The Cyber and Information Domain Service (CIDS) (German: Cyber- und Informationsraum, German pronunciation: [ˈsaɪ̯bɐ ʊnt ɪnfɔʁmaˈt͡si̯oːnsˌʁaʊ̯m] ⓘ; CIR) is the youngest branch of the German Armed Forces, the Bundeswehr. The decision to form an organizational unit was presented by Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen on 26 April 2016, becoming operational on 1 April 2017. It is headquartered in Bonn.[3]
Cyber and Information Domain Service (CIDS) | |
---|---|
Cyber- und Informationsraum (CIR) | |
Active | 1 April 2017 – present |
Country | Federal Republic of Germany |
Type | Signals and Electronic Warfare |
Size | 15,200 (2023)[1] |
Garrison/HQ | Bonn |
March | Cyber-March[2] |
Website | www |
Commanders | |
Inspector of CIR | Vice admiral Thomas Daum |
Vice Inspector of CIR | Major General Jürgen Setzer |
In November 2015, the German Ministry of Defense activated a Staff Group within the ministry tasked with developing plans for a reorganization of the Cyber, IT, military intelligence, geo-information, and operative communication units of the Bundeswehr.
On 26 April 2016, Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen presented the plans for the new military branch to the public and on 5 October 2016 the command's staff became operational as a department within the ministry of defense. On 1 April 2017, the Cyber and Information Domain Service (CIDS) was activated as a "military organizational unit" (Organisationsbereich), indicating its status below a full service branch, such as the air force. The CIDS Headquarters took command of all existing electronic warfare, signals, IT, military intelligence, geoinformation, and psychological operations units. [4]
As part of a wider restructuring of higher command in the Bundeswehr in 2024, it was decided to upgrade it from a military organizational unit to the fourth full military service branch, alongside Heer (army), Luftwaffe (air force) and Deutsche Marine (navy).[5]
The CIDS is commanded by the Chief of the Cyber and Information Domain Service (Inspekteur des Cyber- und Informationsraum InspCIR), a three-star general position, based in Bonn.[6] As of April 2023, it is structured as follows: