US Space Force Major and author of Software Warfare Jason Lowry is calling on the United States to reassess the role of Bitcoin with a proposed US National Defense Bitcoin Policy. He argues that Bitcoin represents a strategic tool for national defense, using physical force to defend cyberspace, highlighting its importance beyond a simple financial asset.
Lowry shared the chart below in 2021 to show how Bitcoin could replace the current system, which he describes as a “supply chain for [land, gold, oil, and equities] written in blood.” He further stated:
“Not having to spend a human life defending monetized wealth is worth every watt.”
He argues that Bitcoin’s Proof-of-Work mechanism provides cyber sovereignty by physically protecting information and digital assets in a peer-to-peer, trustless manner. This approach is similar to how countries protect land, sea, air and space domains. He believes this aspect of Bitcoin is a revolutionary advance in computer theory that is currently underappreciated.
Lowry criticizes the Department of Defense for its lack of initiative. He finds it unacceptable that the agency is not actively exploring the cybersecurity benefits of reusable Proof-of-Work networks such as Bitcoin. He argues that the United States should lead and actively fund appropriate research in this area.
It also highlights the need for policymakers to provide better guidance on distinguishing between Bitcoin and other blockchain technologies. According to Lowry, understanding these fundamental differences is critical to forming effective strategies.
Turning to the country’s strategic reserves, Lowry believes that any planned bitcoin reserves are insufficient. He suggests that once the concept of “Bitcoin equals bit power” is accepted, it will become obvious that owning only a million units does not meet the needs of the country.
To ensure access to Bitcoin, Lowry recommends creating a robust hashing industry called “Hash Power USA.” He notes that while the initiative does not necessarily need to be government-led, government support can help it grow. Drawing a parallel with how the US Space Force supports commercial launch companies to provide access to orbit, he suggests that similar support could provide access to the Bitcoin ledger.
In his dissertation, Lowry 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 lead to a peaceful balance of power, called “mutually assured preservation.”
Lowry aims to change the conversation and prompt actionable steps for policymakers and defense agencies to reimagine Bitcoin as a strategic asset integral to national security.
