The Air Force’s new family of career specialty codes for cyberspace support (3DXXX) that took effect Nov. 1 supplants the three former career fields of communications-electronics (2EXXX), knowledge operations management (3AXXX), and communications-computer systems (3CXXX). About 43,000 active duty, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve personnel from former communications career fields now fall under the 11 new cyberspace support specialty codes as do more than 8.800 civilian-equivalent positions. This conversion process had been underway for more than a year and a half as part of USAF’s drive to bolster its cyberforce. Airmen in this field will receive a new occupational badge that will become mandatory wear by next June. (SAF/PA report, including full list of cyber support specialty codes)
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.