A new report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies and the Foundation for Defense of Democracies proposes an independent U.S. Cyber Force staffed exclusively by commissioned and warrant officers. This blueprint, published Wednesday, aims to develop highly technical skillsets for digital conflict and avoid issues encountered during the Space Force's 2019 launch.
The proposed force would comprise approximately 30,000 personnel, including 20,000 active-duty troops, 3,500 to 5,000 National Guardsmen, and 6,000 civilians and contractors, with an initial operating capability within 12 to 15 months. It could form its own military department or operate under the Department of the Army, focusing on offensive and defensive cyber operations, such as disabling enemy weapon systems. Authors estimate a $10-11 billion setup cost, largely from existing fragmented cyber budgets. The officer-only structure is justified by the technical nature of cyber warfare and the leadership roles already performed by enlisted cyber operators. Bipartisan congressional support exists for establishing such a force, with Senator Kirsten Gillibrand proposing an amendment in the 2027 defense funding bill.
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