Cyber Warfare

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Write a summary of cyber warfare. Where are the US military units that conduct cyber?

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Cyber warfare refers to the use of digital attacks by a nation-state or international organization to damage another nation’s computers or information networks. These attacks can take various forms, such as computer viruses or denial-of-service attacks, and can lead to espionage, sabotage, propaganda, manipulation, or economic warfare1. The concept is still subject to debate, with some experts questioning whether such activities constitute actual warfare1.

As for the U.S. military units that conduct cyber operations, they are organized under several commands and units:

• U.S. Army Cyber Command (ARCYBER): Operates and defends the Army’s portion of the DoD Information Network, delivers offensive and defensive cyberspace effects, and conducts electromagnetic warfare and information operations2.
• Cyber Protection Brigade: Hunts advanced adversaries to enable decision dominance in multi-domain operations2.
• 91st Cyber Brigade: The Army National Guard’s cyber brigade, which provides training, readiness oversight, and operational command and control of cyber forces2.
• U.S. Army Reserve Cyber Protection Brigade: Provides trained Cyber Protection Teams for cyberspace operations worldwide2.
• Joint Force Headquarters-Cyber (JFHQ-C): Delivers offensive cyberspace operations to geographic combatant commands2.

These units are part of a broader effort by the U.S. Department of Defense to defend against cyber threats and maintain superiority in the cyber domain3. 

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Where is the 91st Cyber Brigade Located (National Guard)

The 91st Cyber Brigade is the Army National Guard’s first and only cyber brigade. It was officially activated on September 1, 20171. This brigade is strategically positioned across more than 30 states in the United States. Its mission includes providing training and readiness oversight for various cyber units and offering operational command and control when needed1. The 91st Cyber Brigade plays a crucial role in supporting U.S. Cyber Command and Army Cyber Command1.

Interestingly, the brigade has achieved several milestones:

• In 2021, the Fairfax-based 123rd Cyber Protection Battalion, part of the 91st Cyber Brigade, concluded their support for Task Force Echo. This task force consisted of more than 150 Army National Guard Soldiers from various states, including Illinois, Minnesota, Virginia, and Wisconsin. Task Force Echo is mobilized annually to engineer, install, operate, maintain, and defend critical network infrastructure, conducting cyberspace operations in support of U.S. Cyber Command and the Cyber National Mission Force1.
• During Cyber Shield 2022, the brigade validated three of its Cyber Protection Teams. The Georgia National Guard’s 170th Cyber Protection Team completed their initial validation, and the 173rd Cyber Protection Team, shared between the New York National Guard and the New Jersey National Guard, along with the Utah National Guard’s 174th Cyber Protection Team, underwent re-validation. These teams are shared across 31 states1.
• In 2022, the 91st Cyber Brigade celebrated the opening of its new headquarters building at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. The rapid funding, design, and construction process exemplified a joint effort by the Virginia National Guard Facilities and Construction Management Office, the National Guard Bureau G9 Installation Management Office staff, and Fort Belvoir leadership12.

So, if you’re ever in the vicinity of Fort Belvoir, keep an eye out for the 91st Cyber Brigade’s impressive new headquarters!

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 The U.S. Army Reserve Cyber Protection Brigade (USAR-CPB) is a key component of the U.S. Army’s cyber defense strategy. Established from the Army Reserve Information Operations Command in October 2016, the brigade is tasked with building a force through readiness and advanced cybersecurity training to perform cyber missions in support of Army Cyber Command1.

The USAR-CPB operates under the 335th Signal Command (Theater) and is responsible for providing trained and ready Cyber Protection Teams (CPTs). These teams conduct Cyberspace Operations from their home station or on location to support Army, Combatant Commands, Department of Defense, and Interagency operations worldwide2.

In recent events, the USAR-CPB played a prominent role at the Cyber Summit 2023 in Wiesbaden, Germany, where they led tactical sessions and exercises aimed at strengthening security and partnerships. The summit was a gathering of military and civilian cybersecurity professionals from the U.S. and partner nations in the European theater. The brigade’s involvement included leading breakout sessions on tactical topics relevant to the cyber field and developing a Capture the Flag exercise that drew participation from over 67 individuals from 18 countries3.

The USAR-CPB is also known as the “Hunter” brigade, tasked with hunting advanced adversaries to enable information advantage in multi-domain operations4. Their work is crucial in adapting to the evolving cyber landscape and ensuring the security of military and associated networks against global threats.