229TH CYBER OPERATIONS SQUADRON

The 229th Cyberspace Operations Squadron

Vision: The source for innovative, expert delivery of cyberspace operations education and training for the Total Force.

Mission: Citizen Airmen developing and delivering timely and relevant cyberspace and information operations courseware, leveraging professional instruction and innovative technologies to fulfill the education and training needs of the war fighter. 

 

In 2001, the Vermont Air National Guard started an information operations (IO) training initiative to support the IO Integration Course taught by the 39th Information Operations Squadron (IOS), Hulburt Field, Florida. In 2003, the initial cadre built distance learning courses designed to help airmen conduct network warfare operations for the Air Force Communications Agency. Throughout the next 16 years, the 229th COS expanded its course catalogue in support of the Air University, the office of the Secretary of the Air Force Communications Directorate, the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Air Force Space Command, and the National Guard Bureau.

To date, the 229th has graduated more than 19,000 students from its online classes. Additionally, 229th COS members taught at the 39th IOS Schoolhouse; AFIT, Wright Patterson AFB, OH; 175th COG, MDANG; 189 OG/Det 1, ARNG and provided pre-exercise preparation for several cyberspace operation exercises. The 229th COS is also proud to have helped AFIT’s Center for Cyberspace research stand-up the Professional Development Education courses, Cyberspace 200 and Cyberspace 300. In 2015, the 688th Cyber Wing, San Antonio, TX, asked the 229th to develop range training capabilities which resulted in creation of the Multi-Application Practical Learning Environment (MAPLE). MAPLE offers realistic, experiential learning and is the 229th’s fastest growing course.

The 229th COS has recently acquired the Virtual Integrated Training Experience (VITE) which will be used to deliver customizable, hands-on cyberspace operations training. On behalf of the NGB and the 318th COG, the 229th COS has become the focal point of the Air Force for practical cyberspace training. In this role, the 229th COS will be instrumental in standardizing and developing cyberspace training experiences for the Total Force. The 229th COS is instrumental in defining the integral part the Vermont Air National Guard will play in meeting the cyberspace education and training needs of the warfighter.

   Official 229th Operations Squadron patch