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(U//FOUO) Update on the Cryptologic Access Skill Field
FROM:
Chief, Enterprise Management (S3C11)
Run Date: 12/19/2006
(U//FOUO) While it has been some time since our last SID today article*, the Cryptologic Access
(CAX) revitalization team has been making great progress in developing the training offerings
and career development opportunities that meet the needs of the skill community. The CAX
Senior Steering Group was recently established, made up of senior leaders representing the
organizations that are the key stakeholders in NSA's collection function. Earlier this year, the
Center for Cryptology (E9) committed funds and began updating the Collection Management
courses. These are great first steps toward our goal of improving CAX support to the SIGINT
mission via a career-spanning development program.
(U//FOUO) The purpose of the CAX skill community is to actively integrate analytic skills and
knowledge into the collection function. A stronger understanding of the Global Information
Environment (digital and analog) in the collection work force will strengthen the new access
development side of SIGDEV. Keeping pace with a rapidly changing technological front is an
essential element of the cryptologic access function.
(U//FOUO) The primary offerings of the CAX skill community are:
1. The CAX internship, which will offer participants a structured three-year development
program,
2. A recognized career path that provides growth, advancement, and flexibility in career
opportunities, and
3. Professional development with relevant and current training.
(U//FOUO) The Access Analyst and Access Manager Training Needs Assessments (TNAs) are
complete and are providing the necessary prioritization for courses that require the most
immediate attention. The Data Flow and Targeting & Compliance Manager TNAs are also nearing
completion.
(U//FOUO) Since early October, representatives from the CAX revitalization team have
participated in the development of the Collection Competencies Model, ensuring that efforts at
NSA are properly aligned with the direction of the ODNI framework.
(U//FOUO) Another recent development is the incorporation of the military functions into the
CAX skill community. Recently ADET issued ExecMessage-149, where they introduced the
Professional Development Council and discussed strategic plans surrounding this activity. CAX is
working with the military Functional Managers to ensure the appropriate arrangement between
the various functional areas that fall under the CAX umbrella. Our objective is to provide the
same educational and career development opportunities to both civilian and military, resulting in
a fully integrated workforce that keeps pace with a rapidly changing target communications
environment.
(U//FOUO) For current CAX developments, please visit our wiki page . This is our primary
communication tool for the enterprise. It is updated biweekly and provides contact information
for the key players.
(U//FOUO) For more information on the newly forming Cryptologic Access skill field, or how you
can help, please contact the CAX Director,
* Notes:
(U//FOUO) For background, see the earlier article, (U//FOUO) Planning the Future of the
Collection Skill Community .
"(U//FOUO) SIDtoday articles may not be republished or reposted outside NSANet
without the consent of S0121 (DL sid_comms)."
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DERIVED FROM: NSA/CSSM 1-52, DATED 08 JAN 2007 DECLASSIFY ON: 20320108