ANG conference encourages collaboration

by 2nd Lt. Meredith Hein
24th Air Force Public Affairs

3/4/2014 - JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas -- 

The Air National Guard Space, Cyber Warfare and Information Operations Weapons Systems Council held their annual meeting here Feb. 25-26 to discuss the way forward for cyber operations within the ANG. 

"We want to have strong relationships going forward.  We want the active duty wings to know we're here," said Brig. Gen. John McCoy, director of the joint staff for the state of Wisconsin and Air National Guard assistant to the commander, 24th Air Force.  "The more we can align ourselves with the total force, the better off we'll be."

The goal of the meeting was to synchronize Air National Guard cyber units with their associated active duty representatives, to hear thoughts and concerns, and to promote collaboration and partnership between the organizations. 

"We're aiming to build relationships in the areas where each of our units fits in the wing or the group," said Col. Robert Burris, the guard advisor to the commander, 24th Air Force.  "We want to be real contributors.  We want to be part of the solution the total force brings to cyber fight.  That's where we'll be in the future."

Currently, 10 ANG units conduct cyber operations with roughly 600-800 people total.  These activities are spread across several specialties in conjunction with 24^th AF's core missions, focusing on three lines of effort:

1.       Operate the Air Force Information Network

2.       Defend the AFIN, key information systems and specified networks

3.       Engage the adversary

"One of the best things the guard can do is translate what each unit is doing in cyber.  We build what we can do at the unit level so we can articulate to active duty," said Burris.  "This, more than any other space, is dynamic and changing.  We need to be involved in that change and foster that integrated approach toward meeting the demand signal of U.S. Cyber Command."

The goal of the council, according to Col. David Walker, council chairman, is to advise the ANG commander on the council's priorities.  The semi-annual meeting is a chance for the council representatives to formalize their units and highlight any forthcoming issues. 

"It's important, when we're geographically separated, to keep everyone informed," said Maj. Kristy Leasman, 273rd Information Operations Squadron director of operations, who volunteered to host this event.  She has been working for the Texas ANG for seven years and has been involved in cyber-related missions with many of the units in San Antonio. 

We are shooting to complement, not contradict, one another among active duty, guard and reserve forces, said Col. Paul Welch, 24th AF vice commander.  "Members need to be in the right status with the right authority to execute the mission.  The benefits of citizen warriors are amplified in this domain.  Bringing that expertise to this mission space is absolutely critical."