Photo By Maj. Nadine Wiley De Moura | U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Kayla Thompson, client systems technician operator and...... read more read more
Within the first three months in her role, U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Kayla Thompson, client systems technician operator and maintenance chief for the Air Force Information Network Security Operations Center of the 33rd Network Warfare Squadron has already played a pivotal role in communicating between cyber operators and system maintenance for the Air force Cyber Defense weapon system (ACD) and Cyber Defense Analysis weapons system (CDA).
“As the maintenance chief I provide globally tracked sensor updates to enable our cyber operators to do their job,” said Thompson, 22, a native of Rome, Ga.
“The key to streamlining processes is communication, providing continuity and getting on the same page this year after recovering from the previous COVID-posture.”
Sensor technicians and crew commanders are the focal point of the operations floor.
“I go between both floors, gather information and brief the information to the operations floor for that shift,” Thompson said.
The 33rd Network Warfare Squadron, 26th Cyberspace Operations Group of the 688th Cyberspace Wing is the enterprise defense of the Air Force Information Network and has a mission to protect, detect and respond to threats on the network 24/7, 365 days a year.
The 33rd NWS executes real-time investigation and response to network/computer intrusions, hunts for threats, provides persistent and proactive defense and mission assurance of the Air Force core missions.
Thompson said her father, a prior Marine and Air Guardsman, encouraged her to join the Air force because of the travel and education opportunities.
“It’s been a great experience, I’ve been able to visit over 15 countries just living in Europe,” said Thompson.
Prior to being stationed at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Thompson deployed to Qatar for eight months and was stationed at Ramstein Air Force Base in Germany with the 86th Communications Squadron.
“I love my job, because it is customer service based,” said Thompson. “It is a lot different from my previous base. I Iove learning about everything and everyone here and building relationships.”
Thompson, who enlisted in the Air Force in August of 2017, was selected as Senior Airman below the zone, promoted six months ahead of her peers and made Staff Sergeant at just three years into her service.
The Georgia native, who achieved a 3.8 grade point average in highschool, while balancing track, softball and a part-time job at Chick-fil-a scored high on the electrical portion of the ASVAB.
“I say this all the time, I didn't choose communication, communications chose me,” said Thompson. “ I came in open electrical, as a result of my high ASVAB score in that area and I got lucky and was assigned client systems.”
It’s hard, it’s not been easy at all, Thompson said.
“We are studying for another certification called security plus–it took me three tries,” said Thompson. “I know it is super important to pass.”
Thompson said that her mother inspired her work ethic and developed her ability to adapt to stress.
“My mom is my biggest role model–she’s a goal chaser,” said Thompson. “We have that no joke, you work hard no matter what mindset. I work well in stressful situations–I love stress and work better under it.”
With two years left on her six year enlistment contract, Thompson said that she is already planning for future goals.
“I want to see if I can get another overseas tour, if I can re-enlist or possibly commission and see where the Air Force takes me,” said Thompson.
Thompson achieved her associates degree at the Community College of the Air Force in Information Systems Technology. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Biology.
“I really like health care, so I am looking into biomedical,” said Thompson. “I want to bridge what I know about computers and working in health care–I’d love that.”
With just five other women on her operations floor, Thompson highlighted the importance of representation.
“Representation is very important– my advice to other women when it comes to the cyber community is to just go for it because you can always find a role model or mentor in any field” said Thompson.
“Don’t be scared of being different or under-represented–go for it, if that’s what you have a passion for –do it .”
| Date Taken: | 12.09.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 12.09.2021 18:03 |
| Story ID: | 410848 |
| Location: | SAN ANTONIO , TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 474 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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