Fact  Sheet 
United  States  Air  Force 
Public  Affairs  Office,  HQ  Electronic  Security  Command,  San  Antonio,  Texas  78243 
Tel:  (512)  925-2166 
The  Electronic  Security  Command  plays  an  important  role  in 
developing  the  Air  Force's  offensive  and  defensive  command,  control 
and_ communications  countermeasures  techniques  and  systems.   It  also 
advises  combatant  commanders  of  their  electronic  warfare  options. 
Battlefield  commanders  must  be  able  to  issue  and  receive  com- 
mands. They  control  the  flow  of  battle  through  rapid  and  secure 
command,  control  and  communications  systems.  Electronic  Security 
Command's  job  is  to  deny  the  enemy  the  ability  to  use  its  similar 
systems  effectively.  At  the  same  time,  steps  are  taken  to  ensure 
United  States  and  allied  command,  control  and  communications  systems 
function  without  interference. 
The  Electronic  Security  Command  was  formed  August  1,  1979,  draw- 
ing upon  the  manpower  and  resources  of  the  United  States  Air  Force 
Security  Service  and  several  other  Air  Foixe  units. 
In  its  offensive  role  Electronic  Security  Command  helps  develop 
ways  to  exploit,  jam,  confuse  or  destroy  opposing  command,  control 
and  communications  systems.   The  command's  defensive  role  involves 
making  sure  the  enemy  does  not  do  the  same  thing  to  us. 
To  accomplish  their  vital  mission,  the  command's  people  are 
trained  in  various  specialties  to  exploit  enemy  electronic  systems. 
Modern  electronic  equipment,  including  space-age  computers,  is 
operated  and  maintained  by  highly  skilled  technicians. 
The  command,  control  and  communications  countermeasures  options 
given  to  combatant  decision  makers  include  both  lethal  and  non- 
lethal  choices  of  action.   Non-lethal  options  include  jamming,  or 
causing  confusion.   There  are  some  enemy  communications  targets, 
however,  where  only  one  choice  is  suitable  --  destruction. 
The  enemy  also  knows  the  importance  of  command,  control  and 
communications  countermeasures.   To  defend  against  the  enemy's 
efforts  in  the  offensive  use  of  countermeasures,  the  Electronic 
Security  Command  evaluates  new  equipment  and  develops  procedures 
for  securing  our  own  systems.   Special  teams  work  to  prevent  intel- 
ligence leaks  from  man  and  machine.   Communications  security  teams 
play  the  adversary  role  and  listen  to  Air  Force  communications,  as 
an  enemy  would,  for  any  compromise  of  classified  information.   They 
periodically  check  out  equipment,  such  as  that  on  Air  Force  One, 
for  undesired  "electronic  leaks."
Communications  security  is  the  job  of  the  Air  Force  Cryptologic 
Support  Center,  a  subordinate  unit  of  the  Electronic  Security  Com- 
mand.  The  center  also  buys,  stores,  distributes  and  accounts  for 
cryptographic  communications  security  devices  used  by  the  entire 
Air  Force  and  several  other  Department  of  Defense  agencies.   Its 
engineers  help  design  and  construct  equipment  to  meet  secure  com- 
munications needs  worldwide. 
The  Air  Force  Electronic  Warfare  Center  is  another  agency  of 
the  Electronic  Security  Command.   The  Center  is  the  Air  Force's 
consultant  on  the  art  of  electronic  warfare.   Through  studies, 
combat  exercises  and  records  of  experience  in  Vietnam,  the  center 
can  advise  on  the  planning,  development,  testing  and  use  of 
electronic  warfare  equipment. 
The  24-hour  Alert  Center  is  the  heart  of  the  Electronic  Security 
Command.   It  provides  immediate  guidance  and  rapid  replies  to  com- 
mand units  all  around  the  world. 
Electronic  Security  Command  headquarters  is  in  San  Antonio, 
Texas.   The  command  has  about  12,000  military  and  civilian  people 
at  numerous  locations  around  the  world.   Its  Reserve  Mobilization 
Augmentee  Program  provides  an  additional  1,000  personnel  for  use  in 
national  emergencies  or  wartime  situations. 
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