Sep 23 2010

Terrorism, Unconventional Threats, and Capabilities Subcommittee: Operating in the Digital Domain: Organizing the Military Departments for Cyber Operations

Chairwoman Sanchez's Opening Statement

 

Statement of Terrorism, Unconventional Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee Chairwoman Loretta Sanchez

Operating in the Digital Domain:

Organizing the Military Departments for Cyber Operations

 
September 23, 2010

“Good Afternoon. I would like to welcome you all and thank you for joining us here today.  The recent announcement that the Department of Defense (DOD) suffered a major compromise of classified military computer networks has renewed discussions about what more DOD and the government should do to operate in the digital domain. The establishment of U.S. Cyber Command and the announcement of a new cybersecurity strategy by Deputy Secretary of Defense William Lynn are important milestones, but more needs to be done.

 

“Today, the Subcommittee is looking to discuss three main objectives for this hearing:

 

1)            Understand the planned organizational structure for the Military Services cyber component organizations, and how they will present forces to U.S. Cyber Command (CYBERCOM).

2)            Understand Service challenges to recruiting, retaining and training a cadre of cyber operations professionals.

3)            Discuss initiatives supporting Service-specific requirements for cyber operations.

 

“The purpose of this hearing is for Members of this Subcommittee to learn what progress the Services are making in organizing to carry out the full range of cyber operations, including computer network defense, offense and exploitation functions. We also hope that the witnesses will be able to flesh out the doctrinal, training and recruiting needs to enable Service concepts.

 

“Today, we have four distinguished witnesses before us. 

 

·         First, we have Vice Admiral Bernard J. McCullough, III of the U.S. Navy, the Commander of U.S. Fleet Cyber Command and U.S. 10th Fleet;

 

·         Lieutenant General George J. Flynn, U.S. Marine Corps is the Deputy Commandant for Combat Development and Integration;

 

·         Major General Rhett Hernandez, U.S. Army is the Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff, G3/5/7; and

 

·         Major General Richard Webber, U.S. Air Force is the Commander of Twenty-Fourth Air Force

 

“Once again I would like to thank all of our witnesses for being here today and I look forward to hearing your testimonies. Without objection, we will accept your written statements as part of the official record. I’d also like to remind the witnesses that we’d like for you to briefly sum up your statements, and we will be observing the 5 minute rule for questions from the members.  I will now yield to the Ranking Member from Florida, Mr. Miller for his opening statement.  Thank you.”

 

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