When StratCom meets JFC: New Cyber & Specialist Operations Command explained

The Ministry of Defence has announced the creation of a new command structure which brings together all of the country's cyber and specialist capabilities under one roof.

Cyber and Specialist Operations Command, or CSOC, is the amalgamation of Strategic Command and Joint Forces Command, and effectively becomes the military's fourth service, alongside the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force.

Its creation delivers on a vision set out in the Strategic Defence Review and brings cyberspace fully into the fold as an area of focus for the Armed Forces.

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What is CSOC?

The organisation rolls together some of the most advanced and secretive structure in the British military. Here’s what we’re allowed to know about CSOC.

CSOC brings several aspects of security under one umbrella: cyber operations, medical support, intelligence, special forces, education and defence attachés overseas.  

Essentially, it offers specialist capabilities, ready to fight across all domains (sea, air, land, space, cyber).

Who is part of CSOC?

CSOC features over 26,000 people across 130 global sites and has its HQ in Northwood in London.

While military personnel, civil servants, contractors, academics and international embeds are all part of the CSOC workforce, there’s also deliberate collaboration with the defence industry to act and build on data from the battlefield - a process that’s been highlighted throughout the war in Ukraine. 

The following sub-organisations fall under the umbrella of CSOC:

• Permanent Joint Headquarters
• National Cyber Force
• Directorate Special Forces
• Defence Medical Services
• Defence Academy 
• The Integrated Warfare Centre
• Integrated Global Defence Network

CSOC is led by General Sir Jim Hockenhull, who formerly led StratCom. 

How does CSOC operate?

Roles within CSOC encompass a range of duties. These include:

• Combatting cyber and electromagnetic threats - defensive and disruptive action against adversaries.
• Leading ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) to inform wider defence in decision-making, targeting and force protection.
• Relationship-building through the Integrated Global Defence Network so diplomatic solutions can prosper and allies can be coordinated in their defence against adversaries.
• Innovating and educating future talent, all through lessons learned from frontline data.