*: United States Air For Pubile Affairs Cfice, HQ Electronic Securlty Command, San Antonio, Texas 78243 Tal: (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 Force 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-liethal 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. - 30 -