; (B) conduct cyberspace operations; (C) secure information and systems of the Department of Defense against malicious cyber activity; and (D) assist in solving cyber workforce-related challenges. (3) Hiring authority In carrying out this section, the Secretary may use any authority otherwise available to the Secretary for the recruitment, employment, and retention of civilian personnel within the Department, including authority under section 1599f of title 10, United States Code. (4) Employment protections The Secretary of Labor shall prescribe such regulations as necessary to ensure the reemployment, continuation of benefits, and non-discrimination in reemployment of individuals appointed under this section, provided that such regulations shall include, at a minimum, those rights and obligations set forth under chapter 43 of title 38, United States Code. (5) Status in reserve During the period beginning on the date on which an individual is recruited to serve in the Civilian Cybersecurity Reserve and ending on the date on which the individual is appointed under this section, and during any period in between any such appointments, the individual shall not be considered a Federal employee. (c) Eligibility; application and selection (1) In general Under the pilot project required under subsection (b)(1), the Secretary of the Army shall establish criteria for— (A) individuals to be eligible for the Civilian Cybersecurity Reserve; and (B) the application and selection processes for the Civilian Cybersecurity Reserve. (2) Requirements for individuals The criteria established under paragraph (1)(A) with respect to an individual shall include— (A) if the individual has previously served as a member of the Civilian Cybersecurity Reserve, that the previous appointment ended not less than 60 days before the individual may be appointed for a subsequent temporary position in the Civilian Cybersecurity Reserve