17D_guy

Having run around the higher levels of a Sq a few times now, this is the feeling I get from most 1st time CC's in Comm/Cyber. I don't know how you fliers do it, but unless our O's dig into the many areas of a Sq (finance, civ relations, first shirt issues, etc.) we get no experience from it. My last boss was great, and brought me into a lot of the CC's issues...but I'd say that was the exception. The MAJCOM Sq/CC courses are a joke. Last boss said it was basically "Call the Command Post if there's a suicide/rape/assault/etc." with little else about dealing with being a commander, working with other commanders, etc. Can you give an example of this grooming/preparing?

Next SOS class was cancelled to do a course re-write. Gouge is they're going to add another week back, so future schedule is in the air also. Class was supposed to start 5 Jun, so lots of people just had summer plans nixed.

The argument isn't "was this legal," it's "was this the right thing to do." The Pres can declassify, but as Toro said above it was probably him spouting off to sound self-important and may have put intel assets/collection at risk. It's basically the same damn argument we have on here when CC's give LOR's when they can't get a Art-15 to stick, PT stupidity, RIF's, etc. Interesting to see people line up on certain sides.

Why not both?

AHAHAHAHA....We can't even get them to fire terrible Group Commanders and up.

This so much. Me via my Col, "Hey, there's this big new service migration coming week after next. The 4-star promised the other 4-star we'd get it done. The ticket's been in for a couple of weeks now with no action. Sq/Commander X, can you look into it and make sure it moves along so we're not wrangling Amn on a Sat to get it done. It is planned for XX May XX." CC'd whole chain for vis. Nothing for 4 days, so we pinged saying this was coming <a week. Commander X, "We've got to make sure it goes through our ad hoc process, did I mention we're undermanned?" "Right, but...you know, 4-stars, high-vis...you're a Commander. We've made Amn jump through their ass before, and we're trying to avoid that. Can you give me a ETA of when it'll get done" "Ops Grp" CD, "Well, you can raise the priority on it and that'll move it through the log-jam. I'll get you a POC. What's the due date, we aren't tracking it?" Call "Ops Group" 5 hours later since we've had no comms. CC, CD, Sq/CC all gone TDY/Leave. Talk to the civ "deputy" who "Doesn't work the ops side of the house." Goes on and on about how the new contract is going to take care of all these tickets in the future, and we need to plan them better, etc. Sq DO shoots me an email telling me we need to prioritize their work for them, that they've had this ticket for a week, but weren't doing anything because it's a "project" and they don't work those unless tasked. Once it's tasked, then they'll start planning, but won't start planning now. Also, they guy they need to do it won't be in for the rest of the week, so we have to figure something else out. Accused my Col of Bro-netting the tickets to get done. I will not be taking the bonus, because I will not serve under these monkeys.

Usually you can set a time out window (ex. 30 days) until you need to verify again.

I know the BLUF emails get hate on here. But having to deal with the current crop of Maj-Cols (sometimes 1-stars) and (MSgts-E9) that won't just get to the point, I understand why they now exist. So many "Commanders" want to have a discussions about a problem and solution they're not going to own any part of. So, we've got to sit there for 40 min while they hash it out, talking past each other with no resolution but tons of quibbling and requests for guidance, prioritization and pointing out where provided written guidance is lacking. Ugh, I hate this job. I told you guys our "cyber operators" get crew rest for a 5 hour sortie, right? I generally just tell my Airman to give me the information in tweet length and problem solved.

Pretty Darn Good

We do this in cyber...well between Ops and Traditional Comm/Staff. Remember what Grosso said about 90% retention required? Wonder why.

Well, In cyber we got a Viper driver as the 24 AF/CC and it has been fantastic for getting us towards operational and really getting the rest of the "3" community to pay attention. Doubly so for the awful network that's been flogged for years that's just been blamed on "Comm." for not doing well enough. When the bag-wearer tells the 4-stars, "You've deferred MX on the network, doing spot fixes only, for a decade." People listen. Watching him tell SES's that he didn't care if their pet application had 4-star support, he's in charge of cyber ops and running Server 2003 wasn't allowable anymore, was fantastic. Doubly so w/ Gen Bender backing him up. Far cry from the awful space-O's who're somehow also considered "ops." Having worked with EWO community and how it works/attacks in the "the cybers" has really helped me develop something approaching an operational mindset. Unfortunately, they're stuck with Intel in 25AF now, but we're all headed to ACC and can hopefully break them into cyber. Cyber NEEDS operational (re: rated) leaders to come over and teach us, advocate for us, and point out and ostracize the support-minded fucks who're holding everything back. We need those leaders as Maj's, so we can educate our junior O's, and not try to convert these Col's who grew up in traditional Comm and scoff whenever I point out how flyers operate and say, "This is cyber, we're different." For example - "We need an office or something to coordinate these teams movements when they head out to do missions/sorties." I say that sounds like a scheduling office, and should be done in the wing/units responsible and not as a staff function. Just like a flying wing does. Reply was, "Well, this is different. We've got to coordinate clearances, and sometimes they go overseas. A lot more than a flying scheduling office does." Not. Fucking. Kidding. Having to deal with CC's saying they're unsure if their "Mission Ready" presented crew is experienced enough to do a tasked operation. Watching them disregard our WIC's inputs out-of-hand because they don't align with Group leadership's plans. Sq CC's not knowing what their people do, or their own processes for execution. Saying people on cyber crew need crew rest...CREW REST. They use flying ops AFI's for it. K, getting to work pissed for a Saturday. Later all. PS: I hate this job.

