The case for an independent U.S. Cyber Force

The idea of an independent U.S. Cyber Force has been in the news of late due to the National Defense Authorization Act amendment calling for a feasibility study of such a service. In the last few weeks, there have been several articles urging caution, or coming straight out against, creating a Cyber Force, without any one of the author’s ever having sat on mission behind a keyboard. We’re here to tell you that they’re wrong. Dead wrong. These are individuals who, had they been in a command position a century ago, would have dispatched horse cavalry forces against tanks and machine gun emplacements, demonstrating their inability to adapt to evolving natures of warfare. And their folly will lead to considerable American casualties in the next war should the country not have an independent cyber warfighting capability.   

The rapid evolution of technology and the digital landscape has fundamentally altered the nature of warfare. Cyber has become the fifth domain along with land, sea, air and space. As cyber threats continue to grow in sophistication and frequency, the United States must adapt its defense posture to meet these challenges head-on. Our current distributed approach leaves gaps in capabilities, training, recruiting and innovation, leaving us vulnerable to digital attack. An independent U.S. Cyber Force is not just a strategic necessity but an inevitable progression in the evolution of military operations.

Cyber warfare has become a critical component of modern conflicts. Adversaries such as China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea have developed formidable cyber capabilities, launching attacks that target both governmental and civilian infrastructure. The 2020 SolarWinds cyberattack, which compromised multiple U.S. federal agencies, and the persistent ransomware attacks on critical infrastructure underscore the urgent need for a dedicated and specialized cyber force. According to a 2021 report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), the frequency and severity of cyberattacks have increased exponentially, with nation-states being the primary actors. The report highlights that traditional military structures are ill-equipped to deal with the unique challenges posed by cyber threats, necessitating a distinct and independent cyber force.

Key benefits of having an independent cyber service

Specialization and Focus: The creation of an independent U.S. Cyber Force would allow for the specialization and focused training required to tackle complex cyber threats. Unlike conventional military units, a cyber force would be dedicated exclusively to defending against and conducting cyber operations. This specialized focus is crucial for developing the expertise needed to stay ahead of adversaries in the fast-paced cyber domain.

Streamlined Command and Control: An independent cyber force would enhance command and control capabilities, ensuring a more agile and responsive structure. Currently, cyber operations are often spread across multiple branches of the military, leading to fragmented efforts and bureaucratic inefficiencies. A unified command structure within an independent cyber force would enable more coherent and effective responses to cyber incidents.

Enhanced Recruitment and Retention: Attracting and retaining top talent is a significant challenge in the cyber domain. An independent cyber force would have the flexibility to implement specialized recruitment and retention strategies tailored to the unique demands of cyber warfare. This includes offering competitive salaries, advanced training programs, and career development opportunities that are more aligned with the private sector sector, as well as allow the cyber operator to actually perform in the job they are assigned.

Innovation and Adaptability: The cyber domain is characterized by rapid technological advancements. An independent cyber force would be better positioned to innovate and adapt to emerging threats. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and technological experimentation, a cyber force can develop cutting-edge capabilities and stay ahead of adversaries.

Opponents of an independent U.S. Cyber Force often argue that it would create redundancy and overlap with existing military branches. However, this perspective fails to recognize the unique nature of cyber warfare. The U.S. Space Force, established in 2019, provides a precedent for the creation of a specialized military branch to address specific operational needs. Just as space operations require distinct capabilities and focus, so too does the cyber domain.

Another argument against an independent cyber force is the potential for bureaucratic growth and increased costs. While the initial establishment of a new military branch may incur costs, the long-term benefits of having a dedicated and efficient cyber force far outweigh these concerns. The current fragmented approach to cyber operations leads to inefficiencies and higher costs in the long run. Consolidating these efforts under a single command would streamline operations and ultimately reduce redundancies. Furthermore, aligning the U.S. Cyber Force under the Department of the Army as recommended in the FDD study released earlier this year, would alleviate these red tape and cost concerns.

As cyber warfare continues to shape the future of conflicts, an independent U.S. Cyber Force is required to safeguard national security and maintain technological superiority. Now is the time to take the necessary steps to ensure our cyber defenses are robust and resilient. By establishing an independent U.S. Cyber Force, we can better protect our nation, deter adversaries, and establish dominance in the fifth domain.

Daniel Van Wagenen is a retired Army combat infantryman and defensive cyber operator. He is also the co-founder of the Association of U.S. Cyber Forces (AUSCF), the first dedicated nonprofit to being a voice for the cyber warfighter, and co-founder and COO of Minerva Cyber Technologies, a full-spectrum cyber operations services and products firm. 

Kim Irving is a senior cyber executive focused on supporting the warfighter and the national security mission. Co-founder and CEO of Minerva Cyber Technologies, she has 20+ years of experience serving on executive leadership teams and boards. Her experience includes full-spectrum cyber services and capability development for U.S. Cyber Command, Army Cyber Command, Air Force Cyber Command, Navy Fleet Cyber Command, and Marine Corps Forces Cyberspace Command.