In this episode of The War Lab we unpack the SOF-Space-Cyber Triad—a bold, nascent concept that fuses Special Operations Forces, space, and cyber to generate asymmetric effects below the threshold of open war. Hear why proponents call it a modern “influence triad”: SOF provide physical access, space delivers persistent overwatch and PNT, and cyber shapes the battlespace—together offering scalable, deniable options for integrated deterrence and active campaigning.We trace the Triad’s promise and its growing pains: doctrinal gaps, stove-piped cultures, sluggish acquisition, and training shortfalls that slow operationalization. Then we run the clock forward—examining how peer competitors (China and Russia) are developing counter-strategies to attack the Triad’s seams and how emerging tech—AI, autonomy, and quantum computing—will both supercharge and imperil the concept.Finally, we map practical steps for maturation: elevate information operations into a formal “Quad,” create a joint center of excellence, invest in hyper-realistic multi-domain training and agile acquisition, and sprint toward quantum-resilient architectures. Tune in to understand how this small, technical idea could reshape deterrence—and what it will take to turn a promising concept into an operational game-changer.

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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