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.
F-35As from the Vermont Air National Guard have deployed to Puerto Rico in recent days, continuing a major buildup of U.S. Air Force assets in Latin America aimed at combating drug trafficking and pressuring the regime of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.
