Information Warfare in the Cyber Domain

Abstract

Abstract : Information technology is rapidly advancing, particularly in the Cyber Domain. As our reliance on this technology increases, so too does our vulnerability in terms of national security. This corollary makes it imperative that we develop optimal operational doctrine for Information Warfare in the Cyber Domain (IWCD). This paper lays a foundation by defining the terminology associated with Information Warfare in the Cyber Domain, reviews the threat and illustrates the vulnerabilities of our information systems, discusses our nation's policies and efforts to wrestle with the growing problem of information security, and traces the subject of information security through our National Security Strategy (NSS), our National Military Strategy (NMS), Department of Defense (DoD) Directives, Joint Vision 2020, and our Joint doctrine. Following the background information, we present an example of a possible approach for doctrinal development that takes the nine principles of war, integrates the USAF's doctrinal interpretation of each principle and synthesizes them into principles for IWCD. This example is rooted in the nine fundamental principles of war, Air Force doctrine, and three new premises for information Warfare in the Cyber Domain. These three new premises are: (1) establishment of cyber supremacy is essential for operational success,(2) IWCD can be the weapon of choice for future decision-makers, and (3) IWCD can itself bring about conflict resolution in certain situations. Lastly, we look at some examples of how to employ these synthesized principles and three new premises of IWCD in operational doctrine. Doctrinal development must be made a top priority. This paper presents an example of a possible approach to further doctrinal development using the nine principles of war as a framework. There are many other methods. The intent is to spur further thought and progress towards developing the correct doctrine for our nation.