Cyber security is a major initiative for the U.S. military now that cyber attacks from China, North Korea, Eastern Europe, and other nations have been launched.

"It's not just spray paint, it's a new mindset," said Brig. Gen. David Cotton, Air Staff director of cyberspace transformation.  

The United States Air Force has transitioned near 3,000 communications officers to cyberspace officers responsible for protecting the U.S. military and the government's infrastructure.  Specifically, the 2E, 3A and 3C AFSCs job positions are now bunched into the 3DX category -- as other communications and electronics specialties could also be included.

Cyberspace officers will now be trained during a 115-day course at Keesler Air Force Base, with an interest in securing networks away from the data center, along with other rapid response operations.

Around 400 students will take the class this year, with the U.S. government inviting civilian contractors and military members from other nations also expected to attend.

The old program ran less than one month – this was when military officers were unsure how serious cyber attacks could be.  Furthermore, the federal government didn’t want to force the military to make adjustments until President Obama selected a cyber czar and figured out who would be responsible for cyber defense.

Cyber spies from China reportedly targeted the Indian military, U.S. embassies, and Tibetan exiles -- and there are fears of future attacks against the U.S. infrastructure.  There has been quite a bit of confusion related to cyber security and which department should be responsible for protecting the U.S. government's networks.