CYBER NAF - Q&A;
The Air Force initially decided on a Major Command for cyberspace and now it's a NAF? What does this do to the basing process?
The Air Force is working to determine the requirements for this NAF. Once the requirements have been determined the Air Force will proceed with the basing analysis and decision process. The reduced scope of the requirement may impact the basing timeline.
What size will the NAF be? How many people are employed by a NAF versus a MAJCOM? How big will the headquarters be?
The exact size of the Cyber NAF is unknown at this time. In general, a NAF is smaller than a MAJCOM. The AFCYBER MAJCOM headquarters, not including the NAF and subordinate units, was expected to employ about 500 personnel. The final numbers for a Cyber NAF headquarters are yet to be determined.
Where will the NAF be located? Where will the HQ be? What is the basing process going to be? Are you going to use the same basing criteria already in place for AFCYBER? Will the sites being considered for a MAJCOM be considered for the NAF?
We have not decided where the NAF will be located and this will not be done until the requirements for the NAF are defined. Once the requirement is determined, the basing criteria will be modified accordingly, but the basing process remains the same. We recognize the tremendous preparatory work several states have already done regarding the original plan for a Cyber MAJCOM and we intend to use as much of that information, along with MAJCOM recommendations, as we move forward in the basing analysis.
When will the NAF stand up?
A date has not been determined. Initially, AFCYBER (P) plans to develop a NAF implementation road map.
What will AFSPC provide for cyberspace?
A major command provides the management level headquarters functions of organization, training, and equipping so that the NAF can focus on warfighting in and through cyberspace.
Where will the Wings be located? Who will have POM control?
At this time, we do not know the full list of wings to be assigned or activated under the NAF. The organization of the required capabilities is still being determined. After we know which wings will be assigned to the NAF, we will then include them in the basing process, as applicable.
How many units will be under it?
At this time, we do not yet know the full complement of wings, centers and/or other units to be assigned to the NAF. The organization of the required capabilities is still being determined.
Will this NAF be distributed like the MAJCOM?
The organization of the required capabilities is still being determined.
Who will be the commander?
Unknown at this time.
What will the NAF be called? Will the NAF be called "AFCYBER"?
It will be designated 24th Air Force. Any other additional designation is to be determined.
Does this take us back to square one?
No. Assignment of a Cyber NAF to AFSPC builds on work already done by taking advantage of the relationship between cyberspace operational capabilities and the digital realm within which space command already operates. The Air Force views cyberspace capabilities as vital to the conduct of our missions, and defense of national interests. AFSPC will be a great advocate for funding and acquisition programs.
Will it get less attention as a NAF? Is this putting less of an emphasis on cyber?
No. Over the last several years, the Air Force has taken many steps to improve and enhance our cyberspace capabilities and effectiveness. Throughout this time, the Air Force has remained fully engaged and focused on providing robust cyber operations capabilities to the Joint warfighter. This organizational construct will enable the Air Force to streamline our cyber operations and provide tailored, responsive, highly-effective cyber capabilities.
The choice to activate a NAF emphasizes the operational nature of our cyberspace combat forces, and the placement of that NAF within AFSPC bolsters our ability to consolidate complementary space and cyberspace capability stewardship at the right level.
Does the AF still consider cyber a domain with the same importance as Air and Space?
Yes. The CSAF recently emphasized -- "The mission of the United States Air Force is to fly, fight and win...in air, space and cyberspace." We can't do our jobs without control of cyberspace. Warfighters operating in any domain rely on cyberspace to command and control forces in the 21st century. It's also essential to Joint operations and our national security. We must still integrate capabilities, systems, and warriors to establish cross-domain dominance--securing freedom from attack and freedom to attack. All Combatant Commands, Military Departments, and other Defense Components need the ability to operate unhindered in the cyberspace domain; therefore, Air Force needs to continue pressing forward with cyber as a domain with equal importance to Air and Space.
What does this do to the career fields just announced?
Changes to the career fields will continue in earnest. The Air Force vision includes a cyber-warrior force trained and equipped to dominate in cyberspace, with many Airmen continuously training in the cyber domain.
What happens to the units that stood to be reorganized under AFCYBER?
Units will continue to execute their day-to-day missions supporting the warfighter. Specifics will be determined as the NAF implementation plan is developed.
Does this mean less money will be spent specifically on cyber capabilities? It seems AFSPC will have competing values for money for the NAF. How will this be handled as this was a reason for creating a MAJCOM?
No. The Air Force views cyberspace capabilities as vital to the conduct of our mission and national interests, and AFSPC will be a great advocate for funding and acquisition programs. One of the most immediate needs is to ensure we are training enough cyber-warriors and cyber operations planners in order to provide capabilities requested by all combatant commanders in this growing mission area.
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