Wing Commander Presents on Recruiting and Retaining in Cyber

The chapter welcomed guest speaker Col. Richard Erredge, USAF, commander of the 960th Cyberspace Wing (960 CW), Joint Base San Antonio, Chapman Annex. The 960 CW is the only cyberspace wing in the Air Force Reserve Command. There are 11 locations across the continental United States, with roughly 400 airmen headquartered locally in San Antonio. Col. Erredge explained that the 960 CW is an operations-driven force. "We do everything that the 688th Cyberspace Wing does but just on a smaller scale." They are closely aligned with 16th Air Force but differ greatly in the active duty and guard units.

When it comes to empowering airmen and their families, the reserves recruit nationally. Col. Erredge explained how the reserves have garnered strong relationships with industry, resulting in excellent training and development. "You're always told you can't recruit and retain in cyber ... but we are." The Air Force Reserves are uniquely utilizing the skill sets and training that airmen receive on the job at their civilian workplaces and bringing that knowledge back. "We have airmen making great sacrifices and taking less pay because they want to support the mission, and they want to wear the uniform." Col. Erredge closed by highlighting that the force can handle any adversary by posturing units with the skills and capabilities right now for what they will need in the future.

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