The Air Force Institute of Technology Relaunches the Joint Advanced Cyberspace Operations Course Published Oct. 1, 2024 By Lt. Col. Jason Fields Air Force Institute of Technology * Format: JPEG * Dimensions: 2040 x 1536px * Resolution: 96dpi Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio — The Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) has relaunched the Joint Advanced Cyberspace Operations Course (Cyberspace 300), marking a significant advancement in the Department of the Air Force’s effort to cultivate cyberspace leaders equipped for the complexities of modern warfare. The newly revamped course is designed to develop warfighter communications officers and cyberspace effects officers by enhancing their strategic mindset, enabling them to articulate, integrate, and apply capabilities across the full spectrum of operations and joint multi-domain environments, ensuring a competitive advantage over the nation’s adversaries. The inaugural class of the updated Cyberspace 300 course welcomed 63 students, including 31 officers, 16 enlisted personnel, and 16 civilians. After AFIT’s Department of Cyberspace Studies conducted a Specialty Training Requirements Team composed of subject matter experts from across the Air Force and received approval from cyberspace senior leaders, Cyberspace 300 underwent a comprehensive overhaul to align with the latest operational demands and doctrinal developments in the cyberspace domain. The course is designed to strengthen the strategic thinking and planning capabilities of field grade officers, preparing them for leadership roles in an increasingly contested and dynamic digital battlefield. "We've focused on not just updating the lesson content but transforming how we educate our officers to think and operate strategically," said Major Dane Jansson, the Cyberspace 300 Course Chief. "The new course structure reflects our commitment to ensuring our officers are not only proficient in cyberspace operations but also familiar with emerging Air Force cyberspace capabilities and leading in complex, multi-domain missions." The relaunch of Cyberspace 300 emphasizes several key areas, beginning with the application of doctrinal planning principles for communications and cyberspace operations. The course also focuses on evaluating the organization, training, and equipping of service communications and cyberspace forces. Another critical part of the curriculum is articulating threats, risks, and opportunities within the rapidly evolving digital and operational environment. These objective areas are integrated into the course's structure, providing a comprehensive learning experience that prepares students for the challenges they will face in their careers. Throughout the course, participants investigate the roles and responsibilities of Air Force organizations, understanding how these relate to communications and cyberspace operations. Students also explore the resource and requirements processes that support these capabilities, ensuring they are well-versed in the operational and strategic impacts of emerging threats and opportunities. In addition to the core curriculum, Cyberspace 300 offers students a variety of enrichment opportunities designed to broaden their perspectives and deepen their understanding of the field. Throughout the course, students have the chance to hear from current senior leaders and retired general officers who share their insights and experiences in cyberspace operations. Peer-led lessons also provide an avenue for students to learn from one another, fostering a collaborative learning environment. Additionally, students can engage with specialized units like the Cyberspace Capabilities Center (CCC), Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), and the National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC), gaining firsthand knowledge of their missions and how they contribute to cyberspace efforts. The course also includes a weekend tour of the National Museum of the USAF, offering historical context to the evolution of air and cyberspace power, and an opportunity to hear from AFIT graduate students about cutting-edge research in the field. These experiences, along with personal networking opportunities during planned social events, enrich the educational journey, equipping students with a well-rounded and practical understanding of cyberspace operations. One of the hallmarks of the updated Cyberspace 300 course is the blend of practical application and strategic analysis. Students are assigned to teams and engage with real-world cyberspace “challenge statements” that require them to apply their learning and personal experiences in a controlled, yet realistic, setting. On the first day of class, each team receives a unique challenge statement. Teams conduct research on related topics, explore current approaches to the issue, and craft strategic lines of effort aimed at achieving a desired end state. The course culminates in a Capstone out brief, where students present operational approaches that demonstrate their ability to critically think about cyberspace capabilities, communicate their unique approaches, and advocate for their proposed solutions to current challenges. Lt Col Jason Fields, AFIT’s Department of Cyberspace Studies Director, stated, “Cyberspace is full of extremely complex and intractable challenges, but we have chosen to focus our student teams on more focused and practical challenge statements for the two weeks they are here. I was impressed with their thoughtful and creative approaches, and I believe the student output will provide the foundation for additional research and execution on the many challenges we face.” In the new Cyberspace 300 course, the best team operational approach is chosen by the Department of Cyberspace Studies faculty and forwarded to Air Force cyberspace senior leaders for recognition of the good work and for potential further assessment. As the Department of the Air Force’s operational environment continues to evolve, the need for highly trained, strategic leaders in cyberspace is more critical than ever. The relaunch of Cyberspace 300 is a decisive step in the ongoing efforts to build a robust professional continuing education pipeline for the cyberspace workforce. Graduates of the course are expected to take on pivotal roles within their current and future organizations, where they will be responsible for shaping the future of cyberspace operations and ensuring the United States maintains its competitive edge. Colonel Christopher Landwehr, AFIT’s School of Strategic Force Studies Dean, highlighted that Cyberspace 300 is more than just a course—it's a strategic investment in the nation's defense. He said, “By preparing officers to think, plan, and lead effectively in cyberspace, AFIT is ensuring that the United States remains ahead of its adversaries in this critical area. The relaunch of Cyberspace 300 redefines the standard for Air Force Field Grade Officer cyberspace education.” AFIT continues to lead in shaping and preparing the next generation of leaders to tackle the challenges of tomorrow's digital battlefield. For more detailed information about the Cyberspace 300 course, please visit the AFIT website: https://www.afit.edu/EX/page.cfm?page=1504.