The 336th Training Squadron at Keesler AFB, Miss., last week launched a new information assurance course. The seven-day Security+ certification course supports officers, enlisted airmen, and USAF civilian personnel who are required to operate on the Air Force network. Those requiring training for an Air and Space Expeditionary Force deployment or in certain communications career fields have priority for this training. Officials expect to train 1,297 students annually on systems security, network infrastructure, access controls, assessments and audits, cryptography, and organizational security. Participants will have to pass a commercial certification exam at the end of the course. (Keesler release)
The new defense reconciliation bill includes $7.2 billion for Air Force and Navy aviation accounts, almost half of which will buy more F-15EXs. While electronic warfare, drones, connectivity and airlift all get attention, the F-35 was conspicuously absent from the package, with no explanation given.