Maneuver Warfare in Cyberspace

Abstract

A new environment for warfare is emerging in the information age, but the strategic implications of this phenomenon have not been recognized. New technology is heralding a Revolution in Military Affairs that has the potential to enhance strategic capabilities and create a cyberspace "arms race." The dynamism of the era raises vital issues such as the focus of national leadership and the validity of national security and military strategies. Russia's response to the information age highlights the potential for challenges to the existing military balance of power and global security. Paradoxically, the United States is increasingly vulnerable to information warfare as the information age progresses and cyberspace expands. Analysis reveals an alarming reality: there is a gap between the emerging information age environment and concomitant development in doctrine, capabilities, and strategies for information warfare at the strategic level. Cyberspace has emerged as a new environment for warfare, yet there is a doctrinal vacuum for this form of warfare. To help redress the situation, a conceptual framework and doctrine for warfare in cyberspace is required. As a corollary, a three-tier strategy is required prior to initiating capability development: (1) Strategic direction and guidance are required to mobilize the efforts of all government departments and agencies; (2) National security and military strategies must outline a response to the threats and opportunities of cyber warfare; and (3) the Department of Defense's offensive and defensive responsibilities, parameters, and capabilities for strategic information warfare need to be clearly articulated. Overall, the paper seeks "to anticipate the changes in the character of war" and advocate for capability development to conduct offensive and defensive maneuvers in cyberspace.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1997
Accession Number
ADA525962

Entities

People

  • P. K. Singh

Organizations

  • Marine Corps University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Counter WMD
  • Cyber
  • Electronic Warfare
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Combat Areas
  • Communication Systems
  • Computer Networks
  • Contingency Operations (Military)
  • Cyber Warfare
  • Information Systems
  • Information Warfare
  • Interagency Coordination
  • Law
  • Military Organizations
  • Military Science
  • National Security
  • Naval Warfare
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare
  • Warning Systems

Readers

  • East Asian Political and Security Studies within the Soviet Union
  • Irregular Warfare and Special Operations Cyberspace Operations against Adversarial Threats.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Cyber