AFRI holds symposium to define future operators Published July 31, 2009 By Carl Poteat Air University Public Affairs MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- "Effects on the battlefield define a future Air Force operator" became a common theme in summation briefings July 23 at the Future Operators Symposium sponsored by the Air Force Research Institute, or AFRI, July 21-23 at Maxwell. Symposium Director retired Col. Scott Johnson said more than 300 participants, including 15 flag officers, were divided into 14 groups to discuss the definition, education and training of future operators. The symposium was conducted at the request of Gen. Stephen R. Lorenz, commander of the Air Education and Training Command. In regard to the increasing mission in space and cyberspace, along with the Air Force traditional mission in air, General Lorenz had challenged the symposium to determine who will be the future operator, what will the operator do and how will the operator be trained. While the results of the symposium are still being finalized, Mr. Johnson said the groups' discussion did include the common theme that a future operator should be defined by the effects, from either a "virtual or physical presence," that are produced for the combatant commander. "It's an insight to a way to view operators that we have not had before," Mr. Johnson said. In discussing cross-domain (air, space, and cyberspace) competencies, the groups also agreed it is important to learn how the domains interface early in an Airman's career. "Regardless of Airman specialty, it is critical we educate and train these Airmen, to a minimum of an awareness level, the synergy we receive by intergrading air, space and cyberspace," Mr. Johnson said. He added the groups agreed it would be best to begin teaching cross-domain awareness at the "preaccession level," such as Officer Training School or ROTC. He said currently cross-domain awareness does not usually occur until intermediate development education, such as Air Command and Staff College, for officers and sometimes not at all for enlisted members. For enlisted members, an option may be to teach cross-domain awareness at all levels of enlisted PME, beginning with the First Term Airman Course, which an Airman receives at his first base on finishing initial technical training. The mission of AFRI is "to conduct independent Research, Outreach, and Engagement to enhance national security and assure the effectiveness of the United States Air Force."