1. 461 ACNS Mission Statement
Responsible for communications and mission software support for E-8C operations in-garrison and at deployed locations worldwide.
Ensure personnel, equipment, and resources are prepared to support national policy and objectives through employment of JSTARS software, post-mission analyses, information management, COMSEC, and ground communications.
Bottom line…we arm the weapon system to ensure maximum combat effectiveness and we enable warfighting integration.

2. Near Real Time Data “Bronze” Post Mission Data “Gold”
Commercial Satellite
SIPRNET Entry Site
Near Real Time
Commercial INMARSAT LES
Post Mission
JSTARS Deployed FOL
Via SIPR
Via Media
Daily FTP of 4607, SAR/NITF, and FBCB2
SIPRNET Cloud
Monthly upload of full mission data via removable magnetic media
JSTARS Mission
Archive Server
ICAN
Atlantis
Combatant Commands
Army
NGA
Air Force
NASIC
1. Near real time GMTI “dots” move off the jet over commercial INMARSAT and SIPRNET to NGA. 2. Post-mission data transferred by cyber Airmen over SIPRNET to JMAS first, then to NGA. 3. Full mission data archived onto removable magnetic media and transported via tail swap to Robins AFB. 2

3. Unique Characteristics
We are an operational cyber squadron supporting a one of a kind high demand, low density weapon system
We are 1 of only 2 units in the Air Force
Our unique JSTARS mission requires in house training
Our total force construct strengthens mission assurance
Our Airmen are continuously deployed

4. Sortie Generation Coordinate with aircrews during mission planning
Build software specific to mission requirements
Source and incorporate relevant imagery products
Overlay known geographic features and structures
Prepare COMSEC materials for aircrew
Train aircrew on proper COMSEC handling and procedures
Test and confirm software pre-mission
Step to the jet and arm the weapon system
Assist aircrew until system is ready for take off

5. Data Dissemination Board aircraft and physically remove hard drives
Participate in aircrew debrief for feedback & situational awareness
Transport disks back to ACNS/F work center
Install hard drives into our transportable mission support equipment
Push data to the JSTARS Mission Archive Server
Only repository for all types of JSTARS mission data
Disseminate data to the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency

6. Cyber Airmen Diverse mix of Air Force Specialty Codes
No previous JSTARS experience
Majority directly from tech school, first assignment
Develop and instruct in house Tier 1 and Tier 2 courses
Flight line driving and operations
Working with SAF/CIO A6 for special experience identifier
Air National Guard communications squadron manning

7. Cyber Airmen Diverse mix of Air Force Specialty Codes
17D3Y Cyberspace Operations: 8
3D0X0 Cyber Operations Superintendent: 1
3D0X1 Knowledge Management: 3
3D0X2 Cyber Systems Operations: 31
3D0X3 Cyber Surety: 10
3D1X1 Client Systems: 8
3D1X2 Cyber Transport: 2
3D1X3 RF Transmission: 2
3D1X4 Spectrum Operations: 1
3S0X1 Personnel: 1
8F000 First Sergeant: 1
Civilian: 4

8. Key Take Away
One of a kind organization providing critical link between collection and dissemination
Complex mix of total force cyber organizations with different roles and responsibilities
Airmen are continuously deployed in support of combatant commanders and senior level decision makers