhang section Corporal, the Tenrence Wu section Corporal and the Cassidy Ishmail-Pollard section Corporal, members of the Royal Aviation Cadets Squadron of Canada 110 Black Hawk, participated in the Cyber Défi defender of the unifolié organized by the group of Cadets and Junior Rangers Canadian in March 2025, where they won the third place.
Photo credit: Sergeant Warisha Shams
A Saturday in March, two teammates and myself Virtually participated in the Cyber defender challenge of the unifolié of the group of Canadian junior cadets and rangers, a cybersecurity competition intended for the cadets of the cadets of the cadets of United Kingdom and Canada, made up of a series of tasks and a quiz.
A diversified trio from different environments, united by a common passion for digital defense, everyone contributed with different skills to represent the 110 Black Hawk squadron of the Cadets of the Royal Aviation of Canada. The Tenrence Wu section Corporal studied IT, the Anthony Zhang section corporal has long been interested in computer technology and engineering, and I, Cassidy section corporal Ishmail-Pollard, I explored various coding languages, programs and software.
Our team had to meet three main challenges: communicate while working only online, ensure effective use of each minute of the four -hour period, and identify the tasks before resolving them.
The challenge was exhausting and tiring, but it was worth it. As a team, we used our previous knowledge to provide a useful point of view, and we worked together to accomplish the tasks. We encountered obstacles and, sometimes we were not sure of the next step, but we almost always found a solution. Time being an important factor, we have learned to communicate concisely and clearly. The last element of the defender of the unifolié was the quiz. By combining our knowledge and research, we were happy to get 100 %.
The award ceremony took place online recently. THE lieutenant-colonel Jamie Siebring, accompanied by Chief Warrant Officer Glen Phinney of the Center for Operations of the Canadian Forces Networks (CORFC), joined us as the main oror. Brigadier Gary McDade, assistant commander of the cadets, the UK Army Cadet Force (Cadets of the British army) and the Cadet Force combined (Army) (combined cadet force (army)), also joined us to support the British teams.
Brigadier McDade highlighted the important links that have long been around between Canada and the United Kingdom And the way this challenge has helped maintain these links. He also said: “Whether you choose a military service life or a completely different life, the skills you learn in the cadets will give you a fantastic basis for life”.
The LCOL SIEBRING insisted on the importance of cybersecurity, sharing the role and the unique opportunities of the CORFC. He spoke of the importance of collaboration and confidence by declaring: “It’s great to see young people use these skills and work together”.
Adjuc Phinney explained in detail the intensive training that takes place to prepare cyber operators to support the Canadian Armed Forces and their allies.
The ceremony ended with the announcement of the winners. To our great joy and to our surprise, we ranked third! We were so happy that our hard work brought fruit.
I would without hesitation the unifolié defender to all the youngest and all the cadets, even if they are not interested in cybersecurity. It allows you to learn powerful and useful lessons, both in terms of cybersecurity awareness and on that of skills such as leadership, teamwork, collaboration, perseverance and dedication. Whatever their experience, I encourage them all to participate in the next Cyber challenge.
