AIKEN, Sc. ()- A total of two new buildings will be added on USCA’s campus, the Cyber Integration Center which includes a Readiness Center.

The CIC will take up 18 acres of land.

Once complete it will host training, education, prototyping, and collaboration for South Carolina National Guard soldiers, USCA students, and others.

It will support the training of more than 400 cyber majors at USCA and more than 100 S-C-N-G cybersecurity and signal soldiers.

The provost for USCA tells why this is important for the University and beyond.

“It will enhance the capabilities of the South Carolina National Guard to collaborate with other agencies focusing on enhancing our national cyber defense. Furthermore, it will offer cyber and computer science students the chance to work alongside them, providing regional cyber services to local governments, industries, and nonprofits,” stated Phillip Bridgmon.

The Readiness Center will offer training and logistical support for two units of the South Carolina Guard and provide mentorship and practical experience for USCA students.

The provost for USCA shares the importance of that center as well.

“The Readiness Center is the initial phase in training troops for a critical mission, with ongoing training conducted across the highway. This will be the first step in the Guard’s training program, allowing those troops to come into the cyber center before proceeding to engage in advanced mission work.”

South Carolina’s Lieutenant Governor will be at USCA for the groundbreaking.

The VIP Reception begins at 9am, and the formal program begins at 10am in the student activities center.

The CIC is expected to be completed in 2026.

Photojournalist: Dania Alawir