Ben Wettstein SM ’25 is a U.S. Army Cyber Officer with a strong foundation in computer science and a focus on cyber operations, national security, and technology policy. He graduated from West Point in 2023 with a B.S. in Computer Science and earned an M.S. in the Technology and Policy Program (TPP) from MIT, where his thesis focused on the applications of artificial intelligence in cyber operations. He is currently undergoing Cyber Warfare Officer training, preparing to lead teams shaping the future of U.S. cyber defense and operations.
What brought you to TPP, and what did you study/research while you were here?
Computer science and public policy are my favorite subjects, but unfortunately, traditional college curricula tend to separate the two. After much deliberation over the course of my freshman year, I decided to declare Computer Science as my major, with my short-term goal being to commission as a cyber officer. As an undergraduate, I focused on technical research over a wide range of computing subjects to complete my degree. The requirements for my undergraduate course of study were extensive and constrained my ability to study policy. Fortunately, I did not have to forgo all policy research!
I joined the Cadet Cyber Policy Team in my sophomore year and found myself surrounded by politically knowledgeable, tech-savvy, and well-spoken cadets and instructors. To prepare for competitions run by the Atlantic Council, we researched current U.S. policies, composed policy proposals in response to a cyber incident, and delivered policy briefs to a panel of judges. We won competitions against graduate students from top Master of Public Policy programs, which was both challenging and rewarding.
I was inspired by two brilliant Army Cyber Officers and our advisors on the Cyber Policy Team, MAJ Maggie Smith and MAJ Nick Starck, to pursue formal academic training in policy. When I was afforded the opportunity to apply to graduate school, I looked for programs that built an academic policy foundation in technical thinkers. While there were quite a few programs that accomplished this goal, the TPP at MITemerged as the best option. This was due to the community, research opportunities, and academic rigor (in both technical and policy classes). Attending TPP was a chance for me to receive a formal education in policy analysis, which fascinates me and will benefit my Army career.
Once at TPP, I sought to connect the technical and policy dimensions of cybersecurity and emerging technologies. I was able to take classes in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, the Department of Political Science, and at the Harvard Kennedy School. My goal throughout my studies was to identify actionable insights I could bring back to the U.S. Army Cyber branch.
I researched the integration and applications of artificial intelligence and autonomous systems in military offensive cyberspace operations, working in collaboration with Anyscale Learning for All (ALFA) Lab at Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL). During my research, I built proof-of-concept prototypes in the CybORG simulation environment for interfacing with autonomous cyberspace operators during military offensive cyberspace operations, and I proposed technical standards, potential regulations, and legal review frameworks to guide innovation adoption and accountability. This research established a framework that decision-makers can use to responsibly incorporate autonomy in military offensive cyberspace operations.
What is a focus for your work now, and how did TPP help you on your journey?
I am still in training and waiting for my assignment in the Army Cyber branch. However, once I finish my training, I am sure my time at TPP will have a direct application to my work. I have continued to research cyber policy issues in a personal capacity and hope to publish work over the coming year.
TPP has inspired my research, and interactions with impressive instructors such as Una-May O’Reilly, Erik Lin-Greenberg, and Bruce Schneier. They have taught me countless valuable skills that I will carry throughout my military career and long after. Studying policy through a technical lens, continuing to develop computing skills through rigorous courses, and being exposed to emerging technology at a premier research institution was a great first step on my professional journey, and I could not thank TPP enough for the opportunity.
In the long term, I hope to help shape national cyber policy, guide innovation adoption, engage in cyber diplomacy to build trusted global partnerships, and defend America from major cyber threats and crises. TPP uniquely positioned me to translate between technologists and policymakers, an interdisciplinary skill set that will be essential for shaping the future of military cyber operations.
What was your favorite thing about being a part of the TPP, MIT, or Boston/Cambridge communities?
I absolutely loved my time in Boston and have come back for many visits! Besides Boston being an amazing city, being a member of the TPP and MIT Lacrosse communities was my favorite part of my time at MIT.
Although West Point was an extremely formative experience personally, professionally, and academically, the perspectives and experiences shared there were quite homogenous. However, after meeting my TPP cohort during the first week, I knew I would have two years of learning from the diverse perspectives of intelligent and unique classmates. I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about the policy research at the cutting edge of technological innovation that our cohort was pursuing. I was able to learn more about green energy through conversation than I ever had through the news or any class. For many of the international members in our cohort, I was the first American servicemember that they met, and I was able to learn how American foreign policy had made an impact on their lives as well. It was intellectually stimulating and eye-opening to learn about my cohort’s unique backgrounds and the impact of those experiences on their views of policy.
The highlight of my time at MIT was being a member of the MIT Lacrosse team. As a high school lacrosse and soccer player, I had to give up my dream of playing college sports once I decided to attend West Point. However, once I arrived on campus and spoke with Coach O’Keefe, I was able to join the men’s lacrosse team as a walk-on. The MIT Lacrosse program is a competitive team within NCAA Division III and the NEWMAC. While it took some time and a lot of hard work to knock the rust off, my coaches and teammates were very accepting, fully embracing me and valuing my perspectives as a graduate student and Army officer. Over my two years at MIT, I attended team lifts and practices that kept me in shape for the Army, fell back in love with the sport through great coaching and film study, and played in important conference games.
Additionally, all of my teammates became some of my best friends in Boston. My MIT Lacrosse teammates were motivated, brilliant, fun, humorous, friendly, and welcoming. They continually impress me with their accomplishments on and off the field, and we built a great culture together. I have so many great memories with the team that I will cherish when looking back at my time at MIT.
