GAITHERSBURG, Md., Jan. 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) today announced its plans to support the U.S. Cyber Challenge (USCC), an initiative designed to create a pipeline of cyber security professionals from high school through college and beyond. Its unique use of multiple and scalable talent competitions and talent development initiatives enables individuals to develop their skills, gain access to advanced training and achieve recognition with scholarships, internships and jobs.

"Our country is working hard to develop a technical workforce that will keep us competitive on a global scale," said Charles Croom, Vice President of Cyber Security Solutions, Lockheed Martin Information Systems & Global Solutions.  "Protecting our competitive advantage and digital infrastructure requires the expertise of trained cyber security professionals. We realize that Lockheed Martin's leadership in cyber security and STEM efforts can only succeed through partnership with organizations such as the U.S. Cyber Challenge," he said.

Recent studies have shown that while there is a shortage of technical workers, the field of cyber security is rapidly evolving. In fact, former federal officials have estimated there are only 1,000 U.S. security specialists with the skills necessary to operate in cyberspace and the country needs about 10,000 to 30,000 such professionals.

USCC—a division of the not-for-profit Center for Internet Security—develops and conducts online competitions and on-site camps where talented people will be discovered, nurtured, and progress toward careers as technical cyber security experts. The ultimate goal is to reduce the risk profile for the nation in the critical area of cyber security professionals.

"We are pleased to see Lockheed Martin take a leading role in support of the USCC, which works to fill the gap in critical cyber security skills development. Our goal to recruit 10,000 Americans can only be accomplished through public and private partnership," said Karen Evans, National Director, U.S. Cyber Challenge.

Lockheed Martin is the leading provider of cyber security solutions to the Federal government. Our solutions are designed with the right team, processes and embedded technologies to provide customers with mission resilient systems that are always available.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 133,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation's 2009 sales from continuing operations were $44 billion.

SOURCE Lockheed Martin