In accordance with Section 1544 of the FY2025 National Defense Authorization Act, a National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine consensus study will conduct an "evaluation of alternative organizational models for the cyber forces of the Armed Forces." This evaluation will include:

(1) Refining and further evolving the current organizational approach for the cyber forces of the Armed Forces;

(2) The feasibility and advisability of establishing a separate Armed Force dedicated to operations in the cyber domain;

(3) Consideration of adoption or adaptation of alternative organizational models for the cyber forces of the Armed Forces;

(4) Consideration of an organizational model combining the refinement and evolution described in item (1) and the establishment of a separate Armed Force described in item (2); and

(5) Any other organizational models for the cyber forces of the Armed Forces determined to be feasible and advisable by the National Academies.

For each organizational model evaluated, the study will consider the effects of the organizational model on (a) the ability of the military to effectively conduct cyber operations, including offensive, defensive and analytical missions; (b) the ability of the Armed Forces to organize, train, and equip military cyber operations forces (including military, civilian and other enabling personnel); (c) the recruitment, retention, and workforce development policies of the Armed Forces with respect to the personnel needed for military cyber operations; (d) the division of responsibilities between a dedicated cyber force and the other Armed Forces with respect to network management, resourcing, policy, and operations; (e) the doctrine and use of the military cyber operations forces; and (f) the costs to the Armed Forces resulting. It will also consider (g) other effects of the organizational model on military operations and (h) the relevant authorities and policies.

The study committee will produce a report intended to be unclassified and will as needed also produce a classified annex.