Training Lethal Weapons

It was the first time that the chapter initiated a live stream for its October monthly luncheon. The event allowed members from Goodfellow and Laughlin Air Force Bases who were not geographically located in San Antonio to view the speaker's presentation. Col. Ty Gilbert, USAF, is the commander of the 543rd Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Group, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. The 543rd's 850+ airmen conduct deployed and garrisoned cyber, engineering and ISR operations for Air Force and National Guard commands. Col. Gilbert explained that the reactivation of 16th Air Force allows for a fusion of cultures to work in a way that it has not worked in the past. It will give people the ability to come together in a culture that isn't perceived as an "us vs. them" environment. Although Col. Gilbert's role touches the cyber arena, he explained that he isn't the subject matter expert. "It would be great to have talent on board to cover the blind spots." He also said that we are in an extremely challenging environment with regard to cybersecurity. "A lie can make it around the world without the truth even getting its boots on." And that continues to remain the biggest problem. Col. Gilbert emphasized the importance of training, elaborating that "training is one of my personal passions; training is what brings capabilities to light." He further explained that if you have the proper training, you can make lethal something as simple as a computer or as complex as a fighter jet. "Without training and by themselves, they aren't lethal. However, with the right training, you can make anything lethal." Col. Gilbert resolved that if we would resource our folks, train them and then get out of their way, we would be able to solve many of the issues we face today.

Event Photographs: