Softwar author Jason Lowery looks to White House role advising on Bitcoin national security

Lowery argues Bitcoin's PoW mechanism can revolutionize national defense strategies by deterring cyber threats.

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Jason Lowery, a major in the U.S. Space Force, has submitted an application to serve as a military advisor on the National Security Council (NSC) and the White House Office of Science & Technology Policy (OSTP).

Lowery announced his application via Twitter, expressing his intent to guide senior defense leaders on PoW’s implications for national security. He stated,

“I can confirm that I have submitted an application to serve as a military advisor on the National Security Council and/or the White House Office of Science & Technology Policy.”

He emphasized the importance of understanding PoW technology’s role in national defense and encouraged support for his position. He said,

“My goal is to advise the Department of Defense on the national strategic significance of Proof-of-Work (PoW) technology and provide senior leaders with policy recommendations related to a strategic Bitcoin stockpile and the U.S. Hash Force.”

Known for his “Softwar” thesis, Lowery advocates for recognizing Bitcoin’s PoW mechanism as a transformative tool for national defense and cybersecurity. He argues that PoW technology can serve as a non-kinetic defense system, projecting power in cyberspace by imposing physical costs on digital actions. This approach, he believes, can deter cyber threats and secure digital infrastructure by converting electrical energy into secure digital assets.

Lowery’s thesis suggests that integrating Bitcoin into national defense strategies could revolutionize how the U.S. secures its cyberspace. He proposes that the global electric power grid could act as a “macrochip,” physically constraining malicious actors and safeguarding data. By developing a robust hashing industry—referred to as the U.S. Hash Force—the nation could enhance its cybersecurity and maintain a strategic advantage in the digital realm.

His ideas have gained attention within military and political circles. In late 2023, Lowery wrote an open letter to the U.S. Defense Innovation Board, urging the Pentagon to investigate Bitcoin’s strategic importance. He posited that Bitcoin could function as an “offset strategy” for the 21st century, similar to traditional military assets that deter physical attacks. Members of former President Donald Trump’s campaign have reportedly engaged with Lowery for insights on incorporating Bitcoin into their policy frameworks.

In another, now-deleted tweet that contained a link to a website called ‘Policies for the People,’ he called for public support to bolster his application. He highlighted that a key obstacle is the lack of understanding about the Department of Defense’s role in Bitcoin policy-making efforts.

“If you want to see me as a military #Bitcoin advisor[…] you can submit a recommendation at this website 👇 The main blocker right now is that most people don’t understand why the DoD should be involved in #Bitcoin policy making efforts. Your voice could change that.’

Lowery’s background combines military experience with academic research. A graduate of Baylor University with a degree in mechanical engineering, he also holds a Master of Science in Engineering and Management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). His decade-long military career includes roles advising high-ranking officials on technical matters related to defense systems.

The submission of his application marks a significant step in his ongoing efforts to integrate proof-of-work technology into national defense strategies. By seeking a formal advisory role, Lowery aims to influence policy at the highest levels, advocating for the United States to recognize and leverage PoW technology as a critical component of national security.

Lowery’s proposals present a novel intersection of Bitcoin and defense policy, potentially shaping how the nation addresses cybersecurity challenges in an increasingly digital world.

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