Matthew Leybold’s Post

The "Unleashing Data at Speed and Scale" Innovation Outreach Solutions Meeting, scheduled for April 15-16, 2024 in McLean, Virginia, is a pivotal initiative by the Department of Defense (DoD) to ensure rapid, secure, and scalable access to data, critical for maintaining U.S. superiority in peace and crisis times. Hosted by the Innovation & Modernization (I&M) Office within the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (R&E), in collaboration with Joint Staff Intelligence (J2) and the U.S. Army Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance Task Force (ISR-TF), this meeting aims to explore advanced technologies that empower the DoD with enhanced operational decision-making capabilities. The event invites technology developers to present innovative solutions that embody the VAULTIS principles—Visible, Accessible, Understandable, Linked, Trustworthy, Interoperable, and Secure. It focuses on three critical areas: moving data with emphasis on long-distance transmissions and edge computing, processing data through orchestration and security, and unleashing data for actionable insights. This collaborative forum encourages the rapid development and integration of technologies that boost the Warfighter's confidence and efficiency, shaping a future where data-driven decision-making is at the forefront of defense strategies. #unleashingdata #dodinnovation #dataatScale #defenseTech #VAULTIS #militaryAI #edgeComputing #dataSecurity #modernization #operationalDecisionMaking Source- https://lnkd.in/g3NZuEur

The United States Department of Defense has achieved a major milestone in military technology! The Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control (CJADC2) system integrates all branches of the armed forces into a unified network, enabling tracking of bullet trajectories and simulating injuries during training exercises. This technology assesses accuracy, evaluates tactics, and enhances training realism. Thanks to recent advancements in communication and information-sharing processes, this concept is now a reality, albeit in a limited capacity. The achievement is a result of Global Information Dominance Experiments (GIDEs) led by the Defense Department’s Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO). The CDAO and partners iterate on capability development every 90 days, maintaining a rapid pace. Upcoming GIDEs will connect with the Army’s Project Convergence and exercises involving Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), focusing on long-range networking and intelligence sharing. Integrating AI and pattern-recognizing programs enhances data analysis and decision-making. The fiscal 2024 budget allocates $1.4 billion for CJADC2, emphasizing its transformative impact on military operations and collaboration with foreign partners. #MilitaryTech #TrainingInnovation #CombatSimulation #DefenseTech

I attended a great luncheon hosted by the 757 Chapter of AFCEA International (Armed Forces Communications & Electronics Association) led by Caitlin Johnson. The keynote speaker, Jenniffer Minks, CISSP, the Assistant Deputy Director South for Command, Control, Communications and Computers/Cyber Integration U.S. Joint Staff J6, gave an excellent presentation on the latest status of the Pentagon's Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control (CJADC2) efforts. The team has been solving seemingly insurmountable problems related to combined joint data operations between us and allied nations to minimize sensor-to-shooter/decision-maker kill chains, all while holistically safeguarding and share-enabling federated data pools. A data exchange process that enables system interoperability, identifies and shares the correct data with those needing to know, and prevents the denial or disruption by hostile actors are just some of the challenges this program faces. Many bright minds are working on this problem, and a big experiment to dip our toe into these waters is on the immediate horizon (more on that in the attached article). Well done to all those helping to make this capability a reality! #AFCEA757 #DOD #JOINTSTAFF https://lnkd.in/ewBU5Sr2

