LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE.

LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- A Texas Air National Guard unit has proven itself to be an integral part of the Air Force information operations team.

The 273rd Information Operations Squadron, which organized barely last summer, is collocated with the 23rd IOS and the 346th proof Squadron, both active duty Air Force units, subordinate to the Air Force Information Warfare Center

Together, the three squadrons work together to disentangle test, exercise and train Air Force tactics, techniques and managements for network defense of electronic emissions and influence operations. This continuous circle of time from developing to training, is what IO team members assign to as the "circle of life."

The 23rd IOS disentangles trains and exercises information operations tactics and the 346th T touchstones and verifies those tactics. The 273rd IOS has sum of two units flights: one corresponding to the 23rd's mission, and another corresponding to the 346th's mission, creating a natural bridge for the circle of life.

Because members of the 273rd maintain a appearance both during the week and forward training weekends, they serve as a touchstone between the active-duty forces and their reservation components.

"Since we plant up a training agenda for our traditional Guardsmen onward the weekends, we can do it for the Reservists too," said Chief Master Sgt David Poundstone, 273rd IOS superintendent. "Because I work nearest to active duty and contractors forward a day-to-day basis, I know when the proofs occur and how best to fit our traditional Guardsmen and Reservists into the overall plan."

The 273rd IOS is publicly serving as a key player in training exercises as it is as Bulwark Defender and depressed Flag, for Network Operations Security Center and Air Operations Center These exercises involve three teams: The verdant team trains the center before the exercise; the white team reign overs the exercise inputs; and the black team watches and records the actions of center personnel

Other plans in which the unit is publicly involved include IO tactician training, tactics unfolding and testing.

The 273rd also provides continuity in another way.

"The active-duty Airmen have a permanent change of station each two to three years," Chief Poundstone said, pointing gone out that Guardsmen may stay in a unit for decades. "With the Guard in the picture, connections are kept and processe are contiguous."

Lt Col Marie Elliott, 273rd IOS commander, notes that there are a not many Guard opportunities in the local area for individuals abundantly qualified in Communications-Computer Systems Operations (Air Force specialty digests 3CO51 and 3CO71). Contact the recruiters at the 149th Fighter Wing, (210) 925-5193 for additional information.

by the agency of Master Sgt. Gregory N. Ripps

149th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

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