Why the US Space Force is Considering Bitcoin as a Weapon of Defense?

On March 31st, Major Jason Lowery of the US Space Force proposed an unconventional approach to cybersecurity and defense. He suggested that the United States should stockpile Bitcoin as a weapon of self-defence. Lowery pointed out that the workload of Bitcoin proves that the system can be used as a channel for power competition in the network field, and this competition has little destructive power. This competition played a role similar to that of chess and the Olympics during the Cold War.

US space officer: The US should store Bitcoin as a self-defense weapon

Bitcoin has been known to many as a cryptocurrency that is volatile and has no intrinsic value. However, on March 31st, Major Jason Lowery of the US Space Force proposed an unconventional approach to cybersecurity and defense. He suggested that the United States should stockpile Bitcoin as a weapon of self-defence. Lowery pointed out that the workload of Bitcoin proves that the system can be used as a channel for power competition in the network field, and this competition has little destructive power. This competition played a role similar to that of chess and the Olympics during the Cold War.

The Concept of Bitcoin as a Weapon of Defense

The idea that Bitcoin could be used as a weapon of defense might sound ludicrous, but there is some logic behind the proposal. Firstly, the decentralized nature of Bitcoin makes it difficult for any one entity or organization to control it. In traditional warfare, it is impossible to predict the outcome of a battle, but in the world of Bitcoin, the outcome is entirely dependent on the rules and processes of the network. This aspect of Bitcoin makes it a potent weapon in the field of cybersecurity.

How Bitcoin Can Protect the United States

Lowery suggests that the United States could use Bitcoin as a means to secure their cyber infrastructure. With the increasing number of cyber attacks that nations face, the US military’s cybersecurity division could benefit from holding a massive quantity of Bitcoin. The decentralized and secure nature of Bitcoin’s blockchain could be useful in preventing these attacks.
Furthermore, Bitcoin could be used to conduct secret operations, to restrict financial support to certain organizations, or to limit the funds of rogue nations. For instance, the Iranian regime was kept in check financially, thanks to UN economic sanctions that Bitcoin could strengthen even further. Therefore, holding Bitcoin as a weapon of defense could increase the power and influence of the United States in the international scene.

The Possible Risks

While the idea of a new digital weapon of mass destruction might be appealing at first glance, there are several risks involved. Firstly, Bitcoin’s price is highly volatile, and holding it in large quantities might not be the best financial decision for the US government. Secondly, since the United States’ cybersecurity division is not a financial regulator, it might not have the necessary infrastructure and knowledge to handle the technical aspects of holding Bitcoin securely.

Conclusion

Major Jason Lowery’s proposal to stockpile Bitcoin as a weapon of defense is an unconventional but logical approach to cybersecurity and warfare. Bitcoin’s decentralized and secure nature could be useful in protecting the US cyber infrastructure and limiting the financial support of rogue nations. However, it is essential to consider the possible risks involved, such as Bitcoin’s volatility and the US government’s lack of technical knowledge in holding it securely.

FAQ

Q1. Is Bitcoin a reliable and safe means of storing and transferring funds?
Ans. Bitcoin is a decentralized and secure cryptocurrency that is protected by blockchain technology. It’s a reliable way to store and transfer funds, but its volatility is a concern for many.
Q2. Can Bitcoin be used as a weapon of mass destruction?
Ans. Bitcoin cannot be used as a weapon of mass destruction. However, it can be used as a tool to disrupt the economic and financial infrastructure of nations, given its nature as a decentralized and secure cryptocurrency.
Q3. Is the US government currently holding Bitcoin?
Ans. It is unknown if the US government is currently holding Bitcoin, and even if it is, the exact quantity is not publicly known.