Texas Insider Report: WASHINGTON, DC – The National Guard announced plans to activate new cyber units, known as Cyber Protection Teams, one of which will be based in San Antonio, Texas. In July, U.S. Representative Will Hurd was joined by San Antonio Congressmen Joaquin Castro, Henry Cuellar and Lamar Smith in sending a letter to General Frank Grass, Chief of the National Guard Bureau, advocating for the consideration of San Antonio when choosing cities for these new units to be based in.

“San Antonio is known as both Military City, USA, as well as Cyber City, USA, so there is no question that the National Guard has chosen the right city at the right time,” said Hurd, a former undercover CIA officer who handled cyber offensive operations while serving overseas. “When you consider the presence of the 24th and 25th Air Force, NSA-Texas, and the second-to-none cyber programs at the University of Texas at San Antonio, it’s clear that we have the resources and professional workforce necessary to support these kinds of operations.”

“Protecting Texas and the United States in the cyber domain is a complex and multifaceted journey,” said Maj. Gen. John F Nichols, the Adjutant General for Texas. “We are excited to be given such a robust role in protecting the state and nation’s critical cyber infrastructure.”

“We are honored the nation has recognized Texas as a center of robust knowledge and understanding in revolutionary technology,” said Brig. Gen. Dawn Ferrell, Deputy Adjutant General-Air, Texas Military Department. “If you want to be on the cutting-edge of cyber, come to San Antonio.”

Rep. Hurd has advocated for this decision since coming into office in January, meeting with stakeholders and decision makers to present a strong case for San Antonio’s readiness and capabilities.

“The cyber threats our nation faces are real and it makes me enormously proud to see my hometown at the forefront of this ongoing battle,” Hurd concluded.