The Army is struggling to staff, train and equip its newly activated cyber and electronic warfare units, and officials haven’t assessed how those challenges will impact the Pentagon’s digital capabilities, according to a congressional watchdog.
In recent years, the Army has been rapidly expanding its cyber capabilities to stay ahead of the growing digital threats posed by adversaries like Russia and China, but the Government Accountability Office found the service is having a tough time keeping up with its ambitious plans. The Army activated two digital warfare units last year despite significant personnel shortages, auditors said, and officials are struggling to update the equipment and doctrine used to train soldiers.
Furthermore, the Army hasn’t conducted thorough risk assessments for its new units, which could make it harder for top brass to keep the forces running at full capacity in the long term, GAO said in a report published Thursday.
While Army officials said the digital threats posed by Russia and other adversaries justify the accelerated deployment process, auditors said the hasty plan could leave the Army “fielding units that are not capable of providing the needed capabilities.”
Army officials told GAO they’re struggling to recruit personnel to fill their new cyber units, particularly for high-level positions. Last year, officials stood up two cyber units with numerous vacancies—one unit had only 55% of its posts filled as of March, while the other was operating with less than 20% of its required personnel. According to auditors, the Army is considering increasing pay and offering retention bonuses to make the positions more attractive.
The accelerated activation process has also left the Army scrambling to equip its cyber forces, auditors said. ..
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