Staff Reports
America is in deep trouble when it comes to cyberattacks. The U.S. military is apparently dropping the ball when it comes to recruiting the right kind of troops to defend against these attacks. According to a report from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, the military is too focused on recruiting “jocks” instead of “nerds” for cyber operations.
Does the US need another new branch of the armed forces for cyber warriors? https://t.co/ijmGJGimqC https://t.co/ijmGJGimqC
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) April 5, 2024
The report, coauthored by retired Rear Adm. Mark Montgomery and Erica Lonergan, asserts that the current system of recruiting cyber warriors from each military service is not cutting it. They interviewed over 75 active-duty and recently retired military personnel, and the consensus was clear: the current approach is not sustainable.
The authors recommend creating a new branch of the armed services solely dedicated to cyber operations. They argue that just like the Air Force and Space Force were established to adapt to changing battlefield landscapes, a Cyber Force is necessary to combat the growing cyber threats facing the nation.
Montgomery is adamant that the military is recruiting the wrong people, emphasizing the need for individuals with strong computer skills, including knowledge of programming languages like Python. He proposes establishing a separate Cyber Force with a distinct culture and autonomy to focus solely on the unique requirements of operating in cyberspace.
While some may question the need for a new service, retired Gen. B. Chance Saltzman and Rep. Mike Gallagher are firm supporters of the report’s findings. Gallagher, a respected member of Congress on national security affairs, believes that the current status quo is unacceptable and that the military needs to take action to address the deficiencies in cyber workforce acquisition and readiness.
The report’s recommendations come at a critical time, as the FBI and the U.S. Cyber Command recently testified about a Chinese cyber warfare effort to potentially disrupt critical American infrastructure. Gallagher warned that China’s aggressive cyber activities could be a prelude to a larger conflict, making it imperative for the United States to bolster its cyber defenses.
With the increasing prevalence of cyber threats and the potential for devastating attacks on American soil, it’s clear that the military must prioritize recruiting and training individuals with the technical expertise to defend against these threats. The establishment of a dedicated Cyber Force could be the key to ensuring America’s security in the digital age.
