The cyber-persona layer of cyberspace includes which of the following components?

By Col (rtd) Panagiotis Kostopoulos

MSETT Operational Planning Manager

Most aspects of joint operations rely in part on cyberspace, the global domain within the information environment consisting of the interdependent network of information technology infrastructures and resident data, including the Internet, telecommunications networks, computer systems, and embedded processors and controllers. Developments in cyberspace provide the means for a military actor, its allies, and partner nations to gain and maintain a strategic, continuing advantage in the operational environment (OE), and can be leveraged to ensure the nation’s economic and physical security.

Access to the Internet provides adversaries the capability to compromise the integrity of critical infrastructures in direct and indirect ways. These characteristics and conditions present a paradox within cyberspace: the prosperity and security of one nation can be significantly enhanced by the use of cyberspace, yet these same developments can lead to increased vulnerabilities and a critical dependence on cyberspace, for the nation in general and the joint force in particular.

Cyberspace, while a global domain within the information environment, is one of five interdependent domains, the others being the physical domains of air, land, maritime, and space. Much as air operations rely on air bases or ships in the land and maritime domains, CO rely on an interdependent network of IT infrastructures, including the Internet, telecommunications networks, computer systems, and embedded processors and controllers, and the content that flows across and through these components.

CO rely on links and nodes that reside in the physical domains and perform functions experienced both in cyberspace and the physical domains. For example, network servers may reside in a land-based data complex or at sea aboard warships, and wireless network transmissions pass through air and space and even underwater. Similarly, activities in cyberspace can enable freedom of action for activities in the physical domains. Activities in the physical domains can create effects in and through cyberspace by affecting the electromagnetic spectrum (EMS), or the physical infrastructure. The relationship between space and cyberspace is unique in that virtually all space operations depend on cyberspace, and a critical portion of cyberspace can only be provided via space operations. Space provides a key global connectivity option for CO. Conversely, CO provide a means by which space support is executed. These interrelationships are important considerations across the spectrum of CO, and particularly when conducting targeting in cyberspace.

Commanders conduct CO in order to retain freedom of maneuver in cyberspace, accomplish their objectives, deny freedom of action to adversaries, and enable other operational activities. CO are composed of the military, intelligence, and ordinary business operations of defense in and through cyberspace. CO enhance operational effectiveness and leverage various capabilities from physical domains to create effects, which may span multiple geographic combatant commanders’ Areas of Responsibility. Commanders integrate cyberspace capabilities at all levels and in all military operations. Plans should address how to effectively integrate cyberspace capabilities, counter an adversary’s use of cyberspace, secure mission critical networks, operate in a degraded environment, efficiently use limited cyberspace assets, and consolidate operational requirements for cyberspace capabilities. The Commander will typically provide initial planning guidance which may specify time constraints, outline initial coordination requirements, authorize movement of key capabilities within his authority, and direct other actions as necessary.

Operation planning process (OPP) provides a proven process to organize the work of the commander, staff, subordinate commanders, and other partners, to develop plans that will appropriately address the problem to be solved. It focuses on defining the military mission and development and synchronization of detailed plans to accomplish that mission. CO capability considerations and options are integrated into OPP, just like all other joint capabilities and functions.

CO planners are presented the same considerations and challenges that are present in planning for other joint capabilities and functions, as well as some unique considerations. Targeting, deconfliction, commander’s intent, political/military assessment, and collateral effects considerations all play into the calculations of the co planner’s efforts. In a similar fashion, all of the principles of joint operations, such as maneuver and surprise, are germane to CO.

However, second and higher order effects in and through cyberspace can be more difficult to predict, necessitating more branches and sequels in plans. Further, while many elements of cyberspace can be mapped geographically in the physical domains, a full understanding of an adversary’s posture and capabilities in cyberspace involves understanding the underlying network infrastructure, a clear understanding of what friendly forces or capabilities might be targeted and how, and an understanding of applicable domestic, foreign, and international laws and policy.

Clearly established command relationships are crucial for ensuring timely and effective employment of forces. Typically, CO require coordination between theater and global operations, creating a dynamic C2 environment. CO are integrated and synchronized by the supported commander into their concept of operations, detailed plans and orders, and specific joint offensive and defensive operations. The pace of CO requires significant pre-operational collaboration, as well as constant vigilance upon initiation, to ensure that activities in cyberspace and throughout the OE are coordinated and deconflicted in advance.