The US Department of Defense, now called the Department of War (DoW), is establishing a revised cyber force generation model under the initiative known as CYBERCOM 2.0.
The effort aims to increase lethality and optimize operational outcomes for the Pentagon’s cyber forces, specifically those assigned to US Cyber Command (CYBERCOM). The move comes in response to the determination that traditional military service models are inadequate for the operational requirements of the cyber domain.
The revised model integrates CYBERCOM with military departments to streamline recruiting, assessment, selection, training, and retention of personnel.
The model is built on seven core attributes. One of them is targeted recruiting and assessments to ensure that individuals are recruited specifically for CYBERCOM assignments and evaluated for their fit within specialized cyber work roles.
Other core attributes include incentivizing cyber domain mastery and retaining talent, and providing specialized mission-specific training.
Beyond training, the model overhauls career management and unit structure. Tailored assignment management is adopted to create career paths that enable the development and retention of cyber domain mastery. In addition, unit specialization and collective training are shaped based on tailored mission requirements.
For immediate operational readiness, the model includes two organizational and logistical attributes. Forces must be presented with headquarters and combat support. Additionally, the model implements optimized unit phasing to support a sustainable operational tempo for cyber personnel.
In addition to core attributes, the DoW names three organizations that will serve as key enablers, including the Cyber Innovation Warfare Center, which is specifically tasked with accelerating the rapid development and delivery of operational cyber capabilities.
The other organizations are the Cyber Talent Management Organization, whose role is to identify, attract, recruit, and retain an elite cyber force, and the Advanced Cyber Training and Education Center, which develops mission-specific training and education to build expertise and mastery.
These technical and structural changes are projected to produce a cyber force capable of defeating threats posed by major adversaries, with China named specifically in the DoW’s press release.
“The model fundamentally changes the Department’s approach to generating cyber forces, enabling increased lethality in our cyber forces and establishing a warrior ethos built on domain mastery, specialized skills, and mission agility,” said Katie Sutton, Assistant Secretary of War for Cyber Policy and Principal Cyber Advisor to the Secretary of War.
Breaking Defense has conducted an analysis of the news and called it “an altered version of the Biden-era CYBERCOM 2.0 initiative”. Recorded Future’s The Record reported that the project will take several years to complete, with some components set to stretch into fiscal 2032 and 2033.
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