US Space Force Major and author of ‘Softwar’ Jason Lowery is calling on the United States to do just that reassess Bitcoin’s Role in a US Bitcoin National Defense Policy Proposal. He argues that Bitcoin represents a strategic tool for national defense by using physical power to secure cyberspace, highlighting its significance beyond just a financial asset.
Lowery shared the diagram below in 2021 to highlight how Bitcoin can replace the current system, which he describes as “the chain of custody for [land, gold, oil, and equities] is written in blood.” He further stated:
“It’s worth every watt not to have to waste human lives defending monetized wealth.”
He argues that Bitcoin’s Proof-of-Work mechanism enables cyber sovereignty by physically securing information and digital assets in a trusted, peer-to-peer manner. This approach parallels the way countries secure land, sea, air and space domains. He believes this aspect of Bitcoin is a revolutionary advance in computational theory that is currently underappreciated.
Lowery criticizes the Defense Department for its lack of initiative. He finds it unacceptable that the agency is not proactive enough in investigating the cybersecurity benefits of reusable Proof-of-Work networks such as Bitcoin. He argues that the United States should lead and actively fund related research in this area.
He also emphasizes the need for policymakers to have more precise guidelines when distinguishing between Bitcoin and other blockchain technologies. According to Lowery, understanding these fundamental differences is crucial to forming effective strategies.
As for the country’s strategic reserves, Lowery believes that any planned Bitcoin holdings are insufficient. He suggests that once the “Bitcoin equals bitpower” concept is recognized, it will become clear that owning just one million units does not meet the country’s needs.
To secure access to Bitcoin, Lowery recommends building a robust hashing industry, known as a “US Hash Force.” He noted that while this initiative does not need to be government-led, government support can help promote its development. He draws a parallel to how the US Space Force supports commercial launch companies to ensure access to orbit, and suggests that similar support could provide access to the Bitcoin ledger.
In his dissertation, Lowery describes Bitcoin as the most physically powerful and efficient power projection tool discovered by humanity. He characterizes it as a non-kinetic defense system that could usher in a peaceful balance of power, called ‘Mutually Assured Preservation’.
Lowery wants to shift the conversation and drive actionable steps among policymakers and defense organizations by reframing Bitcoin as a strategic asset integral to national security.