Strategic Uncertainty: Thinking About Tactical Level Cyberspace Operations.

摘要

Joint concepts describe that the growing capabilities of cyberspace operations will further transform how the tactical force willfight during Joint operations in the future, by integrating cyberspace operations down to lower tactical levels to achieve new levels of cross-domain synergy. Although the concept of integrated offensive and defensive cyberspace operations at tactical echelon commands is unproven, joints concepts suggest that this new approach to cyberspace operations is potentially feasible, suitable, and acceptable. While it may be entirely appropriate to pursue the desired outcomes outlined in joint concepts, and in line with the Chairman s vision, it is not prudent to do so without fully understanding the potential strategic challenges and consequences of these pursuits. This leads to the primary question addressed in this paper: What are the potential strategic environmental challenges for integrating cyberspace operations at the tactical level of war as part of the Capstone Concept for Joint Operations 2020 concept of globally integrated operations? This paper s thesis is that a better understanding of the strategic environmental challenges to integrate cyberspace operations to the lowest tactical levels will provide defense leaders and Joint Force Commanders with a better understanding to shape the successful integration of cyberspace operations into tactical echelon force. This paper employs Howard Winton s framework for considering the challenges to military change and examines the inherent tensions surrounding adaptation of new capabilities in the military. The paper concludes with insights of the tensions involved in military adaptation in cyberspace and provides four recommendations to inform and assist defense leaders and Joint Force Commanders to meet the Chairman s vision for cyberspace integration at lower levels in the force.