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JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas – The 688th Cyberspace Wing has formally launched an artificial intelligence initiative, named MAAD, signing a charter to solidify its mission and objectives. The initiative earns its name by leveraging machine learning, artificial intelligence, automation, and data analytics (MAAD) to bolster the wing's cyberspace capabilities.
The charter outlines three key objectives: driving innovation by developing cutting-edge solutions, improving mission effectiveness by enhancing data transparency and analysis, and enhancing efficiency by optimizing workflows and resource allocation.
“These objectives directly support the wing's strategic goals and align with the Air Force’s goals in modernization and lethality,” said Keith Jackson , Data, AI/ML, & Advanced Computing Technical Lead in the 38th Engineering Squadron. “Innovation and operationalizing capabilities are one of our lines of effort within the Wing, and this is one way we achieve that.”
The core team of experts meets bi-weekly, reviewing and approving projects that will transition into full-time assignments. The goal is to leverage the emerging technology in a way that is a true force multiplier for the formation.
“I'm most excited by this AI initiative's potential to empower our personnel and enhance our cyberspace capabilities," said Francisco “Frank” Isasmendi , Technical Director of the 688th Cyberspace Wing. "Automating tedious tasks frees our experts to focus on strategic priorities, while advanced data analysis allows us to identify threats and vulnerabilities more effectively.”
Those key transformative opportunities include real-time cyber threat detection, accelerated decision-making, and predictive maintenance.
The initiative prioritizes responsible AI development through policy alignment, resource optimization, and workforce development. A systematic approach will identify and prioritize use cases, focusing on alignment with the wing's Action Plan and soliciting ideas through a Request for Assistance (RFA) process.
“How we prioritize will be based on potential impact, feasibility, and ethical considerations,” said Major Dennis (DJ) Gardner, MSIT, CISSP, PMP , Chief Data & Analytics Officer of the 688th Cyberspace Wing. “Collaboration will be fostered through dedicated communication channels, cross-functional project teams, and knowledge sharing, because we know that our formation will require technical expertise, robust data infrastructure, and leadership support to effectively adopt AI solutions.”
Looking ahead, the initiative envisions AI playing a crucial role in automating key workflows across the Network Operations Center (NOC) and Security Operations Center (SOC), potentially including agentic and generative AI capabilities.
“To stay ahead of the curve, the MAAD initiative will continuously monitor emerging trends, invest in research and development, and collaborate with leading experts,” said Lt. Colonel Ben Heruska, 688th Cyberspace Wing. “This is just one way we build towards our vision of being the most trusted and reliable wing in the Air Force.”
The 688th Cyberspace Wing, headquartered at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, is aligned under Sixteenth Air Force (Air Forces Cyber), Air Combat Command. The wing is the Air Force's premier cyberspace warfighting organization dedicated to delivering actionable intelligence and tactics, techniques, and procedures, deployable warfighter communications, engineering and installation capabilities, defensive cyber operations, and network security operations across the Department of the Air Force Information Network (DAFIN) enterprise.
| Date Taken: | 03.28.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 04.04.2025 11:48 |
| Story ID: | 494579 |
| Location: | LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 34 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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