Specialty Summary. Supervises and performs Communications-Computer Systems (C-CS) operations and executes associated information systems support programs, both in garrison and at deployed locations. Performs network management, control, and administration on DoD local, metropolitan, wireless and wide area networks, and Command, Control, Communications, Computer (C4) and Intelligence systems, Defense Message Systems (DMS), Automated Message Handling Systems (AMHS), command and control, and various functional area systems. Administers and manages overall Information Assurance (IA) program to include Communications Security (COMSEC), Emissions Security (EMSEC) and Computer Security (COMPUSEC) programs. Provides information systems life-cycle management.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Performs daily unclassified and classified network operations to include network management, control, security and administration within Network Management (NM), Help Desk (HD), Information Protection Operations (IPO), and Network Administration (NA) work centers. Administers and maintains databases along with other specialized unclassified and classified systems and networks.
Provides core network services by designing, configuring, installing, and managing data services at the network hardware and software operating system and server application level. Controls and manages network IP address space, domain name server, network directory services, storage area network, active directory, virtual private network, internal and external intrusion detection, boundary protection, and electronic messaging services. Manages secure authentication methods and remote access communications capabilities. Oversees network configuration, faults, performances, and security management through HD, IPO, and NA functions. Reviews and plans networks, controls distribution of Internet Protocol address space, and enforces Internet use policy. Implements Air Force Network Operations and Security Center/Network Security Division security fixes, operating system patches, and antivirus software. Develops local restoral and contingency operations plans. Processes and reviews C4 systems requirement documentation, telecommunication service requests, status of acquisition messages, and telecommunication service orders. Performs strategic and budget planning for networks.
Performs system resource management, manages system user accounts, performs system-wide backups and data recovery, and load and capacity planning and management. Securely processes, tracks, and oversees delivery of classified and unclassified message traffic via DMS, AMHS and other electronic mail systems, manages domain and exchange administration, and trains customers on Secure Internet Protocol Router Network (SIPRNET) usage when SIPRNET systems are co-located in message centers. Installs, implements, configures, and maintains functional system components. Administers database operations, implements conversions, and investigates problems in database environment. Conducts local functional and connectivity testing to ensure continuing operability; provides ongoing optimization and problem solving support; and recovers systems from malfunctions and security intrusions. Provides customer assistance and informal training for assigned systems. Utilizes network components (e.g., routers, gateways, firewalls, etc.) and other information systems to enforce mandatory access control. Applies computer security requirements to safeguard systems and information. Categorizes, isolates, and resolves network problems. Performs fault isolation by validating, isolating, correcting faults, and verifying service restoral with customers. Processes, documents and coordinates resolution of trouble calls from Client Support Administrators, Functional System Administrators, and users. Processes scheduled and authorized network outages. Implements service restoral plans, coordinates corrective actions, and submits outage reports in response to unscheduled outages.
Implements security updates and patches to include: Information Assurance Vulnerability Assessments (IAVA), C4 Notice to Airman (C4 NOTAM), Time Compliance Network Orders (TCNO), Combat Information Transport System (CITS), Time Compliance Technical Order (TCTO), operating system patches, and antivirus software. Implements and enforces national, DoD, and Air Force security policies and directives. Performs proactive security functions to deter, detect, isolate, contain, and recover from information system and network security intrusions. Conducts network trend analysis, audits reviews, identifies and characterizes incidents, generates incident reports, and investigates suspicious network activity. Installs, monitors, and directs proactive and reactive computer network defense measures to ensure availability, integrity, and reliability of base networked and stand-alone information resources. Performs system sanitation resulting from Classified Message Incidents (CMIs).
Performs active and reactive information warfare operations within strictly controlled parameters. Researches latest computer hacking technologies. Develops and tests tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) for both defensive and offensive network information operations. Employs developed TTPs on Air Force and DoD computer networks to exploit enemy information systems and defend against hostile information operations. Identifies, analyzes, targets, and exploits adversary’s network operations and systems within specifically defined guidelines and rules of engagement.
Develops, tests, and validates local continuity of operations restoral and contingency operations plans. Drafts, coordinates and implements network service level agreements with user agencies.
Processes and reviews C4 systems requirement documentation, requests for service, telecommunication service requests, telecommunication service orders, and status of acquisition messages. Performs strategic and budget planning for networks and associated hardware and software.
Manages organizational equipment accounts: verifies receipt, performs audits, and resolves and reports discrepancies. Monitors and manages user sub-accounts, maintains base equipment and accountable software inventory using the Air Force Information Technology Asset Management System. Oversees initial, joint and annual equipment inventories; monitors status of report of surveys, reports of excess equipment, and equipment disposition and turn-in. Monitors maintenance contracts and determines repair cost-effectiveness. Provides training to unit-level equipment custodians.
Administers the full range of IA disciplines to include COMSEC, COMPUSEC, EMSEC, Network Certification and Accreditation, Information Assurance Assessment and Telecommunications Monitoring and Assessment Programs. Provides accreditation guidance and advice to Designated Approving Authorities on classified or unclassified networks along with stand alone systems. Interprets IA directives, policies, and procedures. Provides program guidance to users through training programs and staff assistance visits. Enforces IA compliance through inspection programs. Reviews network configuration change proposals for compliance to information system and network security directives, and local policies. Develops and enforces Internet use policy.
Provides guidance, assistance, training, and education to unit COMSEC Responsible Officers (CROs) and Secure Telephone Unit III (STU-III)/Secure Telephone Equipment (STE) Responsible Officers (SROs), and Fortezza Responsible Officers (FROs) on proper control, accountability, and destruction of COMSEC material. Implements, interprets, and supplements COMSEC policy and directives. Maintains documentation on user accounts and ensures 100 percent accountability of tape-based and Electronic Key Management System keying material. Conducts semiannual COMSEC audits and inventories on CRO/SRO/FRO accounts and reports COMSEC incidents according to AF and DoD policy.
Specialty Qualifications:
Knowledge. Knowledge is mandatory of: C-CS and Information Technology elements; capabilities, functions, and technical methods for C-CS network operations; organization and functions of Air Force automated C-CS and elements; communications-computer work flow; operations and logic of electromechanical and electronic C-CS and their components; techniques for solving C-CS operations problems; and C-CS security procedures and programs including IP.
Education. For entry into this specialty, completion of high school with courses in mathematics computer science, and information technology is desirable.
Training. The following training is mandatory for award of the AFSC indicated:
3C031. Completion of a basic C-CS operations course.
3C071. Completion of the advanced C-CS operations course.
Experience. The following experience is mandatory for award of the AFSC indicated:
3C051. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 3C031. Also, experience in C-CS functions such as system operations, control, micro- and multi-user technical support, system restoral, resource counting, or security.
3C071. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 3C051. Also, experience supervising one of the following functions: analysis of system failure and restoral, C-CS operations, Command and Control systems support, system or network management or administration, and resource management, or security management.
Other. The following are mandatory as indicated: For award and retention of this AFSC, individual must maintain eligibility to deploy and mobilize worldwide. Specialty requires routine access to Top Secret material or similar environment. For award and retention of AFSCs 3C031/51/71, requires completion of a current Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) according to AFI 31-501, Personnel Security Program Management. NOTE: Award of the 3-skill level without a completed SSBI is authorized provided an interim Top Secret clearance has been granted according to AFI 31-501.
