washington president donald trump say friday elevate status pentagon u.s. cyber command help spur development cyber weapons deter attack punish intruders statement trump say unit would rank level unify combatant command focus cyberspace operations cyber command elevation reflect push strengthen u.s. capabilities interfere military program adversaries north korea nuclear missile development islamic state ability recruit inspire direct attack three u.s. intelligence officials say month speak condition anonymity cyber command subordinate u.s. strategic command also responsible military space operations nuclear weapons missile defense elevate cyber command would status u.s. strategic command eight unify command control u.s. military force compose personnel multiple branch arm service pentagon specify long elevation process would take current former officials say lead candidate head u.s. cyber command army lt. gen. william mayville currently director pentagon joint staff trump also say defense secretary also consider separate u.s. cyber command national security agency nsa cyber command mission shut order counter cyber attack nsa role gather intelligence generally favor monitor enemies cyber activities republican senators john mccain lindsey graham strong voice security matter praise move say would boost command abilities still mccain chairman senate arm service committee say step need meet nation cyber security challenge must develop clear policy strategy deter respond cyber threats must also develop integrate whole-of-government approach protect defend unite state cyberattacks say statement new combatant command improve u.s. capabilities punish foreign cyberattacks discourage attempt disrupt critical u.s. infrastructure financial network electric grids medical systems establish cyber version nuclear doctrine mutual assure destruction unite state former soviet union three u.s. officials say u.s. vulnerable cyber intrusions capable adversaries include china russia north korea economy dependent internet two officials say nations improve communications network vulnerability grow add trump lift cyber command status boost cyber defense