Integrated Non-Kinetic Operations

Cyberspace and space operations are fast becoming a highly valued strategic commodity. In a world of rapidly changing warfare, it is to the advantage of the United States to enhance the efficacy of non-kinetic operations. Updating non-kinetic doctrine through clarified authorities, improved processes, and increased operational expertise must be brought to the forefront of doctrinal attention. Findings within this research indicate several conclusive results. First, non-kinetic operations will continue to grow in scope and importance as both friendly and adversary warfare dependence on space and cybernetic operations increase. Second, as with any instrument of warfare, updated doctrine must accommodate non-kinetic operations to ensure efficient execution. Such doctrinal changes must reflect strategic and operational needs of United States warfare as they fluctuate with the adversary's use of cyberspace capabilities. Third, proper authorities for command and control purposes must be consistently and clearly communicated from the joint community across the combatant commands. In addressing these concerns, suggestions for authority issues with legal consequences for targeting adversary nets in the domestic realm will be offered and a recommendation for increased expertise in the area of non-kinetic operations will be proposed. Specifically the United States Air Force must establish an aggressive system to develop senior leaders with combined space and cyber operational experience to ensure strategic effectiveness of future non-kinetic warfare.