From Signals to Cyber: The Rise, Fall, and Resurrection of the Air Force Communications Officer
Abstract
This study examines the evolution of the Air Force communications officer, which in many ways parallels the evolution of the Air Force itself. Most apparent, both are inherently technology-based entities that trace their beginnings to the Army Signal Corps. Perhaps less apparent, both have also had to grapple with the questions of centralized control versus unity of command, generalization versus specialization, and manning quantity versus quality. Each of these has influenced the way communications officers evolved. Starting with the signal officer of the American Civil War, early communications officers came to prominence because of the unique capabilities they provided. A modern communications officer, however, no longer provides that unique set of qualifications. Focused more on general management and leadership, the communications officer career field lost its way and no longer specializes in communications. This study looks at how and why this change occurred. For the purposes of this paper, the evolution of the communications officer has been broken down into four epochs: that of the signal officer, the communications-electronics officer, the computer officer, and the cyberspace officer. In analyzing these epochs that differ greatly when it comes to communications technologies, some consistent characteristics become evident, such as the importance of organizational structures, the prominence of leaders and their biases, and the effects of personnel perceptions. Communications obviously hinge on technologies and techniques, but the early evolution of the communications officer is better attributed to the people and organizations of each epoch rather than the equipment or means that were employed. As communications organizations matured, however, they tended to take on a life of their own and did not owe their continued existence to specific individuals. That said, there was always the danger that a single person could be detrimental to the organization.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2010
- Accession Number
- AD1019172
Entities
People
- Joseph R. Golembiewski
Organizations
- Air University