US Space Command Takes Charge Of Computer Network Attack

With multiple data suppliers used to create this multispectral image the importance of data and network security has never been more important for the US military.

Space represents a fundamentally new and better way to apply military force — by promptly striking adversary centers of gravity, or minimizing or bypassing high-cost, high-risk conflicts.

We may need to incorporate space-based systems to support our efforts to defeat ballistic missiles and cruise missiles that threaten our homeland if we cannot rely exclusively on terrestrial systems.

From space we could detect and attack missiles early in their flights — then use terrestrial systems to destroy any missiles that might survive our space-based first line of defense.

Peterson AFB - October 2, 2000
United States Space Command took charge of a Computer Network Attack (CNA) mission for the Department of Defense October 1, 2000.

CNA is the newest mission to be added to U.S. Space Command's existing responsibilities of Computer Network Defense and coordinating all military space operations, to include missile warning, communications, navigation, weather and surveillance from DoD, civil and commercial satellite systems.

During armed conflicts, military forces have used information technologies to accomplish lawful military objectives. Radio frequency jamming and electronic counter measures are two examples of the application of information technology to military operations with relatively lengthy historical roots.

Today, military forces around the world use the latest information technologies, including computer-based systems and data links, to conduct their operations.

Within the Department of Defense, United States Space Command has been designated as the military lead for defending DoD networks (Computer Network Defense) and, in the context of the Law of Armed Conflict, denying our adversary the ability to use computer networks to conduct military operations.

Attacking an adversary's computer networks could also be an element of defending our own computer networks against a major cyber attack against our own systems.

CNA operations may also be used in other situations. For example, combating terrorist threats when directed by appropriate authorities. Integrating Computer Network Attack into a broader military operation will help U.S. military forces to prevail on future battlefields. In some instances, Computer Network Attack might allow an operation to succeed with less loss of life and physical destruction.

As with any military capability, the United States will only employ CNA after careful policy and legal review, and any use of CNA will be consistent with U.S. international obligations and the Law of Armed Conflict.

SPACEWAR

Space Command Plans For Computer
Network Attack Mission

Washington - January 11, 2000
If Y2K was the first major battle of the information age -- and by all accounts it was -- then it may have given the world a glimpse into how war could be waged in the future.

SPACE.WIRE