The 38th Cyberspace Engineering Installation Group simultaneously activated three new squadrons, appointing a civilian director to head each of the units in a ceremony at Tinker AFB, Okla. The newly formed 38th Contracting Squadron will oversee cyber and telecommunications contracts, while the specialized 38th Engineering Squadron will focus on rapidly adapting new commercial computing technology to defense need. Joining the two squadrons under the 38th CEIG, the 38th Operations Support Squadron will provide financial and personnel management of cyber activities Air Force-wide. Cyberspace “is the linchpin of everything the Air Force does today, and key to our national defense,” said Toni Tirone, whose role was pivotal in the stand-up of the 38th OSS. The three units stood up on Jan. 6. (Tinker release)
Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III outlined Dec. 4 the vital importance of U.S. defense investment keeping pace with that of China before issuing a statement warning that such competition would suffer “irreparable” damage if Congress opts for a yearlong continuing resolution, a real possibility being discussed by lawmakers after…