Cyberspace Superiority

As cyberspace becomes essential to the execution of a wide range of military missions, achieving cyberspace superiority is a notion that demands critical analysis. The unique nature of the cyber domain requires strong coordination among U.S. agencies and various branches of the U. S. government. In exploring the current threat environment, the evolution of the cyber domain and the gaps in U.S. cyberspace policy, we question whether the Department of Defense can achieve cyberspace superiority. We examine current U. S. legislation regarding cyberspace security, the National Cyberspace Strategy as well as the National Military Strategy for Cyberspace Operations to assess the department's ability to command and control forces in complex environments. The 2006 National Military Strategy for Cyberspace Operation's strategic goal is for the US military to have strategic superiority in cyberspace. This goal is ambitious given challenges with capacity, capability, cognizance and governance. When considering these factors we assess that the DoD cannot achieve its goal of strategic superiority in cyberspace today.