The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff called cyberspace âa global common in which we do not enjoy unmatched advantage, where international norms are the easiest to flout without consequence, and upon which our entire way of life depends,â and urged the new officers to have an open mind to new ideas within the cyber realm and to help shape and lead the military.
Mullen echoed this sentiment later to about 500 service members at a town-hall session at nearby Peterson Air Force Base, telling them he expects that warfighting requirements in space and cyberspace âwill grow exponentiallyâ in the next years.
âWe will have great opportunities and great challenges in those two areas, particularly those areas where we are not dominant [and] we donât have the advantage,â he said.
Speaking to reporters after the session, Mullen said leaders at all levels need to understand the issues and the threat, being trained and prepared in it.
âSo thatâs what I am encouraging them to do with that,” he said. “Donât just turn it over to the chief or turn it over to the sergeant major. We canât do it. Itâs too lethal and too potent, and there are adversaries in the cyber world that we donât understand yet.â
Speaking about the lack of boundaries, rules and authorities regarding cyberspace, Mullen said he predicts a day when the international community agrees to a common set of standards about its use.
Mullen said he already has experienced some crises related to computer hacking, and lauds investments already made and continuing efforts to prevent these threats.
âItâs pretty scary stuff,â he said of the cyber threat. âAnd it needs to continue to be addressed very, very rapidly.â