Staff Sgt. Alexander Pownall: A Guardian of Cyber Operations in the Maryland National Guard

By Chazz Kibler

ANNAPOLIS, Md.—In a world increasingly reliant on technology, cyber operations have emerged as a critical frontier in national defense. Leading the charge in Maryland is Staff Sgt. Alexander Pownall, a cyber operations specialist in the Maryland National Guard’s Cyber Protection Team. Pownall’s journey into cyber defense reflects his deep commitment to service, aligning perfectly with the MDNG’s “I Am the Mission” campaign, emphasizing the importance of every soldier’s role in safeguarding the nation.

Having started his military career as an intel analyst, Pownall was drawn to the Cyber Protection Team by the allure of addressing challenges from a cyber perspective.

“What motivated me to serve was not just the full-time opportunity but the unique chance to work with intelligence in an innovative way,” said Pownall. “Cyber operations are the future, and being part of that evolution is exhilarating.”

Pownall emphasizes the Cyber Protection Team’s impact on the local community and the country.

“We engage with various partners, from local schools in Anne Arundel County to international collaborations through state partnership programs,” said Pownall. “Our visibility helps us promote the mission of the Maryland Army National Guard as hometown heroes, showing that we are here to help provide our services.”

One of the hallmarks of Pownall’s service has been his work in professional partnerships, notably with colleagues from Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“When we conducted a State Partnership Program training exercise with the Bosnian and Herzegovinians, it was rewarding to see the exchange of knowledge and friendship,” said Pownall. “We taught each other, and by the end of those two weeks, we all left feeling that we had achieved something significant. It reinforced my belief that we are making a meaningful difference.”

In addition to his operational duties, Pownall is passionate about mentoring others in cybersecurity and advises aspiring cyber professionals to embrace continuous learning.

“Cyber is ever-changing; the threats of yesterday might not be relevant tomorrow,” said Pownall. “Stay updated and take advantage of resources like tuition assistance and certification programs. I have personally benefited from these opportunities to strengthen my knowledge base.”

Since graduating from Basic Combat Training in March 2015, Pownall has dedicated himself to the Maryland National Guard’s mission. He embodies the spirit of service that the “I Am the Mission” campaign promotes, proving that each member plays a vital role in defending the nation.