MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- 
The United States Air Force selected the Kansas Air National Guard’s 299th Network Operations Squadron this past year to lead the way in resolving computer quarantines.
The term “computer quarantine” is used when a device is deemed vulnerable by the Air Force for missing more than one update. Once the device is deemed vulnerable, the device user will receive a message explaining a need for an update and then will automatically be removed from the network within 30 minutes. The removal starts the device’s quarantine which can only be resolved by turning in the device to be fixed by the 299th NOS.
Taking the device to the latest update is a very labor-intensive process typically performed by active-duty Airmen. Members of the 299th NOS found a way to simplify and reduce the manual labor.
“The 299th NOS may be small, but it is made up of very talented Airmen, Airmen that are very good at computer scripting,” said Lt. Col. Michael S. Rooney, 299th Network Operations Squadron commander.
“The squadron has been working tirelessly to write a process that is run by the computers automatically,” said Rooney. “It will go through all Air Force devices and find those that aren't on that current update, and then notify the user. This allows the user to fix it, eliminating the potential hassle of a computer quarantine.”
The 299th has experienced groundbreaking successes, leading the way on this quarantine effort. The Air Force has since given the 299th NOS the lead role in other actions.
Rooney said, “Great work, 299th Network Operations Squadron, Always Ready – Always There.”
