Application of US Special Operations Command Model to Department of Defense Cyberspace Force

Abstract

Abstract : The US Special Operations Command structure, with its unique coupling of combatant command authority and service-like responsibilities, provides a viable model for establishing a professional DoD cyberspace force and organization. The potential for operations in cyberspace is only matched by the vulnerabilities it creates to our national defense. US critical infrastructures depend on freedom of action in cyberspace to provide essential services to our citizenry. Within the DoD, service-centric cyber force development, an ineffective cyber organizational structure, weak C2 of cyber forces, and limited oversight of cyber technology and personnel development hinders our ability to defend US interests in cyberspace. As a result, the DoD must make significant organizational, personnel, and doctrinal changes to ensure our continued superiority in the cyber domain. The USSOCOM structure provides a viable option for organizing, equipping, and leading cyber forces. The USSOCOM model provides significant advantages for cyberspace organizational structure, cyber personnel management, cyber weapons and systems development, and cyberspace doctrine: Establishing a sub-unified command for cyberspace under the purview of USSTRATCOM is a promising option.