Air Force Cyberspace Investment Analysis

Abstract

Space and cyberspace operations are primary missions within the U.S. Armed Forces. Air Force Space Command performs investment planning for Air Force space and cyberspace missions. The command has performed space investment planning for more than 15 years using multiobjective decision analysis to assess the value of space programs for military operations and an optimization model to maximize space capabilities subject to performance, budget, schedule, and programmatic constraints. Air Force cyberspace operations and investment planning were assigned to Air Force Space Command in 2009. We developed an improved cyberspace investment analysis method using decision analysis techniques to support investment planning for the Air Force’s approximately $3.5 billion annual cyberspace investment. We developed four models to assess the value of Air Force cyberspace programs: a multiobjective decision analysis model for information technology infrastructure, a probability model to assess the capability to defend Air Force networks, a probability model to assess the capability to command and control cyberspace assets, and a probability model to assess the capability to perform cyberspace attacks when directed by national command authorities. The models were incorporated into the Air Force Space Command Integrated Planning Process and have been used for three years.