Airmen continue to innovate in KMI course

  • Published
  • By Maj. Adrian Wright
  • 333rd Training Squadron
When the world thinks of cyberspace and the multitude of things that can be done in this man-made domain, one thing inevitably comes to mind: cyberspace is dynamic. 
Cyberspace operations are changing at an astronomical rate.  New applications and viruses are created every day to help or harm those traversing through the space. 

An individual's ability to communicate with another entity, be it a person, company, or military service, is the driving force behind the growth of cyberspace.  Specifically for the military, secure communications is the backbone and life blood of our warfighting capabilities. 

For most people, having that communication be secure is not just required; it is expected without a second thought.  Due to this, Communications Security is vital to not just the armed services, but the world.  Furthermore, people always expect to have COMSEC as a guarantee. 

Unbeknownst to most members of the Armed Services, the way we manage COMSEC has recently undergone a major overhaul. The armed services decided to move forward and replace the 40-year-old, stand alone, Electronic Key Management System with a networked solution.  The networked solution is called Key Management Infrastructure.  
KMI is a secure and reliable cryptographic key generation and distribution infrastructure that combines substantial custom software and hardware developments with commercial off-the-shelf computer components. 

The networked solution provides combatant commanders, services, Defense Department agencies, other Federal government agencies, coalition partners, and allies secure and interoperable cryptographic key generation, distribution, and management capabilities.  All services will migrate to the KMI system and products to enable security services for diverse systems such as GPS and the Joint Tactical Radio System. 

The 333rd Training Squadron is the first military schoolhouse to teach the new KMI system.  Led by Douglas Greer, Billy Abbott, Kenneth Flynn, and Tech. Sgt. Frank Meagher, the 333rd TRS is paving the way and striking new ground instructing this new secure communications system.  On Sept. 24, the 333rd TRS recognized the first graduates of the new KMI course.  With a full class schedule through fiscal year 15, including members from the sister services, the 81st Training Wing, 81st Training Group, and 333rd TRS are empowering innovative Airmen to continuously push the envelope and advance the nation's warfighting capabilities.