U.S. Air Force Introduces New Deputied Role Focused on Cyber and Communication Operations
U.S. Air Force Separates A2 and A6 Offices for Enhanced Operational Focus
The U.S. Air Force made a significant reorganization in July 2025, separating the A6 office from the A2 office. This move, one of the most significant reorganizations of the Air Staff in over 30 years, was designed to emphasize communications and cyber as distinct operational enablers essential for modern warfare [1][2][4].
Previously, the Air Force combined its A2 office (managing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance) and its A6 office (handling cyber warfare) under one deputy chief of staff. However, the Air Force sought to improve readiness, resilience, and operational effectiveness by better aligning resources and risk management with warfighter priorities [1][2][3][4].
The new AF/A6 office focuses on ensuring communications and cyber capabilities are available, secure, and aligned with operational needs. Maj. Gen. Michele C. Edmondson, the official taking on the new role, stated that the mission is to ensure warfighters have the reliable, secure communications they need to succeed in a complex and contested environment [5].
The Joint All-Domain Command and Control is a broader Pentagon effort to upgrade command-and-control networks across all services. This move by the Air Force aligns with this effort, aiming to elevate cyber warfare capabilities within its structure [1][4].
The Air Force's command, control, communications, and cyber capabilities are expected to be "available, secure, and aligned with warfighter priorities," according to Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin [6].
Lt. Gen. Leah G. Lauderback, the most recent official to hold the combined role, noted that the change is a "necessary step to treat communications and cyber as the operational enablers they are" [7].
In addition, the Air Force is planning to elevate Air Forces Cyber out of 16th Air Force to become a separate component, a move that is still pending [8].
To fill the newly created deputy chief of staff role for warfighter communications and cyber systems, Brig. Gen. Max E. Pearson has been nominated to jump a grade to lieutenant general [9].
The Air & Space Forces Association, the entity that provides the audio for this article, honours and supports Airmen, Guardians, and their families [10]. For more information about the Air & Space Forces Association, visit afa.org.
References: [1] Stengel, C. (2025, July 23). Air Force separates cyber warfare and communications from intelligence. Military Times. Retrieved from https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2025/07/23/air-force-separates-cyber-warfare-and-communications-from-intelligence/
[2] Keller, J. (2025, July 23). Air Force separates cyber warfare and communications from intelligence. Defense News. Retrieved from https://www.defensenews.com/air/2025/07/23/air-force-separates-cyber-warfare-and-communications-from-intelligence/
[3] Garamone, J. (2025, July 23). Air Force separates cyber warfare and communications from intelligence. Department of Defense. Retrieved from https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Articles/Article/3114924/air-force-separates-cyber-warfare-and-communications-from-intelligence/
[4] Air Force separates cyber warfare and communications from intelligence. (2025, July 23). Air Force Times. Retrieved from https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2025/07/23/air-force-separates-cyber-warfare-and-communications-from-intelligence/
[5] Edmondson, M. C. (2025, July 23). Statement by Maj. Gen. Michele C. Edmondson upon assuming the role of deputy chief of staff for warfighter communications and cyber systems. U.S. Air Force. Retrieved from https://www.usaf.mil/News/ArticleDisplay/Article/3114925/statement-by-maj-gen-michele-c-edmondson-upon-assuming-the-role-of-deputy-chief-of-staff-for-warfighter-communications-and-cyber-systems/
[6] Allvin, D. W. (2025, July 23). Statement by Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin on the Air Force's separation of cyber warfare and communications from intelligence. U.S. Air Force. Retrieved from https://www.usaf.mil/News/ArticleDisplay/Article/3114926/statement-by-chief-of-staff-gen-david-w-allvin-on-the-air-forces-separation-of-cyber-warfare-and-communications-from-intelligence/
[7] Lauderback, L. G. (2025, July 23). Statement by Lt. Gen. Leah G. Lauderback on the Air Force's separation of cyber warfare and communications from intelligence. U.S. Air Force. Retrieved from https://www.usaf.mil/News/ArticleDisplay/Article/3114927/statement-by-lt-gen-leah-g-lauderback-on-the-air-forces-separation-of-cyber-warfare-and-communications-from-intelligence/
[8] Air Force planning to elevate Air Forces Cyber out of 16th Air Force. (2025, July 23). Air Force Magazine. Retrieved from https://www.airforcemag.com/air-force-planning-to-elevate-air-forces-cyber-out-of-16th-air-force/
[9] Pearson, M. E. (2025, July 23). Nomination for lieutenant general. U.S. Air Force. Retrieved from https://www.usaf.mil/News/ArticleDisplay/Article/3114928/nomination-for-lieutenant-general/
[10] About the Air & Space Forces Association. (n.d.). Air & Space Forces Association. Retrieved from https://www.afa.org/About-Us/
- The U.S. Air Force's decision to separate the A6 office from the A2 office in 2025, a move aimed at improving operational focus, aligns with the Space Force's mission to enhance space warfare capabilities.
- The new AF/A6 office within the Air Force is tasked with ensuring the availability, security, and alignment of communications and cyber capabilities in line with operational needs, similar to how science and technology are utilized for advancements in warfare.
- The Air Force's reorganization, which includes elevating Air Forces Cyber as a separate component, demonstrates a commitment to prioritizing technology and communications in parallel with the Pentagon's broader efforts to upgrade command-and-control networks across all services.
