PACAF colonel addresses concerns for cyber warriors

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Lauren Rogers
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  Airmen of the 35th Communications Squadron gathered at the enlisted club here for a "Cyber All-Call" with the Pacific Air Forces Director of Communications and Chief Information Officer, Col. Michael Finn II, Feb. 4.

Although this was Finn's first visit to Misawa, he did not waste any time getting down to the real issues Airmen are facing in today's Air Force. He started his speech warning Airmen to prepare themselves for force shaping in the current tough, fiscal environment.

"You must figure out where your team's heading, whether that is 'big Air Force,' wing or squadron levels," Finn said.

Finn spent time listening to Airmen's concerns and answering their questions about the future of the cyber career field. He also emphasized supervisors should be proactive and inform their Airmen about the upcoming manning cuts.

"It is hard to predict what the future of a communications squadron will look like, but we will always be dedicated to attacking the enemy's cyber system and protecting our own," Finn said.

With draw-downs affecting units around the Air Force, Finn said Airmen have to learn to streamline processes or cut them out entirely.

This innovative thought process is nothing new to the 35 CS. Finn spoke of a dozen examples of how Airmen are finding new ways to be more productive with less resources as cyber warriors.

"We're glad to have Colonel Finn come and meet the cyber Airman of Misawa," said Senior Master Sgt. Aaron Sanchez, 35 CS operations flight superintendent. "It's a great opportunity to hear firsthand how cyber Airman are using innovative techniques, not only to take care of the mission, but to advance it."