Ryan J. McCarthy’s Post

“To date, each U.S. military service has built its own systems and capabilities — which in many cases don’t even talk to themselves within their respective service — creating integration challenges at the joint level. Ultimately, capabilities must come together at the four-star, joint combatant command level where that commander integrates each service capability to determine which is the best available to execute the mission. While the Pentagon has been undertaking a years-long initiative that involves the patchwork effort of stitching and retrofitting old systems together, it’s looking to set data standards going forward to ensure systems at the very least are compatible and somewhat interoperable.” […] ““Data is the key to JADC2 … that realization of decoupling applications from the underlying data is what will allow network scaling to occur,” John Waterston, chief engineer for the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office’s Advanced Command and Control Accelerator…” https://lnkd.in/ea8qsFDf

To date, each U.S. military service has built its own systems and capabilities — which in many cases don’t even talk to themselves within their respective service — creating integration challenges at the joint level. Ultimately, capabilities must come together at the four-star, joint combatant command level where that commander integrates each service capability to determine which is the best available to execute the mission. https://lnkd.in/eQy-REU9

In his article, Lt. Gen. James Terry (Ret.) stresses the importance of U.S. and partner nation leaders improving decision-making capabilities to combat Gray Zone tactics in the first island chain. A significant point is how “edge computing and network solutions…allows joint and service planners to realize scalable decision-making advantages for agile basing and contested logistics missions while assuring communications in denied/degraded environments and enhancing intelligence collection capabilities.” Edge computing and networks will be critical for establishing a decision-making advantage during joint force operations. Another crucial aspect will be device interoperability. Edge computing and networks will provide decision-makers with the information but not necessarily the means to distribute it to the people who will carry out the actions. By creating an interoperable communications network alongside edge computing capabilities, decision-makers can communicate more efficiently across Joint Force Domains and down echelons to subordinate units. A functional comms ecosystem will also enable adjacent communications for the subordinate units, improving operational efficiency without the use of liaison officers or representatives (LNOs), or complex setups for radio operators.    Similar to the position in our CJADC2 post, using AI and edge computing will only improve data compilation and analysis; it will not improve the flow of information. Any information gained from AI or edge computing is useless if decision-makers cannot access or properly communicate the orders derived from the data. Interoperable communication networks in joint force operations will enable faster action and reaction across domains and laterally through echelons, allowing leaders to maintain the information advantage by reducing action and reaction time through effective communication channels. https://lnkd.in/e_HFgEq6

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

GAO Reports F-35 Program Metrics Moving in the Wrong Direction Diana Maurer, Director, Defense Capabilities and Management, GAO discusses the GAO's findings on the F-35 program, highlighting concerns over increasing costs and declining availability. The program's sustainment costs and mission-capable rates are not meeting original expectations. (discussion starts at 22:00 mark) Key Takeaways: Declining Availability: Mission capable rates for the F-35 fleet are declining, with an average in the high 50% range. Rising Costs: Sustainment cost estimates have increased by 44% over five years, reaching $1.58 trillion. IP Challenges: The control of intellectual property by the prime contractor hampers maintenance and sustainment efforts https://lnkd.in/ePDMX5be

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.

Concepts are tough. Predicated on what the future might look like, they are almost always doomed to fail, at least in the sense that they are exposed to so many edge cases that hindsight tends to show how "off" they can be. Concepts are necessary though. They drive capability analysis, requirements, and acquisition decision trade-offs. In most cases, the concept just needs to be directionally correct to deliver relevant warfighting capability to the field; from there, it is up to the operators to deploy capability effectively within the ever-shifting operational and tactical paradigms of the battlefield. One underlying issue the authors touch on is when concepts try to answer every operational and tactical question, they pose inherent risks to the warfighter on the ground. As the authors state, "Most concepts fall prey to this technological overconfidence, particularly in the field of communications. Assured connectivity in combat is central to nearly all multi-domain operations work. The United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Israel, Taiwan, and NATO all place some style of next-generation command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities at the core of their concept, assuming an assured availability of strong networks in the relatively near future. In reality, and despite a significant amount of attention in recent years, the level of assured connectivity upon which much multi-domain operations thought is predicated is far from realistic." Then they recommend, "stop trying to make war “not war” by being overly clever. New concepts cannot erase attrition from the battlefield or lift the fog of war. Attempts to do so are quixotic at best. Focus on concrete operational problems and build solutions from there." To the point above, I wholeheartedly agree and often fear over-reliance on concepts and "technological overconfidence" cede focus from the power of mission command, commander's intent, solid, realistic training, and trust in our warfighters' adaptability and ingenuity. For me personally, I always try to frame my work in the ADG market from the first principle question of "What is the warfighter (or intel analyst or government software developer or SETA employee, etc.) actually 'doing'?" In most cases, that question lifts the veil and cuts through the conceptual jargon of what might they do or what could they do if everything was perfect. This, in effect, helps me focus on the concrete operational problems a business is trying to help solve for the warfighter and hopefully help them at least do what they are actually doing, just better. https://lnkd.in/e482MANv

WASHINGTON D.C - 03/01/2024 Title : [ Here Is The CJADC2 - Minimum Viable Capability!]. For those seeking information about the minimum viable capabilities, here's a succinct summary: It's a part of the Global Information Dominance Experiment series (GIDE), spearheaded by Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks, who tasked the CDAO office to relaunch the GIDE series to deliver AI capabilities to our military. Previously facilitated by North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM), we achieved minimum viable capabilities in GIDE 8 last December and are currently in GIDE 9, establishing new connections across diverse data fabrics and applications. Our objective is to observe the tactical implementation of these capabilities by combatant commands and joint task forces, as emphasized by Deputy CDAO Margie Palmieri. Note : Let's ascertain if the new capabilities surpass the old ones, adding real-time value and accuracy to our military operations! God Bless This Beautiful Land 🇺🇸

As Kodiak continues to deliver best-in-class technology that drives national security, we are excited to announce that our General Manager of Defense and Public Sector, Nathan Parker, has joined the Atlantic Council