Cyberspace Operations Forces and Force Support

The Cyberspace Operations Forces and Force Support program, under the U.S. Army Cyber Command (ARCYBER), focuses on developing advanced cyber capabilities to protect and defend Army networks. It aims to deliver cyberspace effects against adversaries, ensuring national defense through research and development of cyber-specific capabilities. This initiative is coordinated with other cyber acquisition and research entities to meet ARCYBER's operational requirements promptly. The program supports pilot and prototype capabilities through Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs) and Educational Partnership Agreements (EPAs), leveraging Technology Transfer (T2) mechanisms.

The Joint Cyber Warfighting Architecture Cyber Train project within this program supports the Persistent Cyber Training Environment (PCTE), which is crucial for training the Department of Defense's Cyber Mission Force (CMF). PCTE provides a standardized training capability that includes emulated network environments, enabling comprehensive training at individual, team, and force levels. This platform aligns with outputs from the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition & Sustainment and evaluations by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training, and Instrumentation leads this effort as directed by legislative mandates.

The FA8 project within Cyberspace Operations Forces and Force Support is a new initiative starting in FY 2025. It focuses on developing pilot and prototype capabilities to enhance ARCYBER's operational effectiveness through rapid solutions facilitated by T2 mechanisms. The project emphasizes "Dual use" technologies applicable in both military and commercial markets, fostering an environment where innovative solutions can be assessed for future capability development. The ARCYBER Technology and Innovation Center (ArCTIC) plays a pivotal role in this process by prototyping solutions that can be transitioned to real-world environments.

These efforts aim to ensure that ARCYBER remains at the forefront of cyber defense technology by integrating cutting-edge research with practical applications. By fostering partnerships with industry and academia, the program seeks to transition new capabilities to warfighters effectively while maintaining a focus on core competencies in cyber operations. These initiatives are designed to influence future programs of record by assessing prototypes against real-world scenarios, thereby determining their operational impact if scaled up for broader use.