CYBERCOM Seeks New Approach to Building Cyber Forces

The U.S. Cyber Command has initiated a study to examine options for reforming its cyber force generation model.

Gen. Timothy Haugh, head of CYBERCOM and the National Security Agency, said the study will be presented in the Pentagon in the summer. According to Haugh, options range from adopting a model similar to the U.S. Special Operations Command to entirely new approaches, including the possibility of an independent cyber force, Federal News Network reported.

The move comes after Congress mandated CYBERCOM to evaluate service readiness. While Haugh acknowledged the progress made by individual services, he stressed the need for further improvements in how cyber forces are trained and made available to the command.

CYBERCOM’s future is further shaped by new budget control authorities, granted in the recent fiscal 2024 appropriations bill. Haugh described it as “enhanced budget control,” giving the command greater power over Cyber Mission Force resources.

The recently announced assistant secretary of defense for cyber policy position will also play a key role in shaping CYBERCOM’s evolution. Haugh and Ashley Manning, acting assistant secretary of defense for cyber policy, are scheduled to testify before the House Armed Services Committee to talk about the structure reform.