Jason Lowery, a major in the U.S. Space Force, is making waves in the world of national security by advocating for the integration of Bitcoin’s Proof-of-Work (PoW) technology into defense strategies. Lowery recently announced his application to serve as a military advisor on the National Security Council and the White House Office of Science & Technology Policy, emphasizing the importance of understanding PoW technology’s role in national defense.
With a background in mechanical engineering from Baylor University and a Master of Science in Engineering and Management from MIT, Lowery brings a unique perspective to the table. His decade-long military career has equipped him with the expertise to advise senior defense leaders on technical matters related to defense systems.
Lowery’s “Softwar” thesis highlights the potential of Bitcoin’s PoW mechanism as a transformative tool for national defense and cybersecurity. He believes that PoW technology can act as a non-kinetic defense system, deterring cyber threats by imposing physical costs on digital actions. By converting electrical energy into secure digital assets, this approach aims to secure digital infrastructure and protect against malicious actors in cyberspace.
The concept of a U.S. Hash Force, a robust hashing industry proposed by Lowery, could enhance the nation’s cybersecurity and maintain a strategic advantage in the digital realm. By leveraging the global electric power grid as a “macrochip,” the U.S. could physically constrain malicious actors and safeguard sensitive data.
Lowery’s ideas have caught the attention of military and political circles, with members of former President Donald Trump’s campaign seeking insights on incorporating Bitcoin into their policy frameworks. His open letter to the U.S. Defense Innovation Board in 2023 urged the Pentagon to explore Bitcoin’s strategic importance, positioning it as an “offset strategy” for the 21st century akin to traditional military assets that deter physical attacks.
In a bid to garner public support for his application, Lowery has called on individuals to submit recommendations through a dedicated website. He acknowledges the challenge of bridging the gap in understanding about the Department of Defense’s role in Bitcoin policy-making efforts and believes that public awareness and advocacy can drive change in this area.
Lowery’s pursuit of a formal advisory role marks a significant step in his mission to integrate PoW technology into national defense strategies. By advocating for the recognition and utilization of Bitcoin in critical national security initiatives, he aims to shape how the U.S. addresses cybersecurity challenges in an increasingly digital world. His innovative approach to combining Bitcoin and defense policy could pave the way for a new era of cybersecurity strategies at the highest levels of government.