Defining a Virtual Headquarters

Defining a Virtual Headquarters: The Air Force's new Cyber Command (Provisional) plans to have the command establish initial operations this fall, even without a permanent headquarters, by operating in a "virtual environment" with staff spread across the US, according to a June 24 release. AFCYBER plans to set up operations with about 240 positions at 10 bases, including Barksdale AFB, La., home to the provisional HQ, as shown on this map. Earlier this year, the command laid out its organizational structure and noted, but did not specify, its intention to disperse HQ staff. In this latest release, the AFCYBER (P) commander, Maj. Gen. William Lord, said establishing a "virtual environment" will limit relocation of new command personnel until the Air Force selects a permanent site. Ultimately the command expects to have a headquarters staff of around 450, but it does not yet know whether it will tap more than the 240 it plans to fill this summer at the 10 identified locations or hold the positions open until the service announces a winner, now expected in fall 2009. (Includes AFCYBER report by Karen Petitt)

6/26/2008

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Too High a Risk?
"This issue is not about contractor 'A' or contractor 'B.' The issues is that we do not believe that it is prudent for up to 80 to 90 percent of the fighter fleet to be dependent on a single engine type, provided by one manufacturer. Being tied to one engine is too high an operational risk to take."
—Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii), explaining why his House Armed Services Air and Land Forces Subcommittee had added funds to the 2010 defense budget to cover continued development of an alternate engine for the F-35, committee markup session, June 16, 2009.

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You Betcha
"Your decision to terminate the acquisition of the C-17s, the F- 22s, the DDG-1000, and the Future Combat System vehicles—we have concerns that it may send the wrong signal to our friends and our potential aggressors that we are reducing our capability. It may also have a long-term impact on our defense industrial base. It may diminish our capacity to provide deterrents and reduce our strength that we provide to our allies. We hope that this is not the consequence, but some of us are concerned."
—Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii), parting remarks to Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Adm. Michael Mullen, Joint Chiefs Chairman, during a Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee hearing, June 9, 2009.