AFI17-201 — Command and Control (C2) for Cyberspace Operations

AFI17-201 governs command and control of Air Force cyberspace operations, including cyber orders, network defense, and related responsibilities.

Search AFI17-201

  • Publication number: AFI17-201
  • Title: Command and Control (C2) for Cyberspace Operations
  • Date: 2014-03-05

View AFI17-201 on armypubs.army.mil


It defines the Air Force Information Networks and distinguishes AFNET and AFNET-S while assigning duties to Air Force cyberspace organizations. It requires compliance with cyber orders, addresses consequences for non-compliance, and establishes records-management requirements.

Applies to: This publication applies to all military and civilian AF personnel, members of the AF Reserve Command (AFRC), Air National Guard (ANG), thirdparty governmental employee and contractor support personnel in accordance with appropriate provisions contained in memoranda support agreements and AF contracts.

Topics covered

  • Air Force Information Networks
  • AFNET and AFNET-S
  • Cyber orders
  • Command and control
  • Cyberspace operations
  • Cyber order compliance
  • Network access violations

Questions and answers

What is the Air Force Information Network?

The AFIN is defined as the globally interconnected, end-to-end set of Air Force information capabilities, and associated processes for collecting, processing, storing, disseminating, and managing information on-demand to warfighters, policy-makers, and support personnel, including owned, leased and contracted communications and computing systems and services, software (including applications), data, security services, other associated services, and national security systems.

What networks do AFNET and AFNET-S refer to?

The terms AF Network (AFNET) and AF Network-Secure (AFNET-S) are introduced to refer to the Air Force’s underlying Non-Secure Internet Protocol Router Network (NIPRNet) and Secure Internet Protocol Router Network (SIPRNet).

Are cyber orders mandatory?

Compliance with cyber orders is mandatory.

When must cyber orders be followed?

All cyber orders must be complied with in the timeline directed.

What can happen when personnel fail to comply with cyber orders?

Military personnel and civilian employees may be subject to administrative and/or judicial sanctions if they knowingly, willfully, or negligently compromise, damage, or place at risk information and information systems by failure to comply with cyber orders issued by AFSPC/CC or his/her delegated representative.

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