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The Royal Australian Air Force has launched a new cyber warfare workforce that will be specifically trained to lead a team of technical experts to protect networks, data and information systems.
Late last week, the RAAF introduced two new employment categories – cyber warfare officer (CWO) and cyber warfare analyst (CWA) – with the first round of successful candidates to undergo an intensive six-month training program beginning in February.
Commanding Officer 462SQN, Wing Commander David Clyde, said the new employment categories would professionalise and enhance current expertise in cyber warfare.
“We’ve been conducting cyber operations for some time, but with the increase of computer and digital communications networks, protecting the airpower mission from cyber adversary attacks has become a critical capability," WGCDR Clyde said.
“Our fifth-gen air force is dependent on its networks, data links and information for operational success, therefore it’s imperative that Air Force’s information, systems and capabilities are protected from cyber attacks or exploitation.”
The RAAF said that the establishment of the two categories, to be based out of RAAF Base Edinburgh in South Australia, is an important step in realising the fifth-generation workforce capable of defending and protecting networked assets in and through the cyber domain.
Director-General Personnel – Air Force, Air Commodore Geoffrey Harland, said the RAAF would continue to collaborate with the Joint Cyber Directorate to ensure Air Force’s cyber warfare workforce made an important contribution to cyber warfare when called upon.
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