Air Force Network Migration coming to Seymour Johnson

  • Published
  • 4th Communications Squadron
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  To most, computers and network access are normal business and even taken for granted. Networks have become much like electricity...the light comes on 99 percent of the time you flip the switch. Keeping pace with electricity's remarkable reliabilty, computers and networks are also online 99 percent of the time and with backup power, some computers never logoff of the net.

Computer network infrastructures, like electric power grids, consist of advanced architectures and support mechanisms reaching far beyond their local area. Much goes on behind the scenes to ensure e-mail, phones, internet access, shared drives, and many other resources are relentlessly available. Additionally, an evolving and absolutely critical element is the war against viruses and malicious attacks on DoD and Air Force networks. The AFNet Migration takes aim to continue reliability, standardize the architecture, and increase security; while reduce the massive cost of maintaining such a vast, complex network.

Over the years, unique mission requirements drove MAJCOMs and other organizations to build and operate individual e-mail and network services. Each installation had even more unique requirements and these individual networks sprouted across the Air Force. This trend resulted in serious problems with standardization, and security. More importantly, there was no enterprise situational awareness or single organization or commander responsible for the network. However, it's no secret that Microsoft Windows was made a standard across the DoD, and nearly all personal computers and core network servers run its operating systems, including e-mail. Also, remote management capability has improved dramtically and enables geographically-separated administrators to manage ciritcal systems from afar. AFNet will capitalize on these two facts.

As cyber operations evolve, the AF Network Integration Center (AFNIC) and 24th Air Force will establish a centralized user directory and e-mail service for all Air Force users. In simple terms, virtually all network services for all bases and users will consolidate into one Air Force network, managed by a dedicated group of communications professionals with visibility over one, unified network.

In October, Seymour Johnson will become the next ACC installation to migrate its users to the AFNet. All of Seymour Johnson's Air Force organizations currently a part of the ACC network domain will be part of the migration.

The most visible change will be new e-mail addresses. The first.last@seymourjohnson.af.mil address will change to a standard first.last@us.af.mil address and will remain for the duration of a career, employment, or affiliation with the Air Force regardless of the organization assigned. The AFNet migration project builds on the successes of the e-mail for Life program, and as additional bases migrate, will provide Airmen log-on capability to any connected Air Force computer without having to re-register for computer access when deployed, temporary duty or during a permanent change of station.

Simply stated, when the AFNet migration is complete, Airmen will have a single account always active and accessible at any Air Force location worldwide through the use of their Common Access Card (CAC) regardless of PCS, TDY, or deployment. This eliminates the need to de-activate and create accounts within the Air Force.

Be on the lookout for base-wide e-mails and e-advisories providing additional information in the coming months. For more information you can visit the AFNet Migration Tool Kit on the AF Portal, or call the 4th Communications Squadron Focal Point at 919-722-2666.