Defensive Cyberspace Operations upgrade with new Cyberspace Threat Intelligence Center

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Alexandre Montes
  • 70th ISR Wing Public Affairs

Distinguished guests, Airmen from the 35th Intelligence Squadron and civilians met for the opening ceremony and ribbon cutting for the Cyberspace Threat Intelligence Center, Apr. 10.

Brig. Gen. Peter Lambert, director of intelligence, Headquarters Air Combat Command, and Airman First Class Maggie, 35th IS, the youngest Airman assigned to the CTIC, cut the ribbon to open the center.

In 2015, intelligence increased its support to the Defensive Cyberspace Operations community by over 300%, which lead to the need for a new facility, said Lt. Col. Matthew Castillo, commander, 35th Intelligence Squadron.

“The Squadron took on an increase in personnel to provide intelligence analysis, leveraging multiple sources, in order to enable the defense of Air Force networks,” said Castillo. “This increase of personnel, coupled with continued advancement of threats against these networks, drove the squadron to adopt a new organizational construct for today's challenges – the CTIC.”

The CTIC will become a valuable asset to Cyberspace Operations with ISR support, Castillo said. It will serve as a focal point for operations around the world.

“CTIC builds on the 35th Intelligence Squadron reputation as a valued asset to cyberspace operations,” said Castillo. “This center serves as a focal point for operations, harnessing a purposely designed organizational construct to enable the synchronization and prioritization of squadron intelligence activities while managing cross-organizational capabilities and information sources to improve intelligence reporting.”

During the ribbon cutting, Castillo discussed the importance of the relationship between the Airmen of 35th IS and the CTIC.

“The CTIC construct is an evolution in how we’re postured to perform our mission,” Castillo said. “The 35th Intelligence Squadron will leverage the CTIC to expand partnerships and data accesses across the cyber defense community.”

The center will enable the 35 IS to continue being the top Air Force ISR for Defensive Cyberspace Operations.

Airmen of the 35th IS will use the CTIC to provide intelligence support within the cyberspace domain and will continue to evolve and combat threats from several domains, Castillo said.

“As the Air Force expands its multi-domain warfighting capabilities, the CTIC will be an integral part of ensuring an information advantage through the full spectrum of combat.