The Things that Bedevil U.S. Cyber Power

U.S. cyber capabilities are hindered by a significant gap between strategic ambitions and operational integration. The over-centralization of offensive cyber authorities within U.S. Cyber Command disempowers forward-deployed units, limiting their ability to compete effectively against adversaries who integrate cyber at every level of warfare. To counter rivals like China and Russia, the Department of Defense should delegate risk-informed cyber authorities to operational commanders. This shift would empower tactical units to employ cyber effects with the same discipline and trust as other combat capabilities, better aligning U.S. cyber posture with the realities of modern conflict.