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U.S. Air Force

Network Squadrons

The cyber operators and network engineers who build and defend the digital infrastructure of modern airpower. From base networks to theater communications, Network squadrons keep the data flowing and the enemy out.

Network
Explore Network Squadrons
Cyber Wings / Comm Squadrons / DCO
The Digital Backbone Est. 1990s
NETWORK
1D7 AFSCs
Network Operations
Cyber / Infrastructure / Defense
1D7
Cyber Ops AFSC
NIPR
Unclass Network
SIPR
Secret Network
DCO
DEFENSIVE CYBER OPS
Network squadrons operate and defend the Air Force's digital infrastructure. They manage NIPRNET and SIPRNET enclaves on every installation, configure routers and switches, monitor for intrusions, and respond to cyber incidents. The 1D7 cyber operations career field replaced legacy 3D communications AFSCs. Modern network operators are as much cybersecurity professionals as they are IT specialists. Every command and control system, every weapons system data link, and every administrative function depends on the networks they maintain. Read more
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Network Centric to Cyber Warfare 2000 - Present
CYBER
JBSA-LACKLAND, TX
24th Air Force / 16th AF
Cyber as a Warfighting Domain
16th AF
Information Warfare
Cyber
Warfighting Domain
688th CW
Cyberspace Wing
OCO
OFFENSIVE CYBER
The Air Force declared cyberspace a warfighting domain in 2005. The 24th Air Force stood up as the cyber numbered air force, later absorbed into the 16th Air Force (Air Forces Cyber) at Joint Base San Antonio. The 688th Cyberspace Wing operates and defends Air Force networks globally. Network squadrons at every base serve as the front line of cyber defense, monitoring millions of daily connection attempts and blocking thousands of intrusion attempts. Read more
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DEPLOYED
FORWARD NETWORKS
Expeditionary Comm / Cyber
Networks at Bare Bases
JCN
Joint Comm Nodes
SATCOM
Deployed Links
Bare Base
Network Standup
Days
TO FULL CAPABILITY
Expeditionary communications squadrons deploy with air expeditionary wings to build networks from scratch at forward locations. They establish satellite links, stand up classified and unclassified enclaves, configure voice and data systems, and establish connectivity back to stateside command and control nodes. A bare base goes from zero communications to full network capability in days. Without this capability, no deployed air operation can function. Read more
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1D7
Cyber Ops AFSC
16th AF
Information Warfare
688th
Cyberspace Wing
DCO
Defensive Cyber