"Cyber" has become a much overused term to describe not just information technology as an enabler for C4I, ISTAR and data networks, but also the use of technology as a weapon in its own right. It is such a large area, we cannot lump everything together...
I would suggest that we need to divide Cyber into the following three areas:
1. C4I. This includes software and hardware systems for voice and data communications across networks to ensure resilient and secure battlefield communications. It includes counter EW security.
1. C4I. This includes software and hardware systems for voice and data communications across networks to ensure resilient and secure battlefield communications. It includes counter EW security.
2. EW. This encompasses more sophisticated software and hardware systems for proactively targeting enemy C4I systems. It's offensive not defensive and requires a higher degree of operator training and competence including software development, AI, data collection and analysis.
3. PSYOPS. This is grey zone disinformation activities designed to mislead, deceive and undermine the enemy at a fundamental level. Though it may harness C4I & EW systems, it may also include conducting sabotage & espionage activities on the ground requiring different skill sets.
C4I and EW are core Royal Signals role, but EW needs to be conducted by dedicated units with personnel skilled in such techniques. EW units would be employed independently of regular signal units and will need nerdy hacker types and non-traditional soldier types to do this well.
PSYOPS is a separate unit again. Call it 77 Brigade or whatever, but it is not just Royal Signals. It will include GCHQ, Intelligence Corps, MI6 operators, and SF personnel. It probably needs to be a specialised SF unit with a mix of non-traditional personnel.
We need to invest in C4I and EW, remembering that this will be software intensive as well as being reliant on hardware. I absolutely believe we need to "up our game" in this area. We need really good systems, which is why the Morpheus / LEtacCIS programme is so vital.
For grey zone activities, we probably need to establish a separate multi-discipline SF unit. This is challenging as it will require us to go well beyond our comfort zone with the type of personnel we recruit for these tasks and this unit.
The Royal Signals can do much to take-on the C4I and EW burden, but we may need to change the Regiment's name to communicate change and an evolved role (and attract the right talent). Skill sets must include programming, AI and advanced computing skills.
There may be other Cyber areas that encompass varying ISTAR elements, but overall, these are the main buckets. I'd say we are moving in the right direction, but need to formalise our commitment to Cyber by dividing into component disciplines and allocating resource to it.
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