Getting the Fundamentals of Cyberspace Force Readiness Right

In response to long-standing challenges experienced by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) in developing and presenting sustainable cyberspace forces, Congress directed the Secretary of Defense in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Section 1533) to complete a study on the challenges the military services face in organizing, training, equipping, and presenting Cyberspace Operations Forces and alternatives to address those challenges.

This paper provides a summary of research conducted to examine challenges faced by Cyberspace Operations Forces and evaluate alternatives to force development and the presentation of those forces for operational employment. It also describes the research and its findings and discusses the implications for DoD and U.S. Cyber Command.

The authors discuss implementing foundational initiatives that can improve DoD's progress toward having ready, sustainable cyberspace forces, including a talent management structure focused specifically on Cyberspace Operations Forces and systems to define and track operational effectiveness. The paper includes lines of effort for DoD to focus on, regardless of DoD's decision to establish a separate military service for cyberspace forces or not. The authors also offer three alternative strategic approaches that could address problems related to coordination, prioritization, talent management, and the other underlying conditions.