[MilCom] US Air Force sets up Cyber Command

[Chris Corley]

US Air Force sets up Cyber Command

The US Air Force established a provisional Cyber Command Tuesday as part of
an expanding mission to prepare for wars in cyberspace, officials said.
The move comes amid concerns over the vulnerability of the US communications
and computer networks to cyber attack in a conflict, as well as the
military's desire to exploit the new medium.

Air Force Secretary Michael Wynne announced the creation of the new command
at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana, where the air force's existing
cyber warfare operations are centered.

Officials said the provisional command will pave the way within a year for
the creation of the air force's first major command devoted to cyberwarfare
operations.

The full Air Force Cyber Command "will train and equip forces to conduct
sustained global operations in and through cyberspace, fully integrated with
air and space operations," said Major General Charles Ickes.

The US 8th Air Force, headquartered at Barksdale, will continue to conduct
day-to-day cyber operations until the Cyber Command is fully operational,
officials said.

CHRIS CORLEY
WEST CENTRAL GA