LOGGIES!! Two interesting articles caught my eye today as they both deal with the critical need to harness and effectively use data to gain decision advantage. I think you'll find it worthwhile to read how USTRANSCOM is heavily relying on the integration and analysis of data to make critical decisions on real-world operations (https://bit.ly/3ZO7k7r) and how the United States Marine Corps is planning to use large language models as part of their artificial intelligence strategy (https://bit.ly/3NbEary). Most of us who are in, or support, the United States Department of Defense (DoD) are well aware there are unprecedented opportunities available today to revolutionize operations through artificial intelligence (AI) and comprehensive data analytics. These advancements are not merely minor enhancements but, instead, essential tools which substantially elevate the DoD's decision-making capabilities and operational readiness. Having access to, and effectively utilizing, real-time, accurate data can be the difference between a proactive strategy versus reactive crisis management. For the overall DoD, this means better threat anticipation, risk management, and resource allocation. For the #logistics community, it allows for more precise demand forecasting, the ability to accurately predict weapon system failures, and the capability to rapidly alter and optimize distribution routes in a dynamic operational environment...just to name a few examples. As we continue to advance and refine these technologies, the potential for AI and robust data analytics to secure a decisive strategic advantage for the DoD becomes increasingly clear. Embracing these tools will not only safeguard national security but will also ensure that the United States remains at the cutting edge of defense technology. In short, the future of national defense is directly linked to our ability to integrate and leverage AI and data analytics effectively. It's encouraging and exciting to see the advancements being made in this arena across the DoD...with more to come, including across the Logistics Enterprise. #DefenseInnovation #ArtificialIntelligence #DataAnalytics #NationalSecurity #DoD #MilitaryTechnology #StrategicAdvantage Logistics Officer Association Association of Marine Corps Logisticians Women In Defense Logistics Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) U.S. Army Quartermaster Corps Defense Logistics Agency Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Sustainment

This week in Defense Tech: 1️⃣ US Army Gives Update on Generative Artificial Intelligence and Large Language Models. The experiment focused on data collected through Project Athena. 2️⃣ The DON PEO Digital Neptune Cloud Management Office (CMO) successfully onboarded the first mission owner into its Flank Speed Azure IL6 environment. 3️⃣ Defense Information Systems Agency announces the Joint Warfighting Cloud Capability has surpassed $1 billion in total lifecycle value with over 65 task orders awarded to various organizations across the United States Department of Defense. 4️⃣ Palantir Technologies’s CTO, is determined to help Palantir become a driving force for defense tech startups, a sector that’s been flooded with over  $129.3 billion in venture capital since 2021, according to PitchBook. 5️⃣ FedRAMP has a permanent director for first time in 3 years. Peter Waterman is the director of the cloud security program, known as FedRAMP, after stints with USDS and the Technology Modernization Fund. 6️⃣ FedRAMP is launching the Digital Authorization Package pilot. The primary goal of the pilot is to improve the FedRAMP digital authorization package guidance and validation tooling while helping CSPs prepare high-quality system security plans in OSCAL. 7️⃣ United States Department of Defense releases key CMMC contracting rules. The CMMC requirements will feature a three-year "phased rollout," as the Pentagon continues to move forward with the massive cyber certification scheme. 8️⃣ War on the Rocks posts a perspectives on how to make military AI governance more robust. From the backroom to the battlefield, AI is now being integrated into the full spectrum of military operations, including in logistics, intelligence collection, wargaming, decision-making, target identification, and weapons systems, with increasing levels of autonomy. 9️⃣ Defense Information Systems Agency mulls adding vendors, different contract types for JWCC 2.0. Lt. Gen. Robert Skinner said JWCC 2.0 will bring faster commercial cloud capability and "greater diversity." 🔟 Pentagon accepting video pitches from vendors looking to gain access to CJADC2 enterprise. The DoD Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office and AI Office is accepting submissions for its inaugural "challenge" to industry. 🔗 Links in comments below 👇 #DoD #DHS #defenseinnovation #defense #defensetechnology #technology #tech #nationalsecurity #jadc2 #army #navy #airforce

Rapid evolution in #CJADC2 capability is a testament to the power of collaboration and continuous improvement. Spearheaded by the DoD Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office, the GIDE series, along with the incorporation of AI into defense tactics, highlights the critical role of flexible, data-centric decision making in modern warfare.   As an organization specializing in mission-critical, multi-domain communications, and cybersecurity, Ultra I&C is equipped to make a considerable impact on this revolutionary initiative. Our expertise supports the amalgamation of intricate systems and bolsters decision making proficiency within complex, multi-domain operational landscapes.

