AFNOC center of cyber progress

  • Published
  • By Stephanie Bemrose
  • The Bombardier
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. (ACCNS) --  Barksdale hosted functional managers from major commands and field operating agencies during a communications training advisory group July 30 through Aug. 3 at Eighth Air Force Headquarters.

The group met to determine changes to future communications training curriculums, according to Senior Master Sgt. Bob Howard, Air Force Network Operations Center operational superintendent.

According to Chief Master Sgt. Bruce Collet, communications computer career functional field manager, the group came to Barksdale because of the AFNOC, which is the center of cyber expertise.

The representatives identified their training needs and shared new training technology that each person has available at their location.

"We sorted through the training needs of the Air Force career fields to help provide commanders with the best-trained Airmen to help fight the Global War on Terrorism," the chief said.

The purpose of the group's visit included short-term focus on what major commands need today and long-term plans about how to mold and shape their training to fit future cyber needs.

"We need everyone trained on this capability." the chief explained.

The group last met in October and usually meets twice per year, the chief said.

During the previous visit, group members worked to identify their network operations manpower requirement, including how many people, and how and where they should be utilized. However, this will change in the future because of Program Budget Decision 720. Sergeant Howard said one change they are making is to consolidate 16 career fields into about 10. The chief added that the reason for this change is converging technology and reductions of personnel.

"Our knowledge base used to be specialized but this has evolved because of technology so we need to consolidate our skill sets," the chief said.

Chief Collet said they've "absolutely accomplished" what they had planned to finish during their visit.

"We've resolved all the training needs and laid a solid foundation for new cyber (Air Force Specialty Codes)," the chief said.

After this visit, the group makes recommendations on how to adjust training at technical schools to meet all the needs of all the MAJCOMs by making a standard for training across all the commands.

A cyber work force utilization and training workshop is scheduled for September.