Flying and Fighting in Cyberspace

Abstract

Abstract : This research paper develops the foundation for a new military operating concept for fighting the net in support of Eighth Air Force's requirements and its stand-up as the new Cyber Command. It applies the Air Force Concept Development framework to examine cyberspace as a newly designated warfare domain and proposes cyber capabilities as well as effects that the Air Force should develop and apply as it seeks to execute its mission in cyberspace. Before the Air Force can effectively lead in the cyber domain, it must first not only fully characterize cyber conditions, threats, and vulnerabilities, but also clearly define how and where it can contribute to the national cyberspace strategy. Once the service completes these tasks, it can then focus on the nature of war in the cyber domain and consider the implications for military doctrine and operations. In order to successfully build capability and capacity for operating in cyberspace, the Air Force needs to institutionalize cyber-mindedness to underpin investments in organization, research and development, and human capital that it needs to fly and fight effectively in cyberspace.