Air Force Cyberspace Defense Operations (1B4X1)

Air Force Cyberspace Defense Operations (1B4X1)Air Force Cyberspace Defense Operations (1B4X1)Are you interested in a career protecting computer networks from cyber-attack or being part of operations to crack hostile computer systems? A skilled cyber warrior has quickly become a stock character of television series and movies. Defending computer systems from attack and designing counterattacks is not only an intriguing fantasy adventure, but it is also a career path in the Air Force. The career field in cyber warfare operations is open to enlisted military Airmen who already possess skills in computer networks. A minimum score of 60 on the Air Force Electronic Data Processing Test is needed for entry to this career field. Cyber Warfare Operations Specialty Summary Personnel in the Cyber Warfare Operations specialty perform duties to develop, sustain, and enhance cyberspace capabilities. These capabilities are used to defend national interests from attack and to create effects in cyberspace to achieve national objectives. They conduct both offensive and defensive cyberspace operations. They act to protect cyberspace systems from adversarial access and attack. They execute command and control (C2) of assigned cyberspace forces and de-conflict cyberspace operations. They will partner with the Department of Defense, interagency, and Coalition Forces. The career progression includes Cyber Warfare Operations Apprentice 1B431 Awarded after completing 1B4X1 Cyber Warfare Operations Initial Skills Course. Apprentices are assigned into positions such as incident response operator or interactive operator. The technical school takes 16 months on average.Cyber Warfare Operations Journeyman 1B451 Awarded after completing 1B451 CDC and other requirements.Cyber Warfare Operations Craftsman 1B471 Minimum rank SSgt.Cyber Warfare Operations Superintendent 1B491 Minimum rank SMSgt. Duties and Responsibilities in Cyber Warfare Operations As a part of cyberspace warfare oper ations, personnel in this career field work with surveillance, combat, reporting and network management systems. Operations work to protect data and network systems in ways beyond passive defense measures such as firewalls. Some operations are in support of intelligence operations. You must be able to interpret directives into specific guidance and procedures for operator actions and develop and execute operation plans. You will evaluate the operational readiness of communications, sensors, intrusion detection, and related support equipment. You will coordinate with other operators performing weapons control, surveillance, and network activities. Your duties can include advising the commander on thereadiness of capabilities, status reports, training exercises, and evaluation results. Specialty Qualifications Knowledge This field requires knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware, software, databases, and programming languages. It is essential to understand networking fun damentals, protocols, network addressing and infrastructure, telecommunications theory, and data communications. You must be proficient on wireless networking as well as delivery to personal wireless devices and understand cryptography, including utilization and exploitation techniques. You must understand cyber operation laws. Education Must have completed high school. Additional courses in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) are desirable. It is also desirable to have an Associate degree or higher in related fields or Information Technology (IT) certification.TrainingFor anaward of AFSC 1B431, completion of Cyber Warfare Operations Apprentice course is required.Experience.No experience is required for the Apprentice level. The following experience is mandatory for award of the AFSC at Journeyman and Craftsman levels are indicated 1B451 Qualification in and possession of AFSC 1B4311B471 Qualification in and possession of AFSC 1B451 OtherEligibility for a Top Se cret security clearance according to AFI 31-501, Personnel Security Program Management.Award of the 3-skill level without a final Top Secret (TS) clearance is authorized provided an interim TS has been granted according to AFI 31-501. Source AFSC 1B4X1 Cyber Warfare Operations Career Field Education and Training Plan, November2014.