Will the US wage cyber war on its enemies?

At a time when policy makers in Washington are talking about cutting the size of the US military, the department of defence has signalled it is to dramatically increase the size of its Cyber Command over the next few years. Proponents of the plan argue it is a prudent response to the changing nature of 21st century warfare. They argue that in recent years cyberattacks at the behest of governments have increased in frequency and ferocity.

Cyber Command plans to develop three types of forces:

1. National Mission Forces - will work to protect computer systems that run electrical grids and other infrastructure deemed critical to US security
2. Combat Mission Forces - will focus on helping US commanders abroad plan and execute offensive cyber attacks
3. Cyber Protection Forces - will work on strengthening the computer networks of the defense department itself

So does the decision to expand the size of its cyber security force suggest a new determination by the US to wage cyber war on its enemies?