Air Force Space Command realigns cyberspace capabilities

The Air Force Network Integration Center will go through a restructure as it divests cyberspace lead command functions to Air Force Space Command to allow AFNIC to focus on its core mission of Air Force network integration and engineering services.

The changes are a result of an AFSPC chartered study in April 2011 that took a detailed look at AFNIC in order to determine how best to align and incorporate its unique cyberspace capabilities into AFSPC's organization and mission. The study was conducted by a diverse, cross-functional team consisting of AFSPC and AFNIC representatives.

General William L. Shelton, commander of AFSPC, adopted the study recommendations and directed they be implemented.

The study looked across the entire organization focusing on efficient and effective operations. Any civilian position reductions were included in Air Force-wide civilian reduction numbers previously announced by the Air Force in November 2011. The personnel affected by the civilian reduction are being supported by the local Civilian Personnel Section at Scott Air Force Base, Ill.

Any military position reductions were included in the Air Force's recent overall force structure announcement.

Specific restructuring actions will concentrate AFNIC resources on its core mission of network integration and engineering responsibilities for the Air Force Network and divest the remaining responsibilities to other organizations to better align them within the structure of AFSPC. This will make AFNIC a leaner and more efficient center for the Air Force.

Current organize, train and equip staff functions within AFNIC, such as records, forms,
publications, cyber training programs, cyber requirements support, plans, and maintenance policy, will transfer to an AFSPC Cyberspace Support Squadron (CYSS), which stood up today at Scott AFB.

Oversight of current line operations and maintenance functions at AFNIC will transfer to AFSPC organizations managed by 24th Air Force, which is headquartered at Joint Base San Antonio -- Lackland, Texas. These functions include operationally-based line activities, such as DISN long haul communications provisioning, transmission and infrastructure systems technical support, and Information Assurance Assessments.

Some of these functions will be realigned to an existing squadron within 24th AF, the 92nd Information Operations Squadron, and an additional squadron, the 38th Cyber Readiness Squadron to oversee other operational functions. Both units stood up at Scott AFB on April 27.

"As the lead major command for space and cyberspace, Air Force Space Command is chartered to organize, train and equip space and cyberspace forces and is tasked to review and efficiently use the resources assigned to the command," said Lt.Gen. Michael J. Basla, vice commander of Air Force Space Command.

"These changes will allow AFNIC to focus on its core mission and ultimately make AFNIC the premier Air Force organization providing network integration and engineering services for the Air Force. Those individuals whose responsibilities are aligned to other units in Air Force Space Command will be in a position to make an even greater impact on the Air Force cyberspace mission."