Kevin, as always—great insight. The key to the U.S.’s ability to maintain/obtain strategic advantage in the Great Power Competition will directly rely on our ability to harness Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML). With the continued drawdown of manpower, increased international footprint for military actions, continued financial challenges across the board, and the changes in how our new generation of military members learn (e.g. the Gen Alpha or Digital Natives) we will need to be more proactive with AI/ML to increase learning, reduce inherent risks, and increase speed and productivity. I think you said it well above in paragraph 3. I touched on some of this in my recent Logistics Officer Association Exceptional Release (ER) article from Spring 2024, The Forgotten Cost of Technical Data: The Future of Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) Capabilities. In it I attempted to highlight to the community the national strategy for digital development and the challenges faced so that we do not repeat the failures of the past, but overcome them and provide a truly transformative future fighting force. Thanks for your continued leadership in this arena! https://lnkd.in/gzwgmtbx

✨🤩 Mark your calendars for this inspiring webinar led by 2 powerhouse #womenintech! 👋 Meet Jennifer Swanson, Assistant Secretary of the #Army (Data, Engineering and Software) & Angelica P., CISO of the Army Software Factory. In this webinar, they will be sharing how they’ve faced change head on and shaken up #digitaltransformation in the #DoD.

If you are interested in data architecture and artificial intelligence in the Department of Defense (DoD), Government Accountability Office (GAO) reports are underrated reads. Developing in the open has advantages and disadvantages. The advantage is that you can quickly gather a diverse group of stakeholders. The disadvantage is that when those stakeholders perform an assessment, they know the continuation of the areas of opportunity. Now, why do technological challenges persist? Here are a few potential reasons (Key Word: Potential, as in any system this large, the complexity, both manufactured and real, is mind-melting). 1. The DoD is similar to the New York Five Families. If you come to an area of responsibility and attempt to disrupt a way of life as an external adversary, you will pay the price and get touched/clipped by the spear's tip. Regarding internal dynamics, joint operations (Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy, and Space Force) have improved. Yet, the internal and unique structures (Technological, Human, and Operational) remain, making full integration incredibly difficult. Add our coalition partners, and you have an architectural and technological problem of grand scope. Some organizations are taking this on and making gains. 2. Good ideas. Each branch of the military has intelligent Enlisted, Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs), Warrant Officers (Branch Dependent), and Officer talent that generates good ideas. These good ideas sometimes make it all the way up the food chain to the individuals on the ground. Often, they sit somewhere to die. The service member is oft forgotten when technological advances are scoped in favor of attempting to make advancements that might not hit the mark in austere environments. 3. Time. Individuals move through military organizations every couple of years. You do not stay at one unit for a 20-year (even a 10-year) career while serving on Active Duty. The unit moves on when you leave, but the institutional knowledge goes along for the ride. Knowledge transfers are rare and are even less frequent on the technological front. That creates a vacuum effect where knowledge is rapidly acquired but dumped when individuals perform a Permanent Change of Station (PCS). Those instances do not advance the aims of creating a unified technological front for joint command and control. Some random Thursday night thoughts. Enjoy. #dataarchitecture #technology #datascience

Delivering information to the decision-makers who need it -- from the DoD to the battlefield -- reliably, securely, and at the speed of relevance is crucial. Let's talk at TEM. At the upcoming US Army Technical Exchange Meeting (TEM) 12, “The network is the Army’s number one transformation priority.” That means getting information where and when it’s needed, in a simple and intuitive way for users. Kinetic Data’s Digital Experience Platform (DXP) separates the front-end user interface from complex back-end IT infrastructure, integrating with virtually any system or data source in place today—as well as what will be in place tomorrow. It enables process owners to rapidly develop built-for-purpose user-facing applications using a backend-as-a-service (#BaaS) approach while future-proofing the Army’s network of the future. This isn’t our first mission. Over the past decade, we’ve implemented solutions for the US Army JLTV, US Army EITaaS, US Army CHS, Army National Guard, the Defense Information Systems Agency, the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), and more. Connect with us at the US Army’s TEM 12 event, May 28-30 at the Marriott City Center in Philadelphia, PA. Visit our website to arrange a meeting: KineticData.com #army #CDAO #datamesh #devsecops #digitaltransformation cc: Jeth R., Mark Kitz, Christopher (Chris) Eubank, James Stultz, Jeramy C., Chad Fox, Keith Jordan, Matthew Haynes, Marnie Bailey, Jamie MacGillis, Nick Bono, Shermoan Daiyaan