Well, our ORB dropped. $15K a year for 4 year ADSC. All my prior-e friends have signed up (except the ones within 2 years of retirement), and those with 2+ years ADSC's already. Wife and I aren't decided yet. None of the true Cyber Operators I know have. So this all appears to mirror the same ACP issues you all have with dudes already staying are taking it.

No, no, no, no, no.... you forgot. Leadership from on high, "You can be replaced." People got the message, and acted accordingly.

Wow... how naive I feel thinking this was just the cyber-folks. You step out of the AFSC for even AF Institutional (SOS, OTS, etc.) you get back-of-the-bused unless you've got that sponsor. Had one boss do AFPAK made Col, had another do RAS and also made Col. But, look at the max exodus of O4+ from our AFSC, and the massive RIF's we took 2008 onward. Hell, I'll make Col at this point from sheer ability to breath and waiver out PT tests.

Well... AF is releasing the PDSM for Cyber Retention Pay in 2 days. Wonder what the take rate is going to be in comparison to you zipper suited sun gods. Doubly so, since Grosso said we need to retain 90% to make manning healthy.

Big fan of 2 & 6. I think the only thing holding this back is the fact that #1-3 or so management coveted and it would force leadership to be honest with everyone about where they stand. However, that's a problem with the culture overall that's got to get fixed. Had a Ops Sq CC who was re-strating everyone quarterly. We've done it with E's...why are we waiting for O's? However, for #1. I don't know, I'm on a staff now and we're just not manned for anything Big Blue, AFSPC, CYBERCOM, etc. requires us in a timely manner. It's staff, so I'm not working late on queep. I want peeps to flow back to Sq's easier (because: #1 it's the right thing, and #2 I want to) but we really need that experience at staff. Doubly so for our Cyber Operators. I don't know how you guys do it in other staffs, what's it like if a mobility guy comes into a fighter area? That's about what we got now with everyone (including me) coming in to get cyber-stink on them. Granted, we're so new it's just how it is, but we could really use a ton more people. For #1 I would suggest streamlining staffs to produce bare requirements (Group-> SAF) and killing the rest. We've done a portion of this with additional duties at Sq's...we need to keep moving that requirement up and up. If you're justifying your existence with busy(staff) work...go home. If you're not making the operators life better...go home.

Wow.. as a ABU flunkie I thought exactly the same thing. I'm not surprised the AF can't get Strategic Messaging right, I'm just surprised they've gotten it this wrong for this long. I mean, is there no one around (pilot/prior-E DGAF officer) to point out the stupid shit that gives people Forest Whitaker eye:

huh... how far it's changed from "you can all be replaced."

I've had to deal with this...it's not a joke. Had flashbacks just reading about "straight" quotation marks... UGH.

The piece lawfare did on Trumps first immigration EO was really good, even though I disagreed with initial premise. Can't second this enough, really good informative reading that'll make you think.

