President Donald Trump today announced that US Cyber Command would be elevated to a full combatant unit, making it equivalent to the groups that oversee military operations in the Middle East, Europe and the Pacific regions.
The move comes in view of the increasing threat from foreign countries in the internet domain.
"This new Unified Combatant Command will strengthen our cyberspace operations and create more opportunities to improve our Nation's defence," Trump said.
He said that it demonstrates his increased resolve against cyberspace threats.
"This will help reassure our allies and partners and deter our adversaries. United States Cyber Command's elevation will also help streamline command and control of time- sensitive cyberspace operations by consolidating them under a single commander with authorities commensurate with the importance of such operations.
"Elevation will also ensure that critical cyberspace operations are adequately funded," Trump said.
In connection with this elevation, Secretary of Defence James Mattis is examining the possibility of separating United States Cyber Command from the National Security Agency.
He will announce recommendations on this matter at a later date, Trump said.
"Through United States Cyber Command, we will tackle our cyberspace challenges in coordination with like-minded allies and partners as we strive to respond rapidly to evolving cyberspace security threats and opportunities globally," said the US president.
Welcoming the announcement, Senator John McCain, Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said that there is much more to be done to prepare the country and the military to meet cybersecurity challenges.
"We must develop a clear policy and strategy for deterring and responding to cyber threats. We must also develop an integrated, whole-of-government approach to protect and defend the United States from cyberattacks. The Fiscal Year 2018 National Defence Authorisation Act includes provisions to improve some of these deficiencies," he said.
McCain also appreciated the administration's commitment to ensuring that a future separation of the so-called "dual hat" relationship between Cyber Command and the National Security Agency will be based on conditions, rather than arbitrary political timelines.
"While Cyber Command and the National Security Agency should eventually be able to operate independent of one another, the administration must work closely with the Congress to take the necessary steps that will make this separation of responsibilities successful, and to ensure that each agency will emerge more effective and more capable as a result," he said.
Meanwhile, Trump headed to Camp David for a meeting with his national security team.
"Heading to Camp David for major meeting on National Security, the Border and the Military (which we are rapidly building to strongest ever)," Trump said.
Early this week, the White House said this was about South Asia strategy.
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