The concept of separate US cyber troops has lately gained traction as a result of an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act that mandates a feasibility study for such a service. Several articles in recent weeks have cautioned against or openly opposed the creation of independent cyber armies.
The nature of warfare has been fundamentally altered by the rapid advancement of technology and the digital landscape. In addition to land, sea, air, and space, cyberspace has emerged as the fifth domain. As the sophistication and frequency of cyber threats continue to increase, the United States must modify its defense posture to address these challenges directly. The current distributed approach is susceptible to digital attacks due to the gaps in capabilities, training, recruitment, and innovation.
Indispensable Element
Adversaries of the United States, including China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, have developed formidable cyber capabilities that have been used to initiate attacks on both government and civilian infrastructure. The pressing necessity for specialized and devoted cyber forces is emphasized by the recent ransomware attacks on critical infrastructure and the 2020 SolarWinds cyberattack, which compromised numerous U.S. federal agencies.
The frequency and severity of cyberattacks have increased exponentially, with nation-states serving as the primary perpetrators, according to a 2021 report from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). The report underscores the fact that conventional military structures are inadequately prepared to confront the distinctive obstacles presented by cyber threats, which requires the establishment of distinct and autonomous cyber forces.
Arguments for an Independent Cyber Force
Expertise and Focus: The establishment of independent U.S. cyber forces will facilitate the specialization and targeted training required to address intricate cyber threats. Cyber forces would be exclusively dedicated to the defense against and execution of cyber operations, in contrast to conventional military units. This concentrated focus is essential for the acquisition of the necessary expertise to remain ahead of adversaries in the rapidly evolving cyberspace.
Organized Command and Control: The implementation of independent cyber forces would improve command and control capabilities by establishing a more responsive and agile structure. At present, cyber operations are frequently disseminated across multiple military branches, resulting in bureaucratic inefficiencies and fragmented efforts. A more cohesive and effective response to cyber incidents would be facilitated by a unified command structure within independent cyber forces.
Improved Recruitment and Retention: The cyberspace industry faces a substantial challenge in attracting and retaining top-tier talent. The flexibility to implement specialized recruitment and retention strategies that are specifically designed to meet the unique requirements of cyber warfare would be available to independent cyber forces. This entails providing cyber operators with competitive salaries, career advancement opportunities, and upskilling programs that are more in accordance with the private sector, thereby enabling them to complete the tasks they have been assigned.
Innovation and Flexibility: The swift advancement of technology is a defining characteristic of cyberspace. Independent cyber forces would be more effectively equipped to innovate and adjust to emergent threats. Cyber forces can maintain a competitive edge and develop state-of-the-art capabilities by cultivating an environment of perpetual learning and technological experimentation.
Arguments Against an Independent Cyber Force
Independent U.S. cyber forces are frequently opposed by those who contend that they would result in redundancy and the duplication of existing military divisions. Nevertheless, this perspective neglects the distinctive characteristics of cyber warfare.
The U.S. Space Force, which was established in 2019, establishes a precedent for the establishment of a specialized military branch to address specific operational requirements. In the same way that space operations necessitate unique capabilities and concentration, cyberspace does as well. The potential increase in bureaucracy and costs is another argument against the establishment of independent cyber forces.
The Need for an Independent Force
Although the initial establishment of a new military branch may incur expenses, the long-term advantages of having specialized and efficient cyber forces far surpass these concerns.
In the long term, the current fragmented approach to cyber operations results in increased costs and inefficiencies. The consolidation of these endeavors under a single command would simplify operations and, in the end, decrease redundancy. Furthermore, the bureaucracy and costs associated with these issues could be alleviated by aligning U.S. cyber forces with the Department of the Army, as suggested in a Foundation for Defense of Democracies study published earlier in 2024.
To safeguard U.S. national security and preserve technological superiority, independent cyber forces must exist, as cyber warfare continues to influence the future of conflicts.
Not only are independent U.S. cyber forces a strategic necessity, but they are also an inevitable advancement in the evolution of military operations.