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Tuesday, March 19, 2024

GAO Reviews the Opportunities and Threats to DoD’s National Security Mission

Given the ubiquitous nature of the information environment, both DOD and adversaries can conduct operations and activities in the information environment from anywhere in the world. Additionally, with DOD capabilities dependent on IT and the electromagnetic spectrum (EMS), its ability to conduct operations and activities in any of the physical domains (land, maritime, air, and space) is reliant on protecting the information environment. Based on a review of DOD strategies, questionnaires, interviews, and guidance documents, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found:

Ubiquitous and Malign Information. The fusion of ubiquitous information and technology has granted individuals, organizations, and nation-states the ability to target the cognitive foundations of individuals—beliefs, emotions, and experiences—for purposes either benign or malign. The proliferation of ubiquitous information, misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation has prompted defense experts to begin examining the concept of cognitive security.

DOD Missions and Functions. Technology, the EMS, and the sharing of data are integral to accomplishing DOD’s missions in the information environment. DOD components consistently identified the conduct of military operations, communications, command and control decision-making, and others, as missions and functions affected by the information environment.

Threat Actors. National and DOD strategies recognize that nation-states—such as China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea—have demonstrated that they are threat actors in the information environment, employing malicious cyber, EMS, and influence activities against DOD interests. Additionally, nonstate actors—such as insider threats, foreign terrorists, transnational criminal organizations, and others—pose a threat to DOD personnel at home and abroad.

Threat Actions. DOD components highlighted a variety of cyberspace threats, information or intelligence collection threats, influence threats, and EMS threats that adversely affect DOD personnel and capabilities.

Institutional Challenges. National and DOD strategies and documents identify a number of institutional challenges that DOD must address. The challenges include a lack of leadership emphasis, lack of resources, the implications of new technologies, and dated processes. DOD components identified personnel, funding, IT, organization, and training as the most important institutional challenges they face related to the information environment.

Emerging Technologies. DOD components identified a variety of technologies that may present either opportunities for or threats to DOD in the information environment: artificial intelligence and machine learning, quantum computing, social media platforms, and bots. Additionally, relevant reports and subject matter experts have identified extended reality, fifth-generation wireless telecommunications, and the Internet of Things as technologies that could have either positive benefits or negative consequences for DOD.

Past and Planned DOD Actions. Achieving and sustaining an advantage requires DOD to undertake and plan actions across multiple areas, including doctrine, organization, and training. For example, DOD elevated the concept of “information” and has been revising its doctrine publications to reflect the fundamental nature of information in joint operations.

To prepare its report, among other things, GAO administered questionnaires to 25 DOD organizations involved in the information environment. GAO staff also interviewed officials and subject matter experts; reviewed 35 documents on strategy, policy, doctrine, and other guidance from DOD and other federal agencies; and reviewed studies and other documents.

Read the full report at GAO

GAO Reviews the Opportunities and Threats to DoD's National Security Mission Homeland Security Today
Homeland Security Today
The Government Technology & Services Coalition's Homeland Security Today (HSToday) is the premier news and information resource for the homeland security community, dedicated to elevating the discussions and insights that can support a safe and secure nation. A non-profit magazine and media platform, HSToday provides readers with the whole story, placing facts and comments in context to inform debate and drive realistic solutions to some of the nation’s most vexing security challenges.
Homeland Security Today
Homeland Security Todayhttp://www.hstoday.us
The Government Technology & Services Coalition's Homeland Security Today (HSToday) is the premier news and information resource for the homeland security community, dedicated to elevating the discussions and insights that can support a safe and secure nation. A non-profit magazine and media platform, HSToday provides readers with the whole story, placing facts and comments in context to inform debate and drive realistic solutions to some of the nation’s most vexing security challenges.

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