Implementing a U.S. Cyber Force: A Conversation with Representative Pat Fallon

Why It Matters

A dedicated cyber force would close critical capability gaps, ensuring the United States can defend against increasingly sophisticated state and criminal cyber attacks that threaten national security and economic stability.

Key Takeaways

• U.S. lags adversaries; dedicated cyber force deemed essential
• Current cyber capabilities fragmented across services, hindering effectiveness
• Leadership lacks cyber‑experienced generals, creating command gaps within
• Budget and recruitment shortfalls impede scaling cyber talent
• Congressional commission gathering expert testimony to shape future force

Summary

Representative Pat Fallon used a CSIS event to argue that the United States must create a dedicated cyber force, drawing a parallel to the Trump‑initiated Space Force and noting that cyber capabilities are now central to conflicts in Iran, Venezuela and Ukraine. He warned that the military has fallen behind adversaries and that the current patchwork of cyber units across the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps hampers coordination, training, and rapid response. Fallon highlighted systemic problems: fragmented budgeting, chronic recruitment and training hurdles, and a senior leadership void—only one one‑star general with a cyber background sits in the entire cyber command structure. He cited real‑world incidents such as the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack and the growing threat from nations like North Korea to illustrate the urgency. Memorable remarks underscored the gravity of the gap: “the U.S. military has fallen behind our adversaries,” and the analogy that a carrier commander without sea experience mirrors a cyber commander lacking domain expertise. He also referenced the historical resistance to new warfighting domains, noting how the Space Force overcame similar doubts. If Congress and the Pentagon act on the commission’s recommendations, a unified cyber service could centralize talent, streamline budgeting, and place cyber‑savvy leaders at the helm, thereby strengthening national defense and protecting critical infrastructure from escalating cyber threats.

Original Description

Join CSIS on March 18, 2026 for an in-person discussion on the future of a dedicated U.S. Cyber Force. The event will begin with opening remarks from Lauryn Williams, Deputy Director and Senior Fellow of the Strategic Technologies Program at CSIS, followed by remarks from Representative Pat Fallon (TX-04). The program will then feature a fireside conversation moderated by Lauryn Williams with Representative Fallon and Commission member Maj. Gen. Ryan Heritage, USMC (Ret.).

This event is hosted as part of the CSIS Commission on Cyber Force Generation, which convenes leading experts to examine how the United States can strengthen its cyber defense posture and ensure long-term readiness in the most critical domain of modern conflict.

This event was made possible by general funding to CSIS.