DWDD: NEW DOMAIN | AFP builds up Cyberspace Capability

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Nov 22): NEW DOMAIN | AFP builds up Cyberspace Capability

CAMP GENERAL EMILIO AGUINALDO, Quezon City (DWDD) – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is building up its Cyberspace capabilities following its adoption of the Internet as a new domain in military warfare.

According to AFP Public Affairs Office Chief Marine Colonel Edgard A Arevalo said, “It is high time for the AFP to build up its cyberspace capability as we are in the midst of rapidly evolving technologies. Our operations greatly rely on a secure and reliable cyberspace that protects fundamental freedoms, privacy, and the continuous flow of information.”

The move to beef up the AFP’s presence in the virtual world was highlighted during the celebration of the 81st AFP Signal Corps Anniversary from November 12 to 23. Various activities such as the AFP Signal Family Conference, Cybersecurity Awareness Seminar, and Technology Day Display were lined up to celebrate the significant milestones of the Corps.

The AFP Signal Corps maintains the main communication backbone of the AFP – the AFP Fixed Communication System. It has been providing the AFP’s echelons of command and control with voice and data services for the past 60 years.

The AFP Signal Corps also plays a key role in delivering crucial information services during and in the aftermath of disasters as well as in national events such as the recent ASEAN Summit.

“On its 81st anniversary, the AFP Signal Corps shall continue to pursue the AFP Joint Command and Control Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (C4ISTAR) Project. This aims to upgrade the current capability of the organization to establish a network-centric enabled AFP,” said MGen Jose P Tanjuan Jr, AFP Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications, Electronics and Information Systems.

“The AFP Signal Corps also envisions the establishment of a Cyber-capable armed force by developing policies and establishing a responsive organizational structure manned by a pool of Cyber-capable workforce,” MGen Tanjuan added.

The AFP Signal Corps anniversary is set to culminate in a ceremony to be held at the AFP Commissioned Officers Club in Camp Aguinaldo on Wednesday, November 23.

The AFP Signal Corps was officially formed as one of the technical services of the Philippine Army in 1936 through the National Defense Act. The term “signal” became known to refer to a highly distinct military occupation dealing with methods of communications.

Though being the least-equipped Army unit, with only reconditioned radio and telephone sets built from salvaged parts of obsolete equipment, the AFP Signal Corps managed to render exemplary service during and in the aftermath of World War II.

Among others, the corpsmen were able to establish obscured communication links from the Philippines to the US War Department in California; provide first radio contact with US Forces stationed in the Western Pacific who were shipping military supplies and allied bureau personnel; and transmit ballot returns during the first post-war elections.

“The AFP Signal Corps has significantly contributed to bolster the AFP’s cyber workforce which has been our first line of defense against the growing number of digital threats,” General Ricardo R Visaya, AFP Chief of Staff said.

“With the rapid technological advancements, the AFP shall take advance steps towards information superiority which shall greatly increase our combat power,” General Visaya added. PAO AFP / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2016/11/22/new-domain-afp-builds-up-cyberspace-capability/