Special operations and cyber warfare
Authors
Tebedo, Jason C.
Subjects
cyber domain
cyber warfare
special operations
core activities
Special Warfare
Surgical Strike
future warfare
technology
low intensity conflict
Internet
networks
non-state actors
state actors
Russia
China
Ukraine
cyber command
Duggan
direct action
unconventional warfare
cyber warfare
special operations
core activities
Special Warfare
Surgical Strike
future warfare
technology
low intensity conflict
Internet
networks
non-state actors
state actors
Russia
China
Ukraine
cyber command
Duggan
direct action
unconventional warfare
Advisors
Denning, Dorothy
Date of Issue
2016-12
Date
Dec-16
Publisher
Monterey, California: Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
As the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) prepares for future conflicts, some have questioned its ability to conduct Special Warfare and Surgical Strike in all domains of warfare, to include the cyber domain. This thesis examines the applicability of cyber operations to U.S. special operations and whether the cyber support provided by the United States Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM) is sufficient to meet USSOCOM's potential cyber requirements. It explores USSOCOM's congressionally mandated core activities and how cyber operations could promote such activities. Finally, the thesis provides a decision theory and operational design analysis of how USSOCOM could build its own internal cyber capability - if USSOCOM determines USCYBERCOM cannot meet the cyber requirements of the special operations community. The researcher was unable to conclude as to whether USCYBERCOM's cyber support to USSOCOM was sufficient. USCYBERCOM's cyber support structure is still too immature for analysis and therefore necessitates future research by USSOCOM. The thesis does conclude USSOCOM can improve their special operation's efficacy by incorporating the cyber domain. Finally, the research concludes, if USSOCOM were to build a cyber capacity, the reflagging of the 95th Civil Affairs Brigade would be the best course of action.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Defense Analysis (DA)
Organization
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.