Well...this happened - My Fellow Warrior-Airmen; At the past CORONA gathering the CSAF directed the merger of 24th and 25th Air Force into a single NAF under Air Combat Command (ACC). ACC is the OPR for integration planning with AFSPC, 24AF and 25AF as OCRs. We are tasked to deliver a decision brief for implementation to the SECAF at CORONA TOP at the end of June. This is the extent of the formal and official guidance I've received to date. Way Ahead: GEN's Raymond and Holmes are meeting next week at the Space Symposium in Colorado Springs to discuss our way-ahead and provide both staffs with planning guidance. We (24 AF) will be intimately involved and I will be personally involved in this strategic endeavor for our Air Force. I fully expect the two NAF staffs to have leading roles on the planning given our deep operational expertise. We do not know any more specifics at this time.  I developed a detailed enterprise-level perspective on optimizing Air Force Cyber Domain Operations over the past 6+ months which has been briefed to Gen Raymond, Gen Holmes, ADM Rogers and the VCSAF. It outlines the core strategic challenges of our AF cyber domain which we must resolve moving forward. As many of you know, I was vocal that an ill-conceived and hasty thrust to simply mash our two NAF's together is not an acceptable course of action. I briefed options similar to the Navy Task Force and Army OPCON models for their consideration also. BTW, my first pitch was for a Cyber Ops MAJCOM...go big or go home I suppose.  I campaigned to ensure whatever decision was made that it must: 1. Generate Unity of Command and Unity of Effort for Cyberspace Operations 2. Increase support to our Air Component Commanders 3. Elevate Air Force Cyberspace Domain Operations from a 3rd echelon Command/2-star posture, to a Component Command on-par with USN/USARMY. 4. Normalize our force O/T/E functions and Joint Force Presentation to USCYBERCOM 5. Improve Intelligence Support to Cyberspace Operations 6. Not break the G-ISR enterprise or impede CMF build/Operations  We will look at the merger holistically based upon these and other desired end-states, then integrate and aggregate the necessary capabilities and authorities across our two NAFs to generate the most effective organization possible...an "Information Dominance NAF" for our Air Force....it's something bigger than 24th and 25th combined in my opinion. Don't get fixated on structure, design, etc....form will follow function once designed and approved.  I believe we have have lost a battle, but ultimately won the War for Air Force Cyber Ops. The opportunities presented are significant and powerful. Now is the time to focus on multi-domain, multi-functional integration (Cyber Ops, All-source Intel, EW, IO) to deliver decisive full-spectrum global information dominance capabilities and effects for our Service, the Joint Force and our great Nation.  The decision to move the new NAF into ACC was based primarily on the Air Force's desire to grow our Service's role and posture for Space Operations within DoD, adding further strain on AFSPC's already insufficient Cyber Ops staff capacity.  I intend to host as series of Town Hall events once we have formal guidance and the planning teams have commenced their efforts.  So, that's all we know right now. I am certain the RUMOR MILL is off the charts and generating a lot of unnecessary anxiety and uncertainty already. I need all our leaders at every echelon to help belay concerns, squash speculation and help us maintain focus on our demanding "BOSDEE" lines of effort. We must do this in-stride and ensure our missions go on without fail, the CMF is built and trained as planned, and that we take care of the personal and professional needs of our Airmen and Civilians 24/7...you forever remain our most precious resource and I know this will only add to whatever anxiety you have. As soon as I know more, and have decisive information I will let you know.  These are exciting times and I am honored to share them with such audacious and innovative leaders...I am absolutely certain you will make our Air Force proud in this new enterprise endeavor. Lead on! V/R Wedge CHRIS P. WEGGEMAN Major General, USAF Commander, 24 AF (AFCYBER)

Getting rid of all the commercials finally https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2017/03/22/nfl-commissioner-roger-goodell-announces-less-commercials-during-games.html

It does, but only to a certain level then you gotta start rolling in rank to get it higher and higher.

ZB's right all around. Again, the communication from the "former" communication guys just sucked. Shockingly the decision was made by a bunch of Cols that this was our way ahead, you deal with it. Our 1-star and 2-star are working hard to address that issue and have pushed out a ton more info at the MAJCOM A6 level and up. Guess what rank most A6's are... yep. Seems like there's this magic rank where shit just goes sideways. I don't know why that is. Ideally they'd be sharing that information down. Do other AFSC's have info hoarders the way we do? The new C2 construct is tough, but it's literally the only way we can do business moving forward. The manning issues have hit everyone, including our cyber operators/maintainers. So, we need MAJCOMs to tell us what no-kidding they need fixed so we can decide if we're going to fix email/internet or some mission system. It's not different than when I was at a base and got a call that some Maj couldn't get on the ShareDrive from some naming party slides or fixing the scheduling office's Capt's workstations with a blizzard rolling in. Of course a exec's inability to get his GO's alt-token working still seems to float to the top.... On top of this we're trying to develop processes for everything you real domain operators have that works in cyber. Except we have the fight of needing to help out customers in addition to needing to do operations...for now. Anyone on the new Microsoft office email? How's that working out?

All right, Been awhile since I've posted on here. Since then there's been a few happenings in this new domain. One of course is the CIA drop from the Wikileaks. I won't share anything on it here unless requested since it's been so prominent in the news. Another is the Tallinn Manual 2 which covers international law and cyber. If you like legal nerd stuff and cyber nerd stuff it's probably right up your alley. Note that we have had AF law-dogs provide commentary on this. No free sources that I could find without looking super hard. Rand Corp has also been putting out good info recently on cyber stuff. Here's a e-book I just got and am "looking forward to." I'll also add that the C2 of the domain is rapidly changing and your local Comm Sq's are probably super pissed off. I don't want to get into it too much on here, but ask for your patience while we follow the direction of our awesome Viper driver boss to figure this nonsense out. For some reason it's taken a pilot after so many "space operations" officers to finally articulate to leadership just how bad a shape we're in, and actually have them understand. I believe much of this is cultural (i.e. space views 5 years as not a long time vs you flyboys) and with the right person in charge and advocating we'll get a lot done. Very interesting the new CSAF email about MDC2 dropped on Friday to dovetail with our efforts. Also, if you're in a A3 staff position and work on force apportionment I could use a PM...I've got tons of questions.