Cyber Integration Conundrum: An Analysis of Composite Units to Inform the Optimization of Cyber Force Organization
Abstract
This thesis examines the history of communications in the Air Force from its beginning with flags and torches to todays integrated cyberspace operations. It focuses on the organizational structure of communications/cyberspace operations and the decisions to promote centralized command globally under a single Communications Command or unity of command locally under wing commanders. This thesis then examines the history of composite units from 1911 through the early 2000s, ending with a detailed evaluation of the 366th Wing, an Air Intervention Composite Wing, at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho. Throughout this history, the Air Force has organized into composite units to perform regional presence missions or highly specialized missions. While many of these units played key roles and had great success, many were short-lived and disbanded whether the issue was command and control, fiscal realities, provisional application, or operational necessity. The purpose of this thesis is to survey the composite units history to distil and extract lessons learned that may be employed to enhance combat performance for defensive cyberspace operators. The Air Force can also apply these lessons to avoid pitfalls of previous composite units. The analysis concludes that a composite unit at the group level would effectively integrate cyber defense into air and space operations allowing for a shared Intelligence picture, integrated planning, and comprehensive understanding of the operational environment. This composite unit will be necessary to maintain technological superiority and to thwart adversary's activities on the Air Forces technology-based mission systems.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1055494
Entities
People
- Angela Waters
Organizations
- School of Advanced Air and Space Studies