What is the Purpose of the Cyber Mission Force

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: AD1099508 | Open PDF

Abstract:

General Paul Nakasone, Commander United States Cyber Command USCYBERCOM, recently and rhetorically posed the following question What function does U.S. Cyber Command perform that obligates society to assume responsibility for its maintenance This question is a variant of a theme that permeated strategic literature emerging after the end of World War II, i.e., what is the purpose of U.S. military forces In spite of its existential leanings, it is an important question for which USCYBERCOM should have a defensible response when queried about the Cyber Mission Force as, less than a year ago, all 133 cyber mission teams achieved Full Operational Capability. This essay derives an answer by adopting an analytical framework first appearing in post-World War II strategic scholarship, one based on considerations of geography and technology, and concludes that the chief purpose of the Cyber Mission Force should be to seize the initiative and gain superiority in the cyber strategic competitive space short of armed conflict.

Author(s):
Fischerkeller, Michael P.
Author Organization(s):
Institute for Defense Analyses Alexandria United States
Descriptive Note:
Technical Report
Pagination:
0024

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement:
Approved For Public Release;

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Report Number(s):
IDA Document D-10466, N/A
Contract/Grant Number(s):
HQ0034-14-D-0001
Task Number(s):
CB54600
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_3_Force Application; JCA_6_Net Centric; JCA_7.1.2_Prevent Non-kinetic Attack; JCA_7.1_Prevent; JCA_7_Protection; JCA_6.4.1_Secure Information Exchange; JCA_6.4_Information Assurance; JCA_3.2_Engagement; JCA_3.2.2_Non-Kinetic Means; JCA_5.3_Planning; JCA_5.3.3_Develop Strategy; JCA_5.5_Direct; JCA_5.5.1_Communicate Intent and Guidance; JCA_3.1.1_Maneuver to Engage; JCA_3.1_Maneuver; JCA_1_Force Support; JCA_8_Building Partnerships; JCA_5.2_Understand; JCA_1.2_Force Preparation; JCA_5.2.3_Share Knowledge and Situational Awareness
Modernization Areas:
Cyber
Communities of Interest:
Cyber
Descriptor(s):
Cyberspace, cyberspace operations, cyberattacks, cybersecurity, strategy, history, department of defense
Field(s)/Group(s):
Military Operations, Strategy and Tactics, Computer Systems Management and Standards
Keyword(s):
cmf (cyber mission force), cyber strategy, persistent engagement, dod (department of defense)
Report Date:
2019 Feb 01
Creation Date:
2020 May 28