Ever since the Air Force broke off from the Army in 1947, the flyboys have prided themselves on being the military's resident techies -- the dudes with the newest gadgets and the coolest toys. That gear-head role has become increasingly important, lately, now that so few other countries can lift a finger to stop American dominance of the skies. That's sent the Air Force hunting for new missions; look at the airmen's recent attempt to become the Defense Department's gatekeepers for unmanned aerial vehicles, for example.
Now, the Air Force has assigned itself another hi-tech job, according to its new mission statement:
The mission of the United States Air Force is to deliver sovereign options for the defense of the United States of America and its global interests -- to fly and fight in Air, Space, and Cyberspace...
As Airmen, it is our calling to dominate Air, Space, and Cyberspace. If we can decisively and consistently control these commons, then we will deter countless conflicts. If our enemies underestimate our resolve; then we will fly, fight, and destroy them.
"We have quite a few of our Airmen dedicated to cyberspace ... from security awareness, making sure the networks can't be penetrated, as well as figuring out countermeasures," Air Force Secretary Michael Wynne told Air Force Print News. "The Air Force is a natural leader in the cyber world and we thought it would be best to recognize that talent."
"The pioneers of airpower...knew what their mission was: to fly and fight wherever our Nation calls," Wynne added in a letter to airmen. "The Air Force's mission statement has evolved over time, but it does not change the nature of who we are or what we do... Keep up the great work!"
(Big ups: AS, DS)
