Optimizing Computer Network Defense Training

Computer Network Defense (CND) is inseparable from the daily responsibilities of the communications professional: establishing, operating, and optimizing the voice, video, and data network. The Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTPs) involved in responding to a Computer Network Attack (CNA) incorporate the identical tools used by the Network Control Center (NCC) when operating the network. In essence, CND is a subset of Information Assurance. In order to thwart the emerging Information Warfare threat, the Air Force needs to recognize and capitalize upon the similarities between CND and daily Information Assurance tasks. The critical linkage necessary to codify CND functionality is training. Commercial industry, as well as a number of uncoordinated military initiatives, has developed an extensive CND toolkit. Despite these technological innovations, current CND training as practiced by the USAF, suffers from inappropriate requirements development and a lack of disciplined synchronization with training opportunities. This paper will present the sources of CND training requirements, summarize the CND training opportunities currently available, and then suggest a promising Human Resource Management (HRM) methodology for linkage and synergy.