Sonie Rathbun
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – The U.S. Air Force Academy integrates cyber concepts into its curriculum to ensure every cadet develops a cyber mindset before commissioning. This comprehensive approach prepares future military leaders to navigate a world where digital threats are as significant as physical ones.
“General Allvin’s (Chief of Staff of the Air Force) vision of reoptimizing for Great Power Competition is our guiding principle,” said Lt. Col. James Maher, acting department head of Computer and Cyber Sciences. “We are training the next generation of warrior-leaders to master the digital domain, integrating real-world cyber and artificial intelligence to ensure the Air Force and Space Force are ready for modern and future warfare challenges.”
Foundational knowledge and specialized pathways
The Academy starts building a cyber mindset with a mandatory course for all four-degree cadets called “Introduction to Computing and Cyber Operations,” which provides a baseline understanding of cyber risks.
This foundational class is key to developing a cyber mindset from the start. Cadets can then pursue more advanced courses and cyber-focused majors and minors.
“Every cadet, regardless of their major, must understand the fundamentals of cyberspace,” Maher said. “Our goal is not just to produce cyber operators, but to ensure that every Air Force and Space Force officer is equipped to operate in the cyber domain and include that domain in all military operations.”
Cadet 1st Class Emile Olivier, a cyber science major, emphasized the real-world connection.
“The cyber opportunities at the Academy are truly unique,” said Olivier. “From our classes to the hands-on experience in labs and operations centers, we can see a direct connection between our daily coursework, hands-on learning and national defense.”
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