Cyberattacks on critical infrastructure increasingly threaten national security, public safety, and economic stability. This commentary analyzes Cyber Yankee—a regional, multi-agency cyber exercise in New England (United States)—as a model exercise for the U.S. Department of War (DoW) and its partners. Drawing on perspectives from senior military and National Guard leaders, it traces the evolution of the exercise since 2014 and examines its distinctive integration of utilities and operational technology (OT) operators through a collaborative Blue–Orange Team format. The paper situates Cyber Yankee within the broader cyber Unified Coordination Group (UCG) framework and identifies opportunities to adapt its principles for active-duty operations under the Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) model. Findings highlight the enduring value of long-term public–private partnerships, the cultivation of trust and interoperability before crises, and the replicability of the UCG model for coordinated cyber response. The commentary concludes with recommendations to enhance readiness nationwide, including deeper engagement with critical-infrastructure operators in exercise design, routine practice of Request for Support and Cyber 9-Line processes, expanded OT- and ICS-focused training for Guard cyber teams, alignment of these skills within Joint Qualification Records, and the development of flexible, modular response packages that reflect real-world incident needs.
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