Please join the Hertz Foundation for our June 2026 Innovation Hour, “Cyberspace is the 5th Domain of Conflict,” featuring Hertz Fellow John Garstka, Director for Cyber Warfare within the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment. The event takes place over Zoom on Wednesday June 10, 2026, 12:30–1:30 pm Eastern / 9:30–10:30 am Pacific.
Through a talk and audience Q&A facilitated by Hertz Fellow Melissa Mai, Mr. Garstka will draw on decades of experience at the intersection of systems engineering, cyber risk, and defense acquisition to explore the technical and strategic challenges of operating and defending in cyberspace — and what it will take to stay ahead.
Mr. Garstka will examine how cyberspace has emerged as the fifth domain of conflict, exploring the critical technical challenges facing the Department of War — from hardening priority missions against cyber threats to building the workforce and acquisition pathways needed to keep pace with a rapidly evolving threat landscape. He will share perspectives on where government, industry, and the technical community must work together, and where opportunities exist for the next generation of scientists and engineers to make an impact.
If you have questions, please contact Aleza Stein, Community Program Manager, at aleza@hertzfoundation.org.
REGISTRATION
Attendance is free but you must register to attend. We will email you the Zoom information for the session after registration.
speaker and Moderator
John Garstka
Director for Cyber Warfare within the DASW for Platform and Weapon Portfolio Management, Office of the Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment
Melissa Mai
AIP/AAAS Congressional Science and Engineering Fellow, United States Senate
