Agence France-Presse, The U.S. Air Force established a provisional Cyber Command on Sept. 18 as part of an expanding mission to prepare for wars in cyberspace, officials said.
The move comes amid concerns over the vulnerability of the U.S. communications and computer networks to cyber-attack in a conflict, as well as the military’s desire to exploit the new medium.
Air Force Secretary Michael Wynne announced the creation of the new command at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., where the air force’s existing cyberwarfare operations are centered.
Officials said the provisional command will pave the way within a year for the creation of the air force’s first major command devoted to cyberwarfare operations.
The full Air Force Cyber Command “will train and equip forces to conduct sustained global operations in and through cyberspace, fully integrated with air and space operations,” Maj. Gen. Charles Ickes said.
The 8th Air Force, headquartered at Barksdale, will continue to conduct day-to-day cyber operations until the Cyber Command is fully operational, officials said.
