by Jessica Turner
24th Air Force Public Affairs
10/30/2015 - JBSA-LACKLAND, San Antonio, Texas -- The
U.S. Air Force conducted its first Cyberspace Live, Virtual and
Constructive (LVC) workshop at JBSA-Lackland 20 - 22 October. In
conjunction with 24th Air Force - AFCYBER, the Air Force Agency for
Modeling and Simulation (AFAMS) led the 3-day workshop focused on
enterprise LVC and cyberspace technologies.
AFAMS is the lead agent for centralized management of Air Force
cross-functional and shared Live, Virtual and Constructive Operational
Training (LVC-OT) foundational capabilities, and resources supporting
the Air Force Core Missions. Organizers developed the workshop not only
based on cyber threats facing the nation, but emphasized the importance
of continued integration of cyber technology and LVC.
The workshop also consisted of briefings and discussion panels to
develop recommendations and capture action items focused on training for
cyber operators and warfighters who depend on cyber capabilities.
Maj. Gen. Ed Wilson, 24th Air Force commander, provided the keynote
address, detailing a number of initiatives to align the efforts of 24 AF
with those of the Combat Air Forces. He explained the concept of
implementing a Director of Cyber Forces (DIRCYFOR), and how a new
leadership position can provide the critical link to coordinate cyber
activities with those of the air operations center. As a leader in
realistic cyber training and operations, the general emphasized an AF
need for LVC in strengthening warfighter readiness; reiterating the
commitment of Air Force leadership and continued integration of air,
space and cyberspace training into full-spectrum capabilities.
The workshop was not limited to cyberspace professionals. Col. Cloyce
Adams, USAFE Warrior Preparation Center commander, talked about his
experience as an Electronic Warfare Officer and how 700 hours of combat
experience in the F-15 Strike Eagle and F-14 Tomcat prepared him for the
rapid development of AF cyber technology. As the commander of a
premier AF training center focused on honing warfighter skills, Adams is
aware of the requirement to integrate cyber not only into AF training
programs, but also planning and operational execution.
The workshop brought together a broad audience of participants to also
discuss current cyber events and the future of cyber-security training
and operations. In attendance were military and industry
representatives including Headquarters Air Force, Office of the Under
Secretary of Defense - Acquisitions, Technology, & Logistics,
Pacific Command, five AF Major Commands, the Air Force Research Lab and
several subordinate units. Other support entities included the U.S.
Army and several national research labs.
The workshop was a success with the efforts and coordination by Mr.
James Hird, Distributed Mission Operations Center (DMOC-Cyber) director,
and the entire staff at the 90th Information Operation Squadron as
hosts to this year's event. "While we hoped for a larger audience, the
depth and breadth of the participation was fantastic," said Hird. "We
couldn't have had a better group to cover this multi-dimensional
problem."
AFAMS facilitator and DoD LVC Integration lead, Mr. Mike McGee is also
optimistic. "I think we hit a homerun with this workshop! However, we
must remember we are still in the first inning. There is more work to
be done," McGee stated.
Lt. Col. Kylie Weigle, 24 AF Chief of Operations and Training, and LVC
workshop facilitator agreed and suggested annual workshops in an effort
to continue the working relationships and strategic development between
cyber and LVC. "We are already looking at next year's calendar and
determining an appropriate time between major exercises for our next
workshop," Weigle said. "We don't want to lose the momentum we've
started. With more time to plan next year's workshop, we can be even
more effective at identifying solutions to the challenges that exist
today," he added.
"LVC is the best way to be ready; to have the best tools out there. The
goal is to sustain and enhance readiness by enabling effective,
relevant, realistic, and efficient training and test in a secure,
persistent, and ultimately global LVC domain for Air, Space, and
Cyberspace," said McGee.
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