Joint Functional Component Command for Network Warfare
Encyclopedia
The Joint Functional Component Command – Network Warfare (JFCC-NW) at Fort Meade, Maryland was a subordinate component command of United States Strategic Command
(USSTRATCOM) active from 2005 to 2010. It was is responsible for coordinating offensive computer network operations for the United States Department of Defense
(DoD). JFCC-NW was created in 2005. It is to be merged into United States Cyber Command
in October 2010.
The Commander, JFCC-NW (currently LTG Keith B. Alexander
) is dual-hatted as the Director, National Security Agency
. This coordinated approach to information operations involves two other important supporting commands. The Director, Defense Information Systems Agency
also heads the Joint Task Force-Global Network Operations
. This organization is responsible for operating and defending U.S. worldwide information networks, a function closely aligned with the efforts of JFCC-NW.
The command was responsible for the highly classified, evolving mission of Computer Network Attack (CNA). The command's capabilities are highly classified, but it is believed that they may destroy networks and penetrate enemy computers to steal or manipulate data, and take down command-and-control systems, for example. Some of these capabilities are known as Special Technical Operations (STO).
United States Strategic Command
United States Strategic Command is one of nine Unified Combatant Commands of the United States Department of Defense . The Command, including components, employs more than 2,700 people, representing all four services, including DoD civilians and contractors, who oversee the command's operationally...
(USSTRATCOM) active from 2005 to 2010. It was is responsible for coordinating offensive computer network operations for the United States Department of Defense
United States Department of Defense
The United States Department of Defense is the U.S...
(DoD). JFCC-NW was created in 2005. It is to be merged into United States Cyber Command
United States Cyber Command
United States Cyber Command is an armed forces sub-unified command subordinate to United States Strategic Command. The command is located in Fort Meade, Maryland and led by General Keith B. Alexander. USCYBERCOM centralizes command of cyberspace operations, organizes existing cyber resources and...
in October 2010.
The Commander, JFCC-NW (currently LTG Keith B. Alexander
Keith B. Alexander
General Keith B. Alexander, USA is the current Director, National Security Agency , Chief, Central Security Service and Commander, United States Cyber Command. He previously served as Deputy Chief of Staff, G-2, U.S. Army from 2003 to 2005...
) is dual-hatted as the Director, National Security Agency
National Security Agency
The National Security Agency/Central Security Service is a cryptologic intelligence agency of the United States Department of Defense responsible for the collection and analysis of foreign communications and foreign signals intelligence, as well as protecting U.S...
. This coordinated approach to information operations involves two other important supporting commands. The Director, Defense Information Systems Agency
Defense Information Systems Agency
The Defense Information Systems Agency is a United States Department of Defense agency that provides information technology and communications support to the President, Vice President, Secretary of Defense, the military Services, and the Combatant Commands.As part of the Base Realignment and...
also heads the Joint Task Force-Global Network Operations
Joint Task Force-Global Network Operations
Joint Task Force-Global Network Operations was a subordinate command of United States Strategic Command whose mission is to: direct the operation and defense of the Global Information Grid across strategic, operational, and tactical boundaries in support of the US Department of Defense's full...
. This organization is responsible for operating and defending U.S. worldwide information networks, a function closely aligned with the efforts of JFCC-NW.
Mission
JFCC-NW facilitates/facilitated cooperative engagement with other national entities in computer network defense and offensive information warfare as part of the global information operations mission.The command was responsible for the highly classified, evolving mission of Computer Network Attack (CNA). The command's capabilities are highly classified, but it is believed that they may destroy networks and penetrate enemy computers to steal or manipulate data, and take down command-and-control systems, for example. Some of these capabilities are known as Special Technical Operations (STO).