The Marine Corps is holding its Fall Cyber Games, a service-wide Capture the Flag (CTF) competition focused on offensive cyberspace operations. It runs across nine two-day sessions from 29 September to 6 November 2026 and is open to all services. The winning Reserve team gets sponsored by DC I to compete at the SANS Service Cup.
Bottom line: Registration closed 31 July 2026. If your unit missed it, contact the POC directly to see if any spots remain.
Who it affects
This is aimed at cyberspace operators from DCO-IDM (Defensive Cyberspace Operations - Internal Defensive Measures) Companies and the Cyber Mission Force. Reserve operators are explicitly included: DC I will sponsor one Active and one Reserve winning team to SANS. The competition is also open to other services, so expect joint participation.
What you need to do
If your team is already registered, here is what to track:
- Confirm your session date and comms check date from the table below.
- Have your finalized team roster ready before your session's comms check.
- Show up to the comms check. That is when you receive the intelligence drop and virtual fly-away kit.
- Compete during your assigned two-day session (16 hours total).
- Submit an After-Action Report no later than two weeks after your session ends.
If you have not registered and the 31 July deadline has passed, email GySgt Warren directly to ask about availability.
Registration portal (SIPRNET): https://intelshare.intelink.gov/sites/te/CyberRedZone/
If you cannot access that link, email the following info to both POCs:
weston.warren@usmc.mil(GySgt Weston Warren, DC I)wwells@ida.org(Dr. Wells)
Include: session requested, team name, service/agency, command, participation location, JIOR/JMN designator, and primary and team POC contact info.
Team logistics to know:
- Team size: 5 to 10 members (hard cap of 10)
- Max 8 teams per session, 9 sessions total (72 teams)
- Teams need SIPR network access to a JIOR node to participate
- Travel costs are on the unit
- Completers get a 16-hour continuous learning credit certificate from TRMC
- SANS Service Cup teams are capped at 5 members
Key dates
| Session | Competition Dates | Comms Check |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 29-30 Sep | 28 Sep |
| 2 | 5-6 Oct | 2 Oct |
| 3 | 8-9 Oct | 7 Oct |
| 4 | 14-15 Oct | 13 Oct |
| 5 | 19-20 Oct | 16 Oct |
| 6 | 22-23 Oct | 21 Oct |
| 7 | 27-28 Oct | 26 Oct |
| 8 | 2-3 Nov | 30 Oct |
| 9 | 5-6 Nov | 4 Nov |
- 31 July 2026: Registration deadline (and ISA addendum deadline for new range sites)
- 2 weeks after your session: After-Action Report due
Dates are subject to change. Check the registration portal for updates.
The official version
Full details are in MARADMIN 332/26. Direct questions to GySgt Weston Warren, DC I Cyberspace Warfare Chief, at weston.warren@usmc.mil or 703-692-9315.
This is written by a reservist, for reservists. It is not an official publication of HQMC or MARFORRES. Always verify guidance with your command or unit S-1 before acting on any article or summary.