US Cyber Command wrapped up its premier exercise at Nellis AFB, Nev., last week. Cyber Flag 15-1 is a force-on-force training exercise focused on both attack and defense capabilities across full spectrum of military operations, according to a Nov. 12 release. “Cyber is a team effort, and given the resource constraints and capacity shortfalls, we need to partner in a way that optimizes operational outcomes,” said Adm. Michael Rogers, CYBERCOM boss and National Security Agency director. The exercise focused on executing “joint and coalition cyberspace operations that are fully integrated with other combatant command air, land, and sea operations;” identifying and prioritizing cyber terrain against threats; operating in a contested and denied environment; and rehearsing “how a coalition will conduct command and control of cyberspace forces at the tactical and operational levels in response to a regional crisis,” states the release.
As Air Force leaders consider concepts of operations for Collaborative Combat Aircraft, sustainment in the field—and easing that support by using standard parts and limiting variants—should be a key consideration, according to a new study from AFA's Mitchell Institute of Aerospace Studies.