Day 2 of AFA's 27th Annual Air Warfare Symposium

AFA's 27th Annual Air Warfare Symposium had another great list of speakers today, followed by the announcement of the five CyberPatriot teams advancing to the finals and the chapter gala! Today's presentations provided insight on a plethora of topics -- from global challenges to addressing specific US Air Force needs.

Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley opened Day 2 of our premier winter conference as he addressed the outlook for the Air Force -- discussing ongoing budget issues and the priorities of this branch of the military.

Gen Duncan J. McNabb, Commander of the US Transportation Command, spoke on meeting the global challenge -- harping on the Northern Distribution Network, the development of northern supply routes that have helped alleviate some of the risk that accompanies the use of more volatile routes through hostile areas.

A panel with several military leaders addressed cyber concerns for the different branches. "We need to make huge strides to keep up with our adversaries and to get to the point where we can neutralize them with our strategies," said Brig. Gen. Charles Shugg, Vice Commander of 24th Air Force.

Gen James M. Kowalski gave attendees an update on the Global Strike Command's agenda while Gen Craig McKinley represented the National Guard in his presentation. Gen Edward Rice of the AETC Command wrapped the symposium up with his presentation on present challenges and future opportunities.

(You can read more accounts of the Air Warfare Symposium at Air Force Magazine's Daily Report. Also, AFA will post transcripts of the Symposium early next week, so check back on our home site: www.afa.org.)

But just across the hallway, shortly after the symposium concluded, CyberPatriot held its awards ceremony, with 12 teams on the edge of their seats as they waited for the advancing 5 teams (out of more than 450 who initially registered) to be announced!

Congratulations to the following teams:
Buena High School - Sierra Vista, AZ
Clearfield High School - Clearfield, UT
Orlando Cadet Squadron - Orlando, FL
Ramona High School - Ramona, CA
Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School - Fitchburg, MA

Make sure you catch us at our next conference – the CyberFutures Conference and Technology Exposition to be held March 31 to April 1 at the Gaylord National Hotel near downtown D.C. In this inaugural conference, we will focus on the challenges the new domain of cyber space brings to every organization.

And the top winners of CyberPatriot III will be awarded after they engage in a two-day championship round!‎