Lt. Gen. Robert Elder, 8th Air Force commander and lead on the activation of USAF’s new Cyber Command, told defense reporters in Washington yesterday that the Air Force hasn’t yet set a stand up date. His job, though, includes making resources for it available with “execution money” from the Fiscal 2008 budget and influencing the amended 2009 Program Objective Memorandum. Eighth Air Force at Barksdale AFB, La., had gained additional personnel since USAF announced plans to create the new command—all contributing to its activation preparation. Elder said he is working to “be ready” for when “the Secretary and the Chief decide the timing is right.” He expects the last details to be resolved by late summer or early fall.
The Air Force has embraced new technical approaches like open mission systems and rapid software updates for cutting-edge aircraft like the B-21 and Collaborative Combat Aircraft. Increasingly, though, the service is also working to apply these to its older, “legacy” aircraft, officials said this week.