{"id":56187,"date":"2022-01-13T02:47:25","date_gmt":"2022-01-13T02:47:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/armytimes\/uncategorized\/2022\/01\/13\/cyber-innovation-and-partnerships-are-key-to-future-deterrence\/"},"modified":"2026-08-08T09:15:07","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T09:15:07","slug":"cyber-innovation-and-partnerships-are-key-to-future-deterrence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/armytimes\/opinion\/commentary\/2022\/01\/13\/cyber-innovation-and-partnerships-are-key-to-future-deterrence\/","title":{"rendered":"Cyber innovation and partnerships are key to future deterrence"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

With a U.S. national strategy laser-focused on China and Russia, ensuring a robust and effective deterrence capability is a must. In 2019, U.S. Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Policy David Trachtenberg<\/a> called nuclear deterrence the bedrock for national security, stating \u201cour nuclear deterrent underwrites all U.S. military operations and diplomacy across the globe.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most people naturally think of deterrence<\/a> in terms of weaponry. However, an effective deterrence also relies on preventing aggressive nations from operating at will in the cyber domain. Outthinking the enemy, fostering innovation, and embracing initiative is an imperative, especially in the cyber arena. When it comes to safeguarding the world\u2019s most powerful weapons, nothing can be taken for chance or for granted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Within Air Force Global Strike Command<\/a>, seven civilian airmen<\/a> serve as the front line of defense against cyber attacks against the world\u2019s most powerful weapons system, the intercontinental ballistic missile. As I like to refer to them, these \u201cSeven Spartans\u201d are at the hot gates and represent not only the base, but the entire mission defense team, for all Air Force Global Strike Command ICBM operations. They push every day to develop cyber blueprints to preserve and protect American\u2019s nuclear-capable platforms and critical infrastructure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Working closely with missileers, security forces professionals, and intelligence leaders, they are forging new pathways and developing a specialized cybersecurity core \u2014 defining what cyber defense can mean to Air Force Global Strike Command and identifying needs while protecting and defending against potential attacks. This is incredibly important work, especially considering the fact that operational warheads, delivery platforms, and early warning satellites are all linked through a nuclear command, control, and communication network.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the last 60 years, the weapons system has matured with updates and additions; but with a change in technologies, the need for innovation and initiative became apparent.<\/p>\n\n\n\t