The Senate is considering a provision in the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act that would mandate a study on the feasibility of creating an independent Cyber Force. The study would evaluate the current efficacy of the armed forces in meeting cyber requirements, the potential benefits of an independent cyber force, and any lessons from the creation of the Space Force in 2019.
Key Points:
- The provision requests the Pentagon, in collaboration with the National Academy of Public Administration, to assess the value of establishing a separate service for cyber operations or refining the existing U.S. Cyber Command model.
- The study would also investigate the benefits and drawbacks of establishing a completely separate cyber force, in comparison to creating one within an existing military department, much like how the Space Force was integrated into the Department of the Air Force.
- The results of the study would guide Congress in discussions about whether a separate cyber service is needed, a topic that has gained significant attention lately.
- Rep. Mike Gallagher expressed concerns that a new cyber force could lead to a significant increase in bureaucracy, especially given the recent creation of the Space Force.
- While some believe the current system for cyber operations is adequate, others argue that an independent cyber force is necessary to adequately respond to evolving cyber threats.
Source: https://www.airandspaceforces.com/senate-cyber-force-ndaa-2024/
