Air Force Civilian Service

Every moment of every day, civilian cybersecurity professionals work shoulder to shoulder with active duty Airmen to keep our networks secure and our data protected. But you don’t have to be an AFCS professional to be cyber safe. Following the practices listed in the video can go a long way toward ensuring you’re protected from cyber threats and helping safeguard your digital footprint. For more tips and to learn more about AFCS’s cyber security role, we encourage you to watch tonight’s Aim Hire on the subject. There’s still time to register at: https://lnkd.in/ezxANbpq.

Protecting our nation from cyber threats means not only anticipating and staying a step ahead of those who’d do us harm but also outsmarting and thwarting them every step of the way. During this month’s Aim Hire, "Speaking in Code," we pull back the curtain on this highly rewarding, always demanding field and introduce you to two AFCS cyber warriors with the 834th Cyber Operations Squadron. They’ll describe the important role civilians are playing on the digital battlefield and what steps you can take to follow in their footsteps. So, if you’re curious about the human-powered firewall keeping the Air Force’s digital infrastructure and assets safe from harm or what you can do to join the fight, register for Aim Hire, “Speaking in Code” at: https://lnkd.in/ezxANbpq.

An Ounce of Prevention The Integrated Primary Prevention Workforce (IPPW) is one of the Department of Defense's top priorities and most recent occupational fields. This initiative brings in civilians with expertise in public health, family services, and the social sciences. These new opportunities preventing harmful behaviors before they start are sparking significant interest and curiosity. So, in the spirit of prevention, we thought we’d answer your questions even before you asked them. Q: What is the role of a Prevention Operations Program Manager? A: The Prevention Operations Program Manager at Air Force Personnel Center is responsible for operationalizing policies for the Integrated Primary Prevention Workforce (IPPW). This involves creating tools and resources to ensure IPPW professionals can succeed in their roles across various installations. Q: How does the Air Force approach prevention? A: The Air Force has led the way in proactive prevention, recognizing the need to prevent issues before they arise. The Integrated Primary Prevention Workforce focuses on identifying risk factors and promoting protective factors to maintain mission readiness and personal well-being. Q: What makes a good candidate for a career in prevention? A: Ideal candidates should have backgrounds in public health, family services, or the social sciences; be flexible, adaptable, and have strong communication skills. They should be passionate about making a difference in the military community and open to continuous learning and collaboration. Q: What are some benefits of working in prevention for the Air Force? A: Working in prevention offers meaningful work, job security, opportunities for advancement, and a healthy work-life balance. It’s a chance to support military personnel, veterans, and their families while contributing to a critical mission. Q: How is technology used in prevention? A: The Air Force is piloting innovative apps and virtual reality tools for suicide prevention and fostering connections through programs like Air Force Gaming, which ties into broader prevention efforts by promoting connection and community among Airmen.

Talk about love stories. If you missed September’s Aim Hire live webinar on why supporting the Air Force’s mission is so easy to love, you’ll definitely want to grab some tissues and follow this link. Spoiler alert: This is one of those heartwarming, feel-good stories where everyone ends up living happily ever after in the end. You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. It may even coax you to apply. Watch the full episode in its entirety at https://lnkd.in/eeJmQPPf.

During this month’s Aim Hire, we tackle one of the fastest evolving and most pressing challenges to national defense: cybersecurity. As digital threats grow more sophisticated and hostile actors grow bolder, the U.S. Air Force has an ace up its sleeve: a dedicated team of highly skilled civilians and military personnel whose mission is to safeguard the Air Force’s mission-critical digital infrastructure and systems. These consummate professionals are the first line of defense against adversaries who prefer to operate in the shadows. In Episode 38, "Speaking in Code," you’ll meet two of these unsung heroes: Caesar Alzaga, Senior Civilian and Technical Advisor for the 834th's Cyber Operations Squadron, and Mike Hayward, the 834th's Cyber Threat Emulation Lead. It’s their job to identify, neutralize, and outsmart threats before they can compromise our national security. Together, they’ll shed light on the many rewards and challenges of this mission-critical field and, just as importantly, what you can do to make it your job, too. So, register today because in a line of work where a single line of code can make or break a mission, this episode may do the same for your career. Register now at: https://lnkd.in/ezxANbpq.

Eglin Hiring Event: Cancelled Due to Hurricane

If you answered the Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star, give yourself a 🌠 golden shooting star. The P-80 Shooting Star originally joined service with the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1944 during the late stages of WWII. In June 1948, the newly formed United States Air Force redesignated the P-80 the F-80, adopting its new naming system that reclassified (P) pursuit aircraft to (F) fighter aircraft.

As we celebrate 77 years of the United States Air Force taking flight farther, test your knowledge with some Air Force trivia! Think you know the answer? Drop your guess in the comments below! We’ll reveal the correct answer later today. #AimHigh #USAF77 #AirForceHistory #AirPower

⭐Civilian Spotlight⭐ SHANDRA BATES Division Chief, Engineering Resources Management, Air Force Test Center Years with Air Force Civilian Service: 11 Q: What inspired you to join Air Force Civilian Service (AFCS)? A: My brother had joined AFCS before me, so I had insight into the pride he felt by contributing to the mission. Also, my grandfather served in the Air Force, and I have another brother who served in the Navy. I developed a great relationship with my AFCS recruiter that kept tabs on me over the course of a few years, which really helped solidify how AFCS would be great fit. Also, I'm passionate about and LOVE airplanes/aircraft! Q: How does your role as an Engineering Division Chief contribute to the Air Force’s mission? A: I’m responsible for functional management in support of projects, programs, and initiatives pertaining to science, engineering, and technical management across the Air Force Test Center (AFTC) Enterprise. I ensure the AFTC’s Science & Engineering (S&E) workforce has access to developmental opportunities, like training, necessary to do their jobs. I advocate for the S&E career field across the Center and at headquarters Air Force Materiel Command. I also ensure we’re hiring and developing the right people. Q: Tell me about a time you knew you were making a difference at AFCS. A: When I was working as an F-15 Landing Gear System Engineer, we had an issue with the brake system overheating, especially if the aircraft was highly loaded (heavy) or in a high-temperature environment. I had the chance to work on redesigning the wheel and brake system. I worked the redesign project through source selection, manufacturer's development testing, and flight testing. A key aspect of the whole redesign was to make the system more sustainable – we were able to simplify designs aspects, making it easier (and safer) for our maintainers to repair. It was great to be part of a big win for the Air Force! Q: Why do you stay with AFCS? A: I stay because I have the capability to grow and move around. I get to maintain my seniority and professional network, while staying loyal to the mission and contributing my expertise to the bigger picture. When you move to a new employer, you have to start over (or prove yourself) until you build a good rapport. At AFCS, there’s no need to start over from ground zero! Q: Any helpful advice for newbies to the AFCS family? A: Make yourself indispensable – you should be striving towards mastery of some sort (ex. constant personal development, improving processes, technical expertise, etc.). You have a good opportunity to make a positive change at AFCS. Even if you’re not tasked with something because your capabilities are unknown, as an individual, you should pursue work that allows you to shine! LinkedIn Profile: https://lnkd.in/eFkWNHwz #ItsACivilianThing #WeAreAFCS #ForcesJoined #CivilianSpotlight

When the race is against time, it’s always wise to stay a few paces ahead. Something the Air Force has done with ease since its formation in 1947. Happy Birthday, U.S. Air Force. AFCS is proud to have your 6, 24/7/365.