The provision included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which addresses the management of cyberspace operations and the occupational resiliency of the Cyber Mission Force, has been championed by Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee’s Subcommittee on Cyber, Information Technologies, and Innovation. This provision comes at a time of escalating tensions between the United States and China, particularly in relation to Taiwan.
The US government does not officially recognize Taiwan as a country, but it has made it clear that it would defend Taiwan if China were to invade. China, on the other hand, sees Taiwan as a renegade province and has recently been increasing its efforts to assert its control over the island, even suggesting the possibility of retaking Taiwan by force.
According to Rep. Gallagher, the current situation with China poses a significant danger, and it is crucial for Congress to come together in a bipartisan manner to combat the Chinese Communist Party’s aggression and ensure that the US military is properly equipped to deter and, if necessary, win any potential conflict in the 21st century.
One of the provisions included in the NDAA is Section 1533, which directs the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a thorough review of the management of cyberspace operations by the Secretary of Defense. The review will assess various aspects, including the number of commands, organizations, units, and personnel responsible for conducting cyberspace operations across the Department of Defense. It will also evaluate the ratio of qualified personnel in these operations and assess for potential duplication and costs. Additionally, the review will determine the extent to which senior officials accountable to the Secretary of Defense oversee these operations.
Another provision, Section 1534, focuses on addressing burnout in the military’s Cyber Mission Force. It directs the Principal Cyber Advisor of the Department of Defense and the Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness to conduct a study on the personnel and resources required to enhance and support the occupational resiliency of the Cyber Mission Force.
The study will be conducted in coordination with the principal cyber advisors of the military departments and the Commander of Cybercom. It will involve taking an inventory of the personnel in the Cyber Mission Force and assessing the risks to their occupational resiliency in relation to their operational work roles. The study will also evaluate the level of awareness among Cyber Mission Force personnel regarding available resources and programs and provide recommendations to improve awareness.
Once the study is completed, the Principal Cyber Advisor of the Department of Defense and the Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness will submit a report to Congress detailing the findings and recommendations.
These provisions in the NDAA reflect the increasing importance placed on cyberspace operations and the need to ensure the well-being and effectiveness of the personnel involved. As cyber threats become more prevalent and sophisticated, it is crucial for the US military to have the necessary resources and support to effectively deter and respond to these threats.
With tensions between the US and China, particularly regarding Taiwan, reaching a critical point, it is imperative to prioritize the management of cyberspace operations and the resilience of the Cyber Mission Force. The provisions included in the NDAA aim to address these issues and ensure that the US military is prepared for the challenges of the 21st century.