10th Air Force leadership visits Lackland's Reserve cyber units

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  • By 960th Cyberspace Operations Group Public Affairs
Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas --  The 960th Cyberspace Operations Group welcomed senior leaders during the December Unit Training Assembly.

Maj. Gen. Rich Scobee, 10th Air Force commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Thomas Brandhuber, 10th AF command chief, visited the Group and three of its squadrons Dec. 4-6.

The leaders were briefed about the Group's unique and diverse cyber missions, spent time with the Citizen Airmen who execute those missions, and attended the Group's annual holiday party.

"It's a real pleasure to be here," Scobee said Dec. 5 before a group of more than 125 Cyber Gladiators at the Robert D. Gaylor NCO Academy Auditorium. "I will keep my comments brief because I want to answer your questions."

Airmen had the opportunity to ask the two leaders questions at various events during their 3-day visit, but most focused on the future of cyber in the military, the challenges of the cyber community, and general advice on being an Airman.

Regarding the future of cyber in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, Scobee emphasized how Reservists are working closely with their active component counterparts.

"Cyber is a priority for our Air Force and our Nation," he said. "In the past, the Reserve was more of a Strategic Reserve, but now we are conducting side-by-side operations with our active component counterparts every day. This synergy enables us to fight and win in cyberspace."

Scobee also answered a question about what he sees as the biggest challenge for the cyber domain in the coming years.

"Adapting to a fast-growing and moving world is a challenge because cyber is like no other part of the Air Force and everything changes so fast," he said. "Many of you protect and defend America's cyberspace domain on a part-time basis, but are full-time cybersecurity experts in the civilian sector. This powerful combination brings to bear advanced technical expertise and postures us to exert cyber superiority in a volatile and contested environment."

Offering words of wisdom for today's Airmen, Brandhuber had this to say.
"It is all about dedication and being good at what you do," he said. "The opportunities are out there; all you have to do is not settle and go get them. Take advantage of everything you can and better yourself."

Both gentlemen thanked the Group's Airmen for their service and wished them a happy, safe holiday season.