Military Dependence on Commercial Satellite Communications Systems--Strength or Vulnerability?

The military's growing dependence on commercial satellite communications systems will become a strength or vulnerability based on how well the right balance is achieved between commercial and military systems. Determining that balance is a function of clearly understanding both DoD's requirements and the vulnerabilities and risks associated with the use of, and dependence on, commercial systems. This report provides a short overview of the emerging commercial capabilities and then examines in depth the DoD process for validating requirements, the validated MILSATCOM requirements documented through that process, and the risks and vulnerabilities associated with the use of, and dependence on, commercial satellite communications systems. The main conclusion drawn is that commercial capabilities can help satisfy DoD requirements for capacity, but at a "cost" in most cases of accepting risk with respect to several key qualitative requirements, especially with respect to protection, assured access, and control. A few additional conclusions are drawn about how to achieve the best balance to satisfy DoD requirements with the least amount of risk and cost.