Refining Combat Capabilities When Considering Cyber War

This was written by Michael Cheek on Monday, November 23, 2009, 12:55.

With the increased use of cyber attacks in support of combat operations, military units are beginning to consider ways to continue operations despite consistent and pervasive attacks of networks. At a recent Air Force Association symposium, Maj. General Webber of the 24th Air Force addressed some of these issues.

In considering future warfare operations, the United States military considers cyberspace to be another available domain for operations, similar to sea, air and land. The US military utilizes cyberspace in battlefield operations and must be prepared to operate while under cyber attack. General Webber said “Cyberspace isn’t a mission, but a place where operations are conducted … and it’s about assuring the mission, not about assuring the network. How do you fight your way through an attack so you can support that mission even while you’re fighting to keep a network operational in support of that mission?”

In order to strengthen the combat capabilities of the Air Force, General Webber said the Air Force is looking to strengthen relationships with US Cyber Command, developing relationships with other air forces and increasing the role of Reserve and National Guard units.

The General highlighted the centrality of cyberspace in giving the US a significant strategic advantage in asymmetric conflicts. However, he also discussed the relative ease with which opponents can gain an offensive cyber capability.
“We’re in a world in the cyber domain where the price of entry into the cyber battlefield is extremely low.  “The pace of change is a challenge, rapid and interestingly, is not pushed by the military, but by the civilian sector,” Webber said.