Cyberspace Operations Forces and Force Support

The Cyberspace Operations Forces and Force Support program, identified as Program Element (PE) 0305251A in the Army's FY2026 Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) budget, is designed to advance the Army's ability to operate and defend its networks, deliver cyberspace effects, and achieve information advantage in support of Army 2030 and broader Department of Defense (DoD) objectives. Managed by U.S. Army Cyber Command (ARCYBER), this program aims to develop, prototype, and transition innovative cyber capabilities to address time-sensitive operational requirements and evolving threats in the cyber domain.

Joint Cyber Warfighting Architecture Cyber Train (DD3) is a key component of this program, focusing on the Persistent Cyber Training Environment (PCTE). PCTE provides the DoD Cyber Mission Force (CMF) with a standardized, scalable training platform that supports individual, team, and force-level exercises in emulated network environments. The platform is managed by the Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training, and Instrumentation (PEO STRI) and is aligned with joint requirements validated by the Joint Requirements Oversight Council (JROC). The acquisition strategy leverages incremental development, existing contracts, and the Cyber Training, Readiness, Integration, Delivery, and Enterprise Technology (TRIDENT) contract to ensure iterative capability improvements and integration across the cyber community.

The program's goals include delivering regular platform releases that enhance training realism, interoperability, and readiness for the CMF. These releases are informed by user feedback and evolving operational requirements, ensuring that the training environment remains relevant and effective. The program also supports program management oversight and integration activities to maintain quality and responsiveness to DoD cyber training needs.

Cyberspace Operations Forces and Force Support (FA8) introduces new initiatives in FY2026, including the establishment of Theater Information Advantage Detachments (TIADs) in Europe, the Indo-Pacific, and at Fort Eisenhower, Georgia. These detachments are designed to provide persistent capability to Army Service Component Commands (ASCCs), enabling operations that emphasize effects in the information dimension such as enabling decision-making, protecting friendly information, and conducting information warfare. The TIADs are equipped to sense, understand, decide, and act faster than adversaries, leveraging large data sets and integrating with external resources to conduct offensive and defensive information operations.

A significant objective of the FA8 line is the Agile Solutions Pursuit Program, managed by the ARCYBER Technology and Innovation Center (ArCTIC). This initiative fosters rapid prototyping and parallel assessment of emerging technologies, supporting both internal R&D and external partnerships. The goal is to influence future programs of record by evaluating solutions in real-world environments and facilitating technology transfer between the Army and industry, including dual-use technologies with both military and commercial applications.

The Equipment for TIADs subprogram provides initial equipment for the new detachments, supporting trans-regional, data-centric operations against priority adversary threats as articulated in the National Defense Strategy. The TIADs are uniquely positioned to synchronize information forces globally, enhance the speed and precision of commanders' decision cycles, and protect critical nodes in both physical and virtual domains. Funding for FY2026 is allocated to equip these units and initiate their operational capabilities.