Arlington, VA – The Eaker Institute, the policy and research arm of the
Air Force Association, today released a report titled “Victory in Cyberspace” that focuses on the growth of cyberspace into a top arena for competition, widespread attacks on America in cyberspace and the U.S. need to take steps now to secure the domain.
Authored by Dr. Rebecca Grant, “Victory in Cyberspace” was the topic of a National Press Club panel today with Lt. Gen. Robert Elder, who commands the Air Force headquarters for cyberspace, global strike and network operations, including establishing a new Cyber Command; Gen. John Jumper (ret.), former Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force; and Lt. Gen. John Baker (ret.), former Vice Commander, Air Mobility Command.
“Progressing through continued technological development will probably change the form of cyberspace many times – with large consequences for the airmen and others who are defending it and fighting in it,” states Grant in the study released today (Page 29).
In 2005 the Air Force declared a new mission “to fly and fight in air, space and cyberspace.” The Air Force stood up a provisional Cyber Command on Oct. 1.
It’s not just the Internet – most aspects of joint warfighting now depend on exploiting the electromagnetic spectrum. The Air Force has been a leader in developing secure, battlespace networks that take precision air warfare to a new level. At the same time, a national debate has unfolded about the military’s role in protecting national infrastructure from cyberspace threats.
The Eaker Institute Panel discussion centered on making cyberspace equal with air and space in the Air Force’s mission set and how that affects the airman’s profession and the nation’s security priorities.
“The Air Force’s willingness to step up early to the cyberspace mission bodes well. The Air Force is uniquely placed to speed the technology and capitalize on the skills of its airmen to master the domain of cyberspace and all its challenges, and use it for American gain,” the study states (Page 29).
Link to the complete text of the report: http://www.afa.org/media/reports/victorycyberspace.pdf
Other related links:
About the author:
Grant is president of IRIS Independent Research, an Eaker Institute fellow, and a contributing editor to Air Force Magazine. She has worked for RAND, the Secretary of the Air Force and the Chief of Staff of the Air Force.
Contact: Joel Hannahs (703) 247-5847 or JHannahs@AFA.org.
The AFA is a 501(C)(3), nonprofit organization promoting public understanding of aerospace power and the pivotal role it plays in the security of the nation. AFA has more than 230 chapters nationwide and overseas. To learn more about AFA visit
http://www.AFA.org.
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