Page 11 - Nov2024Communicator

As the last AFCC Commander, I reported directly to would have the staff functions to integrate resource
the A6 (then Lt Gen’s Bob Ludwig, followed by Carl and acquisition disciplines, thus returning to the
O’Berry -– consummate communication central focus that AFCC had of being accountable for
professionals). AFCC had authority over multiple standardization and interoperability of peace and
reporting units; we had a distinct funding line with wartime systems. Guard and Reserve units with
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acquisition authority; we prioritized command appropriate skills would report to 16 AF and there
requirements for the Program Objective would be a central focus for the commercial
Memorandum process; we had an Air Force wide industrial base to understand, collaborate and
Inspector General system and we were accountable support national objectives. Indeed as we have
for the architecture of the Air Force’s terrestrial and demonstrated in the Civil Reserve Air Fleet whose
space systems and joint interoperability. The other members train, equip and organize to support
services followed our organizational structure and military airlift shortages during times of national
were mystified when AFCC was ordered to stand need, the Air Force could develop a Cyber Reserve
down. Augmentation Force which would draw on the
expertise of the commercial/industrial sectors to
Sir, I would humbly, but passionately, suggest that fulfill the same functions of our airlift partners.
with the recent organizational announcements, the
Air Force should take one more creative initiative I believe I was assigned to AFCC as I had nine years
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and separate 16 Air Force from Air Combat working in the Pentagon developing the Air Force’s
Command and give Five-Year Defense Plan
them Major … the Air Force should take one offices. I knew the
Command status. The importance of moving
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16 Air Force has the “ more creative initiative and funds as directed to meet
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majority of the separate 16 Air Force from Air unanticipated National
reporting units they objectives. As a Major
need to accomplish Combat Command and give them Command commander, I
most of AFCC’s Major Command status. was accountable to the Air
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responsibilities. A Force for acquisition and
redesignation of the Cyberspace Capabilities Center funding for the systems vital to mission execution.
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at Scott AFB to report to 16 Air Force would greatly Our current Chief has unmatched experience in
assist the activity needed to ensure interoperability these fields, and you, Secretary Kendall, are
between mission disciplines. Unfortunately, I’ve uniquely qualified through 53 years of service to our
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heard many assert that 16 AF may be focused on country to understand the logic and simplicity of
“Fort Meade Issues” and not responsive to Air Force what I consider to be these logical next steps.
issues.
I look forward to continuing to supporting the
Leadership ends disparagement. I’ve seen articles world’s finest Air and Space force led by the world’s
suggesting the creation of a Joint Cyber Command, most responsible leaders.
yet I would remind those uninformed of the
importance of knowing the intricacies of mission Sincerely,
support to mission effectiveness. The A6, working
with the Chief Information Office and other related John Fairfield, Lt Gen, USAF Ret
staff offices, would coordinate the staff functions and
give organizational direction to 16 Air Force who
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Air Force Cyberspace and Air Traffic Control Association 11