Cyber Power and Operational Art: A Comparative Analysis with Air Power
Abstract
The rapid advances in computer technology over the past few decades have far out-paced military cyber operations doctrine. This is similar to the interwar period between the First and Second World Wars when aircraft technology was undergoing a rapid acceleration of capabilities, leaving theorists to postulate about the best integration of this new technology into military operations. This paper analyzes early air power theory in comparison to the burgeoning cyber power debate and concludes that, aside from strategic defense, U.S. military cyber power should be focused at the operational level of war. Using the lessons learned from the evolution of air power, operational-level offensive and defensive cyber operations must be incorporated into a combined arms approach with other joint force capabilities. Focusing on the appropriate level of war and reorganizing existing joint task force command structures will help ensure synergy throughout the warfighting domains, resulting in a more integrated, synchronized, and effective joint force.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 20, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA583351
Entities
People
- Bradley D. Converse
Organizations
- Naval War College