Examining Cyber Command Structures

Abstract

As the Department of Defense executes its mission in its newest warfare domain, cyberspace, some have questioned its choices with regard to command and control of its cyber forces. This thesis examines historical cases of new warfare domains and how the Department of Defense structured the command and control elements of its forces dedicated to the air and space domains. It explores the current cyber command and control construct, and looks at two others that would likely be employed if a change in command and control were to occur. Those examined include a new functional combatant command focused on cyber, similar to U.S. Special Operations Command, and a stand-alone U.S. Cyber Force. This thesis considers the benefits and drawbacks of each, and seeks to serve as an informative tool should policymakers determine a new command and control model is necessary for cyber forces.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 2015
Accession Number
ADA620750

Entities

People

  • Leah Tanner

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • C4I
  • Cyber
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Aircrafts
  • Command And Control
  • Computer Networks
  • Contingency Operations (Military)
  • Cyberspace Operations
  • Military Force Levels
  • Military History
  • Military Organizations
  • Military Science
  • National Security
  • Navy
  • Second World War
  • Unified Combatant Commands
  • United States Special Operations Command
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Cybersecurity.
  • Military Training and Readiness Simulation
  • Theoretical Analysis.

Technology Areas

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