The Senate’s annual defense policy bill includes a provision mandating the Defense Department to assess the feasibility of establishing a separate, uniformed Cyber Force.
This move reflects a desire among some lawmakers to explore the creation of a distinct cyber-specific military branch, despite years of resistance from Pentagon leadership.
Proposed by Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand during the closed-door markup of the fiscal 2024 National Defense Authorization Act, the amendment directs the Pentagon to commission the National Academy of Public Administration for a six-month examination.
Gillibrand aims to insulate the study from Pentagon bureaucracy by involving an organization with no particularly close ties to the Department of Defense, and the amendment includes a prohibition against interference.
The full Senate Armed Services Committee approved the $886 billion legislation on Thursday, although the complete text of the bill is not yet available.
The National Academy of Public Administration, chosen for its prior experience in federal cyber workforce studies, will conduct the examination.
The concept of establishing an independent cyber service has been under consideration for over a decade, gaining traction in response to the increasing digital threats from foreign adversaries like China and Russia.
As discussions about the need for specialized cyber capabilities persist, the potential creation of a separate Cyber Force continues to be a topic of significant debate and consideration within Capitol Hill and the Pentagon.
