The world is becoming more complicated and unpredictable, which means that the world's armed forces need to evolve in order to address the new challenges and threats they face. The development of future forces of the next generation calls for a multi-pronged strategy that takes into account developments in technology, new security challenges, shifting patterns in international politics, and shifts in military doctrine. In this post, we will discuss the most important things to keep in mind while building future forces and how to put those plans into action so that you may stay one step ahead of the competition. Technology progress is necessary for the accomplishment of future military goals. These advancements include things like autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, and cyber capabilities. Artificial intelligence has the ability to completely change the way wars are fought by enabling faster and more accurate decision-making. This might significantly reduce casualties on both sides. Unmanned aerial vehicles, which are examples of autonomous systems, have the potential to provide a strategic advantage by enabling the military to acquire intelligence and carry out reconnaissance without putting the lives of human soldiers in danger.
In modern warfare, cyber capabilities are also necessary because cyberattacks can cripple an adversary's infrastructure and impede their activities. But integrating new technologies into the forces of the future will not be without its share of difficulties. Making sure the new technology can communicate with the ones already in place is one of the most important challenges. However, new technologies can come at a high cost and necessitate a sizeable financial commitment in their research and development. To overcome these obstacles, the armed forces of the future will need to place a high priority on the deployment of technologies that are both interoperable and inexpensive, while also providing strategic advantages.
Using artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the ways that future forces will be able to exploit technology in their operations. By performing real-time analysis on massive volumes of data, AI can assist military commanders in making decisions that are both quicker and more informed. For instance, AI algorithms might be used to examine satellite imagery to locate possible targets or dangers. AI can also be used to analyze data from social media platforms obtain insight into the activities or intentions of an enemy. Autonomous systems are an additional important technology for future armed forces. Strikes against targets can be carried out by UAVs, either on their own or in conjunction with manned aircraft. Nonetheless, the deployment of autonomous systems gives rise to ethical concerns, particularly regarding the application of deadly force.
In modern combat, cyber capabilities are just as important as conventional ones. Cyberattacks have the potential to impair the infrastructure of an enemy and interrupt their activities. The next generation of armed forces will need to be outfitted with the most advanced cyber capabilities available to thwart enemy strikes and interfere with their operations. The ability to execute offensive cyber operations, which can be used to disrupt or destroy the infrastructure of an adversary, is also included in the definition of cyber capabilities.
When planning future armies, multi-domain operations are another crucial issue to consider. Integration of activities that take place in land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace are all required for multi-domain operations. This calls for taking a more holistic approach to military planning, in which all of the different domains are given equal weight and consideration. The forces of the future need to be created in such a way that they can work fluidly across all of these domains, which necessitates an awareness of the specific difficulties and opportunities that are given by each domain. For instance, future armed forces that will be operating in the cyber realm will need to be prepared to identify and counteract cyber-attacks. The training of future air forces to operate unmanned aerial vehicles and engage in air-to-air combat is an absolute necessity if they are to function in the air domain. They are also required to be outfitted with the most modern air defense capabilities available so that they can protect themselves from threats that are airborne. In order to conduct seamless operations across several domains, the forces of the future must be built to operate in accordance with a unified doctrine.
This entails making all the strategies, methods, and protocols utilized by the various services and coalition partners consistent with one another. In addition to this, it is necessary to have efficient communication and coordination systems, which may be accomplished through the utilization of standard communication protocols and technologies. Also essential to the operation of future armies are nimbleness and adaptability. They must be able to react swiftly to rapidly shifting settings and dangers in order to succeed. This necessitates the creation of forces that can rapidly adjust to new circumstances and configurations, as well as the training of employees to be flexible and adaptable in a variety of settings.
Nextgen Special Force
The integration of cyber capabilities into military operations is what is meant by the term "cyber-enablement." This includes the ability to execute both offensive and defensive cyber operations, as well as the ability to gather and evaluate cyber intelligence. Cyber-enablement offers a wide range of benefits to special forces, including more operational flexibility, enhanced target recognition, and higher situational awareness. Several important measures need to be made in order to integrate cyber capabilities into the operations of special forces.
