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Cyberspace Operations
communications (SATCOM) links, is an example of maintaining freedom of maneuver in
cyberspace. Managing the EMS within the battle space is a key component for the JFC to
consider in developing and executing operations.
(3) Movement and maneuver in cyberspace can occur in all three layers: the
physical network, logical network, and the cyber-persona layer.
f. Sustainment
(1) Sustainment is the provision of logistics and personnel services required to
maintain and prolong operations until successful mission accomplishment. Services and
United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) organize, train, equip, and sustain
forces for CO. JFCs must identify required forces and capabilities, critical cyberspace assets,
assess risk, ensure redundancy (including non-cyberspace alternatives), and actively exercise
continuity of operations plans to respond to outages or adversary actions that degrade or
compromise cyberspace access or reliability.
(2) Advancements in IT continue to develop rapidly, which in turn requires the
Services and USSOCOM to develop, field, and sustain cyberspace capabilities adaptable to
the rapid changing OE. For example, new wireless mobile devices may provide greater
Internet access, an adversary might update or change operating systems, or they may
transition to the use of virtual machines in their network architecture. Joint forces need the
capability to rapidly incorporate new cyberspace capabilities into their arsenal. Additionally,
the joint force may need the capability to rapidly upgrade their own networks to leverage
new technologies. Pressure to deploy new technology must be balanced against approved
requirements and increased risks, and implementation must be carefully orchestrated to
prevent divergence among Service-provisioned networks that could create gaps or seams in
DOD’s global architecture.
(3) A key component of sustainment is the maintenance of a well-trained force.
Most successful network intrusions and attacks can be traced to poor operator and/or
administrator security practices. Assets deployed securely only remain secure if they are
maintained accordingly.
(4) Many critical legacy systems are not built to be easily modified or patched. As
a result, many of the risks incurred across DOD are introduced via unpatched (and
effectively unpatchable) systems on the DODIN. This risk can be mitigated through
additional layers of network protection, which must then be sustained. Additionally some
hardware capabilities can also deteriorate over time, requiring component, software, or
firmware upgrades. Replacement due to wear and tear or adversary discovery/compromise
may be necessary to ensure sensors and other forward deployed cyberspace capabilities are
ready when needed. This can be particularly problematic when physically inaccessible
systems (such as those deployed to remote sites or on ships) must be replaced or upgraded.
It is vital that commanders understand the risk created by leaving such vulnerabilities in
place, not just to their operation, but to the future success of DOD missions worldwide.
Finally, contingency software capabilities that are not often accessed may also require
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