US military confirms it runs a Bitcoin node for national security

The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) is operating a Bitcoin node for national security and to expand its military influence relative to China, according to Commander Samuel Paparo. Speaking at a U.S. House Armed Services Committee hearing, Paparo stated that the node is not for mining but is used to monitor network activity and conduct various tests, including network security using the Bitcoin protocol, CoinDesk reported. A day earlier, Paparo had also remarked on Bitcoin's potential as a national security tool for the United States. CoinDesk noted the move is highly unusual, as it involves the U.S. military participating in the Bitcoin network, which is designed to resist control by central authorities.