An Assessment of The Department of Defense Strategy for Operating In Cyberspace

In July 2011, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) issued the DoD Strategy for Operating in Cyberspace, which outlines five strategic initiatives: 1) Treat cyberspace as another operational domain; 2) Employ new defense operating concepts to pro¬tect DoD networks; 3) Partner with other U.S. government agencies and the private sector; 4) Build relationships with U.S. allies and interna¬tional partners to strengthen cyber security; and, 5). Leverage the national intellect and capabilities through cyber workforce training and rapid techno¬logical innovation. First , the monograph explores the evolution of cyberspace strategy through a series of government publications leading up to the DoD Strategy for Operating in Cyber¬space. It is seen that, although each strategy has differ¬ent emphases on ideas, some major themes recur. Second, each strategic initiative is elaborated and critiqued in terms of significance, novelty, and practicality. Third, the monograph critiques the DoD Strategy as a whole.