U.S. Aerospace Force Implementing Cyber Command

The Department of the Air Force is implementing the Cyber Command to protect U.S. Military and Government computers from virtual attacks.

The Department of the Air Force is expanding its transition to the United States Aerospace Force by integrating command of cyberspace in an effort to meet the demands of the 21st century. In an effort to fulfill its Global Vision 2020 the Air Force will be launching Air Force Cyber Command in the new fiscal year which starts in October. The Cyber Command will reach further than just a passive defense measure which protects computers from attacks via the Internet. Cyber Command will also work under the principle that the best defense is a good offense and is implementing measures to launch virtual strikes against attackers. The Air Force hopes to obtain security for communications measures by instituting the Cyberoperations Command. This serves two purposes, protecting Air Force and military computers and websites as well as developing contingency plans for the "what if" scenarios in the event of a loss in communication abilities. In an effort to prepare commanders for the responsibility of launching the cyber attacks, the Air Force is developing the specifics of what constitutes a cyber attack. Lt. Gen. Robert John Elder Jr. who heads the Air Force's cyberoperations command, indicated that the proper boundaries are an important part of cyberoperations. He also described the most common function of the Cyber Command will be to intercept and either divert or "kill" subversive packages that are a threat to United States computers. The action is akin to U.S. Naval vessels intercepting a foreign ship carrying arms in international waters. Elder also describes that cyber attacks to disrupt enemy communications could replace the need for more destructive weapons like bombs. In effect that would lower the rate of collateral damage in losses of life but could still prove destructive to civilian infrastructure. Currently the Cyber Command is choosing a State to host its base of operations. The process requires state Governors to work hand in hand with Air Force officials and highlight their feelings about the addition of cyber command to local bases and how they feel it will benefit their community. Hill Air Force Base in Utah is one of 18 finalists that have been chosen to host the Cyber Command Headquarters which will be announced in September 2009. Air Force Factiods