JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
To the vast majority of users, a computer on the desk and the ability to log on to a network are taken for granted.
While a lot goes on behind the scenes to ensure e-mails get delivered to the right place, the part users don't see is the daily battle against viruses and malicious attempts to disrupt or access Air Force networks.
Over the years, unique mission requirements and operational concerns drove Air Mobility Command and various other organizations to stand-up and operate individual e-mail and network services. This "county-option" approach to networks lacked standardization, adequate security and was very expensive to operate and maintain. More importantly, there was no single organization or commander responsible for the network.
As the Air Force continues transforming its cyber operations, the Air Force Network Integration Center and 24th Air Force will change this environment and establish a centralized user directory and e-mail service for all Air Force network users. The goal of this Air Force network migration project is to collapse all existing stand-alone environments into a single structure within the AFNet under the operational control of a single commander.
In November, Charleston will become the next AMC installation to migrate its users to the AFNet, and while this change is relatively transparent, the migration to centralized services will significantly improve network security, standardize the cyber environment and reduce operational costs by eliminating redundant systems and services.
The most visible change to Charleston network users will be in the format of e-mail addresses. The migration replaces the old
first.last@charleston.af.mil e-mail address with a standard
first.last@us.af.mil e-mail address, allowing central management of these accounts. These addresses are kept for the duration of a career, employment or affiliation with the Air Force regardless of the organization assigned. The AFNet migration project builds on the successes of the E-mail for Life program, and as additional bases migrate, it will provide Airmen log-on capability to any connected Air Force computer without having to re-register for computer access when deployed, on temporary duty or during a permanent change of station.
Simply stated, Airmen will have an account that is always active, and through the use of their Common Access Card, they will have 24/7/365 access to e-mail and network services regardless of their duty location, eliminating the need to de-activate or create accounts.
As Charleston approaches its projected migration start date, a team of Air Force Network Integration Center and 628th Communications Squadron technicians are busy preparing equipment and resources to facilitate the migration of more than 7,000 users.
More information about this effort will be provided as the deadline approaches. For any questions concerning the project, contact the Communications Focal Point at 963-2666, or by e-mail at
628cs.cfp@us.af.mil.