Space Dependence - A Critical Vulnerability of the Net-Centric Operational Commander

摘要

The U.S. military of today is increasingly dependent on highly integrated, complex C2 systems at all levels of command. These complexities have the potential to cause a break down of C2 required by the operational commander. C2 failures become possible if supportive satellite systems are compromised by threats of natural means, rogue states, or non-state actors. Military commanders and systems dependent on satellite information, data, and processes must have alternative systems available to mitigate the loss of satellites at risk and vulnerable to attack. Today the U.S. military utilizes commercial satellites that are typically not shielded or hardened both kinetic and non-kinetic threats. Therefore, satellite protection is imperative in the 21st century. With a near-peer competitor like China or the potential instability and aggression of North Korea, the U.S. must consider all possibilities in defense of our national interests. The cascading effects of C2 degradation could be attributed to space systems and their vulnerabilities to natural and enemy threats. Operational commanders should promote and support the development of innovative techniques and procedures, to negate such threats to command and control networks and associated systems that are critical to combatant forces and their victory in war.