Senator Proposes New Cyber Force Under Army to Combat Evolving Threats

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York has introduced an amendment to the Senate’s 2027 National Defense Authorization Act that would establish a new military service branch dedicated to cyber operations, known as the "Cyber Force." The proposed branch would operate under the Army, similar to how the Space Force operates under the Air Force. This move reflects growing concerns over escalating cyber threats and the need for more specialized defense mechanisms.

Gillibrand's proposal comes after years of discussions and studies on the necessity of a dedicated cyber force. In 2025, lawmakers commissioned the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to explore alternative organizational models for cyber forces within the Armed Forces, though their findings have yet to be released. Think tanks like the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) and the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) have also been actively advocating for a separate cyber-focused service branch.

Supporters argue that a standalone Cyber Force would better equip the United States to address modern warfare challenges, where digital attacks play an increasingly critical role. The FDD's 2024 report suggested that such a force could comprise around 10,000 personnel and require a budget of approximately $16.5 billion annually. However, there are also concerns about the practicality of placing this new branch under the Army, given the service’s already extensive responsibilities.

Retired Navy rear admiral Mark Montgomery, an advocate for a Cyber Force, believes that the timing is right to establish such a specialized unit, especially early in the administration's term. Critics like former military officials argue that integrating cyber operations into the existing structure of the Army might undermine its effectiveness due to competing priorities and resource constraints.

The proposal faces significant hurdles before becoming law, including navigating through multiple rounds of Senate and House edits and securing bipartisan support. While the Trump administration previously introduced reforms aimed at bolstering U.S. Cyber Command (CYBERCOM 2.0), there is ongoing debate about whether these measures are sufficient or if a separate cyber-focused service branch is necessary to meet evolving national security challenges.