Good read about PLA “re-optimization.”Getting “line and block” charts right is helpful for aligning resources and managing risk across an organization. That enables organizations to better meet operational requirements, but what’s challenging to understand in the open source is how these organizational architectures end with integrated systems that work. In other words, it’s easy to do an organizational hierarchy in PowerPoint…it’s harder to see how these organizational changes result in integrated systems where the “ones & zeroes” talk.
This just in… The PLA spokesman clarified that the SSF has actually been split into three different forces. The Cyberspace Force and Military Aerospace Force have NOT been subordinated to the new Information Support Force (ISF). The three forces are apparently co-equal branches. Friday afternoon in Beijing, Xi Jinping established a new branch of the PLA, the Information Support Force (信息支援部队). The commander of the former SSF, Bi Yi, has assumed duties as the commander of the ISF. PLA spokesman Wu Qian later clarified: “With the latest reform, the PLA now has a new system of services and arms under the leadership and command of the CMC. There are four services, namely the Army, the Navy, the Air Force and the Rocket Force, and four arms, including the Aerospace Force, the Cyberspace Force, the Information Support Force and the Joint Logistic Support Force.” So, what had previously been identified as the Information Communications Base (ICB), responsible for PLA communications networks and network defense, has apparently been elevated to the Information Support Force and is now co-equal with the Cyberspace Force and Military Aerospace Force. The Xinhua ISF press release states, “Xi Jinping emphasized that the Information Support Force is a newly created strategic force and a key support for coordinating the construction and application of network information systems.… It is necessary to effectively support operations, adhere to information-led joint victory, smooth information links, integrate information resources, strengthen information protection, deeply integrate into the military's joint operations system, accurately and efficiently implement information support, and serve to support military struggles in all directions and fields.” As I emphasized in my recent USCC testimony on PLA C4ISR and electronic warfare, the SSF - now the CSF, ASF, and ISF - reflects the PLA’s outsized emphasis on battlespace information control in multi-domain integrated joint operations. These “arms” will continue to be responsible for both offensive and defensive PLA information capabilities – responsible for PLA communications networks, both terrestrial and space-based while also being responsible for space-based ISR as well as some national-level terrestrial ISR, electronic warfare, offensive and defensive cyber, and counter-space capabilities. SSF, we hardly knew you. Rest in peace. On a personal note, to my friends in the PLA, you’ve just undone hours of work I spent on those SSF line diagrams last month. Thanks for nothing.