VICEROY Competitions
The National VICEROY Cyber Competitions—including “Dr. Boom,” “Spectral Cloak,” and other chapters—are premier events designed to immerse VICEROY Scholars in realistic cyber and electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) challenges that simulate contested information and EM environments. These competitions are integral to the VICEROY Initiative’s mission to cultivate a skilled cybersecurity and spectrum workforce for national defense and to advance Q-BID-related capabilities across the force.
About the National VICEROY Cyber Competitions
Gilded Guardian, Part 2: The Guardian Prevails (2026)
Congratulations to our Champions of Gilded Guardian, Chapter 4: Part 2, The Guardian Prevails: CyberCougs Crimson from Washington State University for winning the National VICEROY Cyber Competition! What began as a demonstration of scholar readiness during the 2026 Annual VICEROY Symposium at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg on April 14 culminated in a mission-level challenge met with exceptional skill, precision, and resolve.
Spectral Cloak (2024)
Teams infiltrated an enemy forward operating base to erase convoy evidence from surveillance systems. They disabled radar, manipulated AI-driven drone feeds, and altered reports, emphasizing precision, stealth, and practical cyber skills.
Dr. Boom (2023)
As the inaugural VICEROY cyber competition, Dr. Boom challenged teams with progressive levels of difficulty in cyber operations. The University of Alabama in Huntsville’s team, “Fear the Beards,” emerged victorious, showcasing exceptional teamwork and technical prowess.
Why VICEROY Scholars Should Participate
1. Real-World, Q-BID-Aligned Experience
Scholars engage in scenarios that mirror actual defense challenges in cyber operations, spectrum maneuver, and battlefield information dominance—enhancing problem-solving, situational awareness, and decision-making under pressure.
2. Critical Skill Development
Participants refine skills such as teamwork, leadership, time-critical decision-making, and joint operations planning, which are essential for success in both military and civilian cyber-spectrum roles.
3. Career Advancement
Performance in VICEROY competitions can lead directly to opportunities in VICEROY’s MAVEN and ENVOY internships, connecting scholars to Q-BID-relevant projects and long-term roles within the Department of War and the Defense Industrial Base.
4. Networking Across the Ecosystem
Competitions connect scholars with peers, faculty, and mission partners from DoW laboratories, operational units, and industry—building professional networks that can last throughout their careers.
5. National-Level Recognition
Achieving top positions in national competitions enhances a scholar’s resume and signals to DoW, sponsors, and employers that they are prepared to contribute to critical missions on Day One.
How to Get Involved
- Eligibility: Teams must include at least one VICEROY student and be sponsored by a professor or VICEROY program lead.
- Team Composition: Team size is restricted to (4) members and one member MUST be a VICEROY scholar.
- Registration: Keep an eye out for upcoming events and registration deadlines.
Participating in the National VICEROY Cyber Competitions offers scholars a unique opportunity to apply their knowledge in practical settings, develop essential skills, and contribute to national cybersecurity efforts. It’s an invaluable experience for those aspiring to make a significant impact in the field.
