Can't Stop the Signal: Regaining Reliable Access to Cyberspace for Command and Control

Abstract : Operational commanders of modern militaries increasingly rely on access to cyberspace, directly or indirectly, to perform a wide variety of required operational functions, including command and control. As access to cyber becomes more of a force multiplier for operational forces, it also becomes a critical vulnerability to those forces. At the same time, many current concepts and plans for operating in anti-access and area-denial environments depend on reliable access to cyberspace. However, some of the nations most able to deny allied forces access to an operational environment also may be able to deny access to the satellites currently underpinning access to cyber. This paper proposes ensuring reliable access to cyber for command and control by developing operational procedures to utilize unmanned airborne relays. In addition the other operational benefits that would follow from the use of relays are examined, including a more credible deterrence capability and benefits to intelligence collection, reconnaissance, and tactical-level actions.