OPERATIONAL HQ - CYBER

The Operational HQ - Cyber program, part of the Air Force's Research, Development, Test & Evaluation activities, is dedicated to enhancing cyber command and control capabilities. Its primary goal is to equip the Air Force Cyber Command (AFCYBER) with advanced tools for planning, monitoring, and executing missions within the cyber domain. This involves developing and disseminating Cyberspace Tasking Orders to align cyber forces with the commander's intent using the latest intelligence.

The program aims to provide a comprehensive operational picture that integrates cyberspace threat activities and actionable intelligence into situational awareness and mission execution. A significant component of this initiative is the Cyber Command and Control Mission System (C3MS), which is transitioning to Joint Cyber Command and Control (JCC2). The focus remains on continuous development to ensure interoperability and integration with JCC2.

Modernization efforts are directed towards automating battle management capabilities and enhancing cyber situational awareness. Key developmental activities include creating machine-to-machine interfaces for dynamic interaction with Air Operations Center systems, enabling effective command and control at the operational level. The program also emphasizes developing capabilities for near-real-time force location tracking, mission effect visualization, and a standardized map-based interface for situational awareness.

These enhancements aim to facilitate collaboration and mutual situational awareness among weapon system operators. Additionally, multi-level security capabilities are being developed to support full-spectrum operations. The program office employs various contractual vehicles to meet these requirements, ensuring access to a wide range of commercially available products and services.

In FY 2023, significant accomplishments included executing accreditation activities for next-generation architecture in multi-domain environments and migrating primary environments to cloud-based solutions. Efforts were also made to integrate cyber terrain data for non-lethal targeting and develop technologies applicable to countering misinformation. Collaboration with Joint Staff J5 expanded efforts in global campaign assessments, identifying features that support campaign planning based on these assessments. These initiatives underscore the program's commitment to advancing cyber command capabilities in alignment with strategic objectives.