A Systems Analysis of U.S. Army Operations in Cyberspace

Operations in and through the Cyberspace Domain are transforming the ways in which the U.S. Army must conduct Unified Land Operations. The Army is reorganizing to address the convergence of combined arms maneuver, electromagnetic spectrum activities, and cyberspace operations. This paper provides a structural analysis of the cyberspace domain in relation to the functions of the U.S. Army. The research goal is to provide a construct that the Army may use to better visualize functions, understand interactions of land and cyber, and organize effectively for operations.This research effort required the application of multiple research methods. A historical evaluation of the air and space domains provides insights for cyberspace as it relates to domains. An evolutionary view of the ‘cyberspace domain’ reveals an operational definition of the term. Decomposing domain elements using ontological methods provided a structural framework for discussing the cyberspace domain. Finally, applying systems modeling methods provides an organizational understanding of the cyberspace domain. Critical findings of this research include the need to better understand the future of convergence within the information environment, including cyber and electromagnetic operations. This research suggests that might be best guided through integration group strategies. This would require designating operations that fall into these categories as Information Technology Operations, and broadening the definition of the cyberspace domain. Redefining the cyberspace domain to the area of responsibility that supports information technological elements used to effect information systems would account for this understanding. Aligning to reflect this view would also improve the military’s current organizational design to properly resource the domain with the required professionals.

Author

• Dirienzo, Thomas

Language

• en

Keyword

• Systems Engineering
• Ontology
• Cyberwar
• Military Domains
• Cyberspace

Date created

• 2015

Type of Work

• Master's Thesis

License

• All rights reserved

Rights statement

• In Copyright

GW Unit

• Engineering Mgt and Systems Engineering

Degree

• M.S.

Advisor

• Ryan, Julie JCH

Committee Member(s)

• Barbera, Joseph A
• Chaney, Stephen B

Persistent URL

•  https://scholarspace.library.gwu.edu/etd/xk81jk57g