Irregular Warfare Podcast

Episode 111 examines the arguments against a United States Cyber Force. This episode is a two part series of Project Cyber that looks at the arguments for and against a Cyber Force.   Our guests share their backgrounds and the history of the U.S. Cyber Command. They express their skepticism towards forming a new cyber force, advocating instead for continued evolution within the current framework. They then argue that cyber operations should remain integrated with existing service structures and emphasize the critical role of cyber in national security, and public safety. Our guests conclude by discussing the evolving digital landscape while urging policymakers to comprehend the gravity of cyber threats and the need for a more agile and integrated approach.

Exploring illicit financing and violence in Sudan, the podcast delves into state actors using networks to achieve objectives. Insights on the complexities of countering illicit networks globally and the blurred lines between legality and illegality within these networks are shared. The discussion also highlights Russia's tactics in Africa and the challenges faced in disrupting illicit financing operations.

Guests discuss the need for a separate cyber force, challenges in readiness, recruitment, and retention. They highlight slow progress in cyberforce readiness, evolving cyber threats from Russia and China. Recommendations are made for tailored recruitment and the importance of electronic warfare capabilities.

Exploring the use of drones in warfare, from state to non-state actors. Discussing drone proliferation in conflict zones like Ukraine. Examining ethical considerations of unmanned aerial systems and challenges in countering FPV drones. Delving into DJI's role in the drone market and the positive potential of small UAS in warfare.

Exploration of China's use of nontraditional security forces abroad, contrasting the PLA with internal police and paramilitaries. Discussion on how China aids foreign governments for regime stability. Examining how the US and its allies can compete with China in security cooperation.

Exploring the impact of drones and robotics on the battlefield in Ukraine, and how US Special Operations formations are adapting. They discuss the use of drones in past SOF missions and the changes needed to keep up with modern warfare. The episode also touches on the challenges of AI, automation, and military recruitment, as well as the importance of data analytics in drone operations.

Exploring security force assistance efforts in Ukraine and Afghanistan, experts discuss challenges in aligning priorities and tactics. They emphasize the importance of balancing influence and incentives in partnerships for strategic success. The conversation delves into tailoring training to local priorities and navigating complexities in security force assistance projects, emphasizing the significance of self-sufficiency for partners in conflict areas.

Discussing the history and development of intelligence capabilities in irregular warfare, focusing on partnerships between US SOF and the CIA. They explore enablers' critical role, challenges in inter-unit coordination, JAGs' importance in compliance, and the future of intelligence collection. Emphasizing adaptability, teamwork, and innovation to succeed in irregular warfare.

Exploring Cold War lessons for today's strategic competition, guests discuss the role of irregular conflicts, battlegrounds between great powers, and recommendations for policymakers. Topics include competencies in training partner forces, fragile states, and the challenges posed by China's resources. The podcast also explores academia and government service in conflict studies, the intersection of irregular warfare and great power competition, and the interconnectedness of fragile states and global strategic competition.

Experts discuss how special operations forces disrupt adversaries by disrupting critical elements, leveraging unique capabilities in peacetime and combat operations. They highlight interagency cooperation challenges and the importance of deterrence through irregular warfare. The podcast explores historical and contemporary uses of SOF to impose costs on adversaries and create strategic advantages, emphasizing the need for ongoing dialogue and intelligence sharing.