That cyberspace and operations carried out through this fifth dimension had grown in importance was clear to everyone, but few could imagine such an escalation!
A few years ago the US created, based on a previous Air Force project, the United States Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM). General Keit Alexander took charge of it in May 2010 and the 31 October 2010 the USCYBERCOM reached the Full Operational Capability (FOC).
Now, after only ten years, the promotion to "Unified Combatant Command" takes place, like the existing nine (six with area competencies and three with functional competences). This upgrade it makes us understand how important the fifth dimension is for a state like the United States that aspires to maintain world supremacy. The USCYBERCOM until today was framed within the US Strategic Command.
On August 18 President Trump announced that he had ordered the raising of Cyber Command at the Unified Combatant Command level with a focus on cyberspace operations:
"I have directed that United States Cyber Command has been elevated to the status of a Unified Combatant Command focused on cyberspace operations.
This new Unified Combatant Command will strengthen our cyberspace operations and create more opportunities to improve our Nation's defense. The elevation of United States Cyber Command demonstrates our increased resolve against cyberspace threats and will help reassure our allies and partners and deter our adversaries.
United States Cyber Command's elevation will also help streamline command and control of time-sensitive cyberspace operations by consolidating them under a single commander with authorities commensurate with the importance of such operations. Elevation will also ensure that critical cyberspace operations are adequately funded.
In connection with this elevation, the Secretary of Defense is examining the possibility of separating United States Cyber Command from the National Security Agency. He will announce recommendations on this matter at a later date.
Through United States Cyber Command, we will tackle cyberspace challenges in coordination with like-minded allies and partners as we strive to respond rapidly to evolve cyberspace security threats and opportunities globally."
It is important to note the mention of the possibility that the United States Cyber Command may be separated from the NSA. Perhaps the recent cyber incidents during the presidential elections or the leaks in cyber activities conducted by the NSA had their importance in directing the government in this direction? We can't be sure.
What is certain is that the new Unified Combatant Command for the cyber operations will receive adequate funding to fulfill its new task, funding that will reflect that of pushing up the American cyber security industry and, more generally, the development of new technologies with the secondary result that Europe, already weak in the sector, will find itself even more at the edge of the technological world.
Just one question: while the United States is getting ready to fight the war of the modern era in cyberspace, with us in Italy, what is being done?
To learn more:
- https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/08/18/statement-donald-...
- http://www.stratcom.mil/Media/Factsheets/Factsheet-View/Article/960492/u...
- https://www.defense.gov/About/Military-Departments/Unified-Combatant-Com...
(photo: US DoD)
