Maj. Gen. Chris Weggeman commands 15,000 airmen working for the 24th Air Force, which protects the country from cyber attacks of “strategic consequence.”

Weggeman is the first to tell you he isn't a technologist. With 20 years experience and multiple combat deployments, he said he’s a fighter pilot. That's good because he is often translating the language of cyber warfare for lawmakers and superiors into one they understand: the air war.

And just like in the air theater, Weggeman said, the Air Force is making strides towards proving itself in the cyber theater.

During a conversation with Weggeman, he talks about how his unit would be ready and willing if called upon to expand its mission, how the branch is trying to recruit and maintain talent, and how San Antonio figures into their work.

Paul Flahive can be reached at paul@tpr.org or on Twitter @paulflahive