Since USAF doesn’t have a common and agreed-upon definition of “cyber warrior,” it’s “hard to define” who is in the civilian cyber workforce, said Lt. Gen. Gina Grosso, USAF’s deputy chief of staff for manpower, personnel, and services. Therefore, Grosso told ASC16 attendees, recruiting and retaining within that civilian segment is the biggest “challenge” when held against officer and enlisted cyber warriors, the latter two comprising about 80 percent of the cyber workforce. Other challenges that cost in the civilian realm is the priority of hiring veterans, Grosso said, which can “work against us” as USAF tries to grab recent graduates. “What works for one side of the force may not work for another,” she said. Improving lateral entry in the civilian force is a priority for Grosso, who said she understands USAF has to have “access to all the talent in the country.”
Top lawmakers on Capitol Hill announced Dec. 2 that they have reached a deal to extend the continuing resolution funding the government into February. Now, the House and Senate will have to scramble to pass the legislation by 11:59 p.m. Dec. 3 to avoid a temporary shutdown.