461 ACNSMission Statement

• Responsible for communications and mission software support for E-8C operations in-garrison and at deployed locations worldwide.

• Ensure personnel, equipment, and resources are prepared to support national policy and objectives through employment of JSTARS software, post-mission analyses, information management, COMSEC, and ground communications.

• Bottom line…we arm the weapon system to ensure maximum combat effectiveness and we enable warfighting integration.

Near Real Time Data “Bronze”Post Mission Data “Gold”

2

ICAN

Commercial Satellite

SIPRNET Cloud

Air Force NASICNGAArmy

JSTARS MissionArchive Server

Combatant Commands

1. Near real time GMTI “dots” move off the jet over commercial INMARSAT and SIPRNET to NGA.2. Post-mission data transferred by cyber Airmen over SIPRNET to JMAS first, then to NGA.

3. Full mission data archived onto removable magnetic media and transported via tail swap to Robins AFB.

Via SIPR

Atlantis

Monthly upload of full mission data via removable magnetic media

Monthly upload of full mission data via removable magnetic media

Daily FTP of 4607, SAR/NITF, and FBCB2

JSTARS Deployed FOL

Via Media

SIPRNET Entry Site

Near Real Time

Commercial INMARSAT LES

Post Mission

Unique Characteristics

• We are an operational cyber squadron supporting a one of a kind high demand, low density weapon system

• We are 1 of only 2 units in the Air Force• Our unique JSTARS mission requires in house training• Our total force construct strengthens mission assurance• Our Airmen are continuously deployed

Sortie Generation

• Coordinate with aircrews during mission planning• Build software specific to mission requirements• Source and incorporate relevant imagery products• Overlay known geographic features and structures• Prepare COMSEC materials for aircrew• Train aircrew on proper COMSEC handling and procedures• Test and confirm software pre-mission• Step to the jet and arm the weapon system• Assist aircrew until system is ready for take off

Data Dissemination

• Board aircraft and physically remove hard drives• Participate in aircrew debrief for feedback & situational

awareness• Transport disks back to ACNS/F work center• Install hard drives into our transportable mission support

equipment• Push data to the JSTARS Mission Archive Server• Only repository for all types of JSTARS mission data• Disseminate data to the National Geospatial-Intelligence

Agency

Cyber Airmen

• Diverse mix of Air Force Specialty Codes• No previous JSTARS experience• Majority directly from tech school, first assignment• Develop and instruct in house Tier 1 and Tier 2 courses• Flight line driving and operations• Working with SAF/CIO A6 for special experience identifier• Air National Guard communications squadron manning

Cyber Airmen

• Diverse mix of Air Force Specialty Codes• 17D3Y Cyberspace Operations: 8• 3D0X0 Cyber Operations Superintendent: 1• 3D0X1 Knowledge Management: 3• 3D0X2 Cyber Systems Operations: 31• 3D0X3 Cyber Surety: 10• 3D1X1 Client Systems: 8• 3D1X2 Cyber Transport: 2• 3D1X3 RF Transmission: 2• 3D1X4 Spectrum Operations: 1• 3S0X1 Personnel: 1• 8F000 First Sergeant: 1• Civilian: 4

Key Take Away

• One of a kind organization providing critical link between collection and dissemination

• Complex mix of total force cyber organizations with different roles and responsibilities

• Airmen are continuously deployed in support of combatant commanders and senior level decision makers