The U.S. Cyber Command (CYBERCOM) has received new fiscal and hiring authorities as part of the 2022 National Defense Authorization Act. This expansion allows CYBERCOM to handle certain tasks that were traditionally the domain of the armed services. CYBERCOM’s enhanced responsibilities mean it can now oversee its own training programs and manage acquisition programs for specific tech needs.
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Key Points:Â
- CYBERCOM has been granted new powers, effective from the start of the new federal fiscal year on Oct. 1, due to provisions in the 2022 National Defense Authorization Act.
- Historically, the Defense Department had clear divisions between the armed services and combatant commands (COCOMs). The armed services managed recruitment, training, and equipment, while COCOMs commanded units. With this change, CYBERCOM joins the ranks of entities like Special Operations Command in having authority in both realms.
- CYBERCOM will have an increased role in training programs and will manage its own acquisition programs, focusing on specialized technological needs.
- Holly Baroody, CYBERCOM’s executive director, emphasized that these changes will consolidate budget control and improve efficiencies in managing funding for the Cyber National Mission Force.
- In addition to financial control, the new authorities enable CYBERCOM to hire specialized roles, such as data scientists, at competitive rates to fill significant vacancies.
