Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Lorna Mahlock is set to take command of the U.S. Cyber Command’s Cyber National Mission Force (CNMF) in a change of leadership, succeeding Army Maj. Gen. William Hartman. The CNMF, established in 2014, comprises 39 joint cyber teams and over 2,000 military and civilian personnel, playing a crucial role in cyber operations. Mahlock, the first Black woman to achieve the rank of brigadier general in the Marine Corps, brings a wealth of experience, having served as the first military deputy director for combat support for the National Security Agency’s Cybersecurity Directorate. The CNMF, now a permanent organization within the Cyber Command, is at the forefront of U.S. efforts against foreign adversaries online.
Hartman, who led the CNMF since 2019, is confirmed to become the deputy chief of Cyber Command, marking a transition in leadership roles. Mahlock’s delayed appointment was previously hindered by Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s hold on senior military promotions, which was lifted last month, allowing her nomination to proceed. As the CNMF’s new commander, Mahlock inherits a critical role in the U.S. cyber defense strategy, leading a digital warfighting force that conducts global operations against malicious actors. The CNMF’s mission involves countering cyber threats, conducting “hunt forward” missions worldwide, and staying at the forefront of cybersecurity innovation.
Mahlock’s background includes serving as the Marine Corps’ first female chief information officer and as the first military deputy director for combat support for the NSA’s Cybersecurity Directorate. Known for its offensive approach, the directorate utilizes hacking expertise to protect critical infrastructure, space weapons, and command and control systems. Mahlock’s leadership is expected to further advance the CNMF’s mission in combating cyber threats, with a focus on defending the nation’s interests in cyberspace. The transition in leadership reflects the ongoing importance of cybersecurity in the U.S. military, with the CNMF serving as a significant component in the nation’s cyber defense strategy.
