Air Force Colonel Discusses Cyber Operations

Col. Tony Burris, USAF, director of communications and cyber forces, Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region-1st Air Force, spoke to the chapter at the September luncheon. Col. Burris oversees communications and cyber forces integrated into and supporting four direct reporting units, 10 aligned Air National Guard units, a number of active air defense alert sites (including aircraft and air defense artillery) and up to 15,000 active duty, National Guard, Air Force Reserve and civilian personnel. Col. Burris explained how he integrates cyber operations and defense into contingency plans supporting full spectrum operations and defense of air and space operations in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. He is responsible for translating and navigating the cyber-centric requirements through policy guidance, program and resource allocation consistent with Homeland Defense, Defense Support to Civil Authorities and Theater Security Cooperation mission areas.

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