Cyberspace Operations in Support of Counterinsurgency Operations

Abstract

This paper provides a perspective on how best to use cyberspace operations in support of U.S. military operations in Afghanistan. The authors describe the nature of cyberspace operations in general, discuss the need for enhanced cyberspace operations and express a viable way ahead for future cyberspace operations in Afghanistan. They posit that additional research and coordination should be conducted to better define and develop requirements for cyberspace capabilities, command and control of cyberspace operations and integration of activities in a manner that supports the International Security Assistance Force commander, the operations of regional commanders and related strategic shaping and global counter terrorism pursuit operations. The lessons we learn now while fighting the counterinsurgency (COIN) fight will serve us in future conflicts. It has become apparent there is more work to be done in exploiting our adversaries' use of cyberspace. Insurgents and members of their supporting cells have been captured on the battlefield with all imaginable types of digital media and Internet-capable devices. Insurgents and terrorist organizations all have an online presence that is becoming more sophisticated and useful to their operations. Thus, the authors argue that it is both clear and essential that efforts to counter our enemies in the Afghan COIN fight must evolve and become more effective. Our next adversary may be well funded and technologically literate, originate from a more educated society and may have developed a comprehensive cyber operations doctrine. This paper was designed to provoke additional thought about cyberspace operational relevance, suggest necessary change and enable future success in Afghanistan and future conflicts.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 10, 2013
Accession Number
ADA597610

Entities

People

  • David W. Pendall
  • Ronald Wilkes
  • Timothy J Robinson

Organizations

  • Association of the United States Army

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Cyber

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Command And Control
  • Computer Networks
  • Computers
  • Cyberspace
  • Cyberspace Operations
  • Employment
  • Information Operations
  • Information Systems
  • Internet
  • Military Operations
  • Multiple Access
  • National Security
  • Networks
  • Organizational Structure
  • Personnel Management
  • United States
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Irregular Warfare and Special Operations Cyberspace Operations against Adversarial Threats.
  • Military and Counterinsurgency Studies.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Cyber
  • Fully Networked C3
  • Fully Networked C3 - Command and Control