Digital forensics training for wounded warriors

M State University has a long history of providing digital forensics training to law enforcement through its National Forensics Training Center. Since 2005, the NFTC has trained nearly 5000 law enforcement officers in the tools and techniques used to combat cyber-crimes. This training involves teaching law enforcement officers everything from what not to do on a digital crime scene up to using advanced techniques to perform analysis on digital devices. It has been instrumental in the investigation of hundreds of computer crimes in Mississippi and throughout the U.S. In 2008, the NFTC initiated a project to take this very successful law enforcement training program and transform it into digital forensics training to wounded warriors and veterans to facilitate a possible new career as they transition from the military to the civilian workforce. This training has been provided at approximately 10 different locations throughout the U.S., and it has been very well received. It has resulted in the successful training of nearly 500 wounded warriors in the three+ years of the project. The project continues into 2012 and with anticipated additional funds this year; we hope that we can continue the project into the indefinite future. This hands-on, practical, tactical level training is uniquely suited to wounded warriors. The warriors are learning and discovering that a career in digital forensics may provide them with a future, where the military may not be able to. This gives them the confidence to move forward knowing that they will be able to provide a living for themselves and their families. This effort is good for the country, good for the wounded warriors, and good for Mississippi State University.