Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE), chair of the House Armed Services Cyber and Innovation Subcommittee, stepped into a critical role at a time when cybersecurity and technological innovation are under the spotlight. Despite beginning his leadership in the midst of the annual defense policy bill discussions, Bacon managed to shepherd significant cybersecurity provisions into the final legislation. A former Air Force colonel and one-star general, he brings firsthand experience to his role, having worked alongside U.S. Cyber Command and NSA Chief General Timothy Haugh.
From tackling the China-linked Salt Typhoon hacking campaign to examining the future of Cyber Command, Rep. Bacon’s leadership focuses on addressing the nation’s most pressing cybersecurity challenges. In an exclusive discussion, Bacon shared his priorities, his vision for deterrence, and insights into innovation within the Department of Defense (DoD).
Priorities for Cybersecurity and Innovation
Rep. Bacon identified three primary goals for the subcommittee:
Strengthening Cyber Deterrence:
“China is eating our lunch,” Bacon stated. With China targeting U.S. infrastructure and communication networks daily, Bacon emphasized the need for a stronger deterrent posture. “We need to make them pay a price for their actions. It’s about restoring deterrence and ensuring that adversaries know there are consequences.”
Revitalizing Electronic Warfare (EW):
Highlighting the diminished focus on EW since the Gulf War, Bacon stressed its importance in modern conflicts. “In tough fights, EW is essential. We need to rebuild the structure and mindset that were critical during the Cold War.”
Accelerating Technology Acquisition:
Bacon criticized the slow pace of military procurement for commercial technology. “Companies can’t wait three years to get paid, and we can’t wait three years to get what we need. The system must adapt to the speed of innovation.”
The Role of Cyber Command
When asked about the current state of Cyber Command, Bacon expressed cautious optimism:
“We’re heading in the right direction,” he said, while emphasizing the importance of the dual-hat leadership model with the NSA. “Most of Cyber Command’s operations start with intelligence gathered by the NSA. Without that synergy, we risk operational inefficiencies.”
Bacon likened the future of Cyber Command to the structure of Special Operations Command (SOCOM), suggesting it should remain a combatant command with its own acquisition authority rather than evolving into a separate military branch.
On Deterrence: “Speak Softly and Carry a Big Stick”
Bacon advocated for a strong but discreet approach to cyber deterrence. “China doesn’t need to know when or how it’s coming, but they need to feel the pain for what they’re doing to us every day,” he said, underscoring the importance of maintaining operational secrecy while delivering impactful consequences.
Cyber Command 2.0 and IT Innovation
Bacon is keeping a close eye on the Pentagon’s efforts to revamp Cyber Command under the “Cyber Command 2.0” initiative. While expressing initial support, he emphasized the need for careful scrutiny. “I want to make sure we’re doing the right things and that changes are being made for the right reasons.”
On IT innovation, Bacon acknowledged that the private sector now outpaces the DoD in technological advancements. “For most of its history, the DoD led innovation. Now, private companies are ahead. The challenge is harnessing that technology quickly and efficiently, which requires a cultural shift in how the DoD operates.”
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
As the subcommittee tackles these issues, Bacon remains committed to bipartisan cooperation and pragmatic solutions. “We’re in a tough fight, and we need every tool at our disposal. Whether it’s rebuilding electronic warfare capabilities or leveraging private-sector innovation, we need to act with urgency and purpose.”
Bacon’s leadership reflects a blend of military experience and forward-thinking innovation, aiming to address evolving threats while ensuring the U.S. remains a global leader in cybersecurity and defense.
Correspondence from the House Armed Services Committee (Free Download)
This document is sourced from official government correspondence from the House Armed Services Committee and references an interview conducted by Recorded Future News.
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