Identity Theft

**Ryan Ruck** · March 28th, 2008, 06:00

Highjacking SAC's emblem for the new Cyber Command is a sacrilege

A lot of people believe the Strategic Air Command won the Cold War. Now, veterans of SAC, which went out of existence in 1992, are complaining that their most important symbol is being stolen. The Air Force is planning to resurrect the SAC emblem for its new Cyber Command, and some SAC veterans aren't happy.

"I think the Strategic Air Command emblem should be left alone," said retired Col. Ron Thurlow, 58, of Beavercreek, Ohio. "It's a symbol of a unique command with a unique mission that was conducted in single-minded fashion to [reach] a successful conclusion. The legacy of commitment and sacrifice earned by hundreds of thousands of SAC men and women should not be diluted."

From 1946 to 1992, SAC was a dominant presence in the Cold War. By projecting American strength through its force of nuclear-armed bombers and intercontinental ballistic missiles, SAC prevented a Soviet attack that would have ignited an atomic war. Although the U.S. and Russia continue to aim missiles at each other, many Americans credit SAC with winning the Cold War and preventing a horror of unspeakable proportions.

Government agencies often stay in existence after the need for them has passed. SAC accomplished its mission and accepted an honorable discharge.

All of us owe an eternal debt to the airmen of Strategic Air Command. We can never repay that debt, but we can honor them by not cheapening the emblem that stands as a symbol of how they accomplished their mission — which was nothing less than to save the world.

The emblem shows a mailed fist grasping a lightning bolt and a laurel leaf. It may be little known today, but it would have been recognized by most of the public in the 1950s.

While the Cyber Command emblem is not a done deal, Air Force officials have said the design honors the SAC legacy, offering the flimsy argument that Cyber Command is a continuation of SAC. Cyber Command's mission "reflects many missions and operational aspects of the former SAC," according to a statement. Like SAC, Cyber Command "has a global effects integrating mission."

Huh? The statement also tells us the new command will be "synergistically integrating operational planning, technical developments and training programs essential to achieve global effects [that are] connected lineage-wise to SAC." Not surprisingly, a lot of SAC veterans don't understand.

"Cyber Command should start fresh, form its own traditions and come up with its own emblem," said former Capt. Thomas D. Jones, who used to be a SAC B-52 Stratofortress pilot. "Perhaps they should adopt the 'blue screen of death,'" referring to what happens when your PC crashes in front of your face.

(Bwahahaha!!! That is a good one!)

The Air Force has a bigger problem. It needs to explain — in plain English —why the military needs a Cyber Command.

Perhaps if it is able to articulate that better, it will become easier to establish the new command's identity, icons and emblem.

Giving SAC's lineage and emblem to Cyber Command is — no pun intended — a sacrilege. The Air Force can, and should, do better.

I agree with Col. Thurlow. They need to leave the SAC emblem alone. SAC was a grand part of the Air Force and should not be messed with.