The U.S. Army Concept Capability Plan for Cyberspace Operations 2016-2028

By CAC for STAND-TO!April 22, 2010

The U.S. Army Concept Capability Plan for Cyberspace Operations 2016-2028

What is it'

Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) just published the Army's first comprehensive look at how the Army will leverage cyberspace and cyber operations, looking forward for nearly the next two decades. TRADOC Pamphlet 525-7-8, The U.S. Army Concept Capability Plan (CCP) for Cyberspace Operations 2016-2028, TRADOC Pam 525-7-8, published on Feb. 22, 2010, includes a conceptual framework for integrating cyber operations into full-spectrum operations, thereby providing the basis for follow-on doctrine development efforts. This conceptual framework outlines how commanders integrate cyber operations to gain advantage, protect that advantage, and place adversaries at a disadvantage. This pamphlet also establishes a common lexicon for Army cyber operations, and describes the relationship between cyber and other Army capabilities.

What has the Army done'

In response to the evolving nature of warfare, and the convergence of cyberspace with the electromagnetic spectrum, the Combined Arms Center (CAC) and the Army Capabilities Integration Center (ARCIC) formed an extensive Integrated Capabilities Development Team. Under direction from TRADOC, CAC led the effort to develop this Capability Concept Plan by incorporating expertise and insights from across the Army. Stakeholders included all TRADOC Centers of Excellence, the Army staff, joint defense agencies, interagency, allies, and academic communities. All fully contributed to this seminal Army CCP.

Why is it important'

This CCP introduces the idea of holistically considering cyber operations and electromagnetic spectrum operations - termed the "cyber-electromagnetic contest," The central idea is that prevailing in the cyber-electromagnetic contest means making progress at the same time along three lines of effort: gaining advantage, protecting that advantage, and placing adversaries at a disadvantage. As technology continues to change, advances and advantages have the potential to impact operations both positively and negatively. Leaders must consider these factors as cyberspace operations continue to integrate into full spectrum operations (FSO) in order to leverage advantage. The CCP describes how to fully incorporate the different pieces that affect cyberspace. This document explains how converging technologies will increasingly influence capability development; thereby enabling the Army to influence the design, development, acquisition, and employment of fully integrated cyber capabilities.

Resources:

To view TRADOC Pam 525-7-8, The U.S. Army Concept Capability Plan for Cyberspace Operations 2016-2028, go to <a href="http://www.tradoc.army.mil/tpubs/pamndx.htm " target="_blank"> U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Web site</a>.