First and foremost, members of special forces need to get training in many aspects of cyber operations, such as offensive and defensive cyber operations, the gathering and analysis of cyber intelligence, and the exploitation of networks. This training must be incorporated into the training regimen that is already in place to guarantee that all staff are furnished with the appropriate abilities and information. The most recent cyber tools and technologies must be available to the special forces. This necessitates making a large investment in research and development to produce equipment and technologies that are customized to the specific requirements of special forces.
Additionally, special forces need to be able to rapidly adapt to new threats and technologies, which necessitates a continuous investment in research and development efforts. Special forces need efficient methods for integrating cyber capabilities into their missions. All cyber operations must be carried out in accordance with international law and military doctrine, which necessitates the establishment of channels of communication between cyber and non-cyber troops and the creation of protocols for dealing with cyber threats. There must be cooperation between special forces and other military and civilian organizations in order to exchange knowledge and resources. Sharing information with other special forces teams, intelligence agencies, and cyber security groups all fall under this category. By pooling their knowledge and resources, special forces can better prepare for and respond to new threats.
Forces Designing Plan
To develop a training program for cyber-enabled special forces, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive study of the knowledge and abilities required of special forces operatives in the cyber domain.
General suggestions for how to get started on such a strategy are as follows:
- Determine the specific cyber skills that special forces operatives need to possess, based on the types of missions they might encounter. This could include things like network security, digital forensics, malware analysis, and social engineering.
- Determine the best delivery method for the training, considering factors such as the geographic dispersion of special forces units, the availability of instructors, and the need for hands-on training.
- Develop a system for tracking and measuring the effectiveness of the training program. This could involve metrics such as the number of successful cyber operations conducted by special forces units, the frequency of cyber-related incidents, and the satisfaction of special forces operatives with the training they receive.
- Continuously update and refine the training program based on feedback from special forces operatives, changes in technology, and new cyber threats.
Mission Areas
- Intelligence gathering: Cyber capabilities can be used to collect and analyze data from a variety of sources, including social media, online forums, and government databases. This information can be used to identify potential threats, track the movements of hostile forces, and gain insights into the motivations and tactics of terrorist organizations.
- Offensive cyber operations: Special forces units can use cyber capabilities to disrupt the communications, logistics, and command-and-control systems of enemy forces. This can be particularly effective in situations where a traditional military force may not be feasible or desirable.
- Defensive cyber operations: Special forces units can work to defend military and government networks from cyber-attacks, helping to protect critical infrastructure and prevent the theft of sensitive information.
- Cyber-enabled sabotage: Special forces units can use cyber capabilities to sabotage enemy equipment and infrastructure, including things like power grids, transportation networks, and weapons systems.
- Support to conventional military operations: Special forces units can provide cyber support to conventional military operations, such as providing real-time intelligence, disrupting enemy communications, and protecting friendly networks from cyber-attacks.
In conclusion, cyber-enablement is essential to the future success of special forces operations. By incorporating cyber capabilities into their operations, special forces can enhance situational awareness, improve target identification, and increase operational flexibility. However, cyber-enablement requires a significant investment in training, technology, and processes. To fully realize the benefits of cyber-enablement, special forces must work collaboratively with other military and civilian organizations to share information and resources, and to develop effective cyber strategies.
References
-Ltc Jonas van Hooren (2002). The Integration of Special Forces in Cyber Operations. [online] Available at: https://nps.edu/documents/110773463/135759179/The+Integration+of+Special+Forces+in+Cyber+Operations.pdf/fafb3a1f-876d-e174-7294-4a8b5795fb77?t=1652136095474 [Accessed 2 Apr. 2023].
-Bury, P. (2022). US Special Forces transformation: post-Fordism and the limits of networked warfare. International Affairs, 98(2), pp.587–607. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/ia/iiab213.
-Duggan, P.M. and Oren, E. (2016). U.S. Special Operations Forces in Cyberspace. The Cyber Defense Review, [online] 1(2), pp.73–80. Available at: https://www.jstor.org/stable/26267360 [Accessed 2 Apr. 2023].
-Duggan, P. (n.d.). Strategic Development of Special Warfare in Cyberspace. [online] Available at: https://ndupress.ndu.edu/Portals/68/Documents/jfq/jfq-79/jfq-79_46-53_Duggan.pdf.
About the Author:
Lochana Koralage is an experienced Security Researcher, currently working in the cyber security domain. The author holds an Honors Degree in Computing, and a master’s degree, specializing in Cyber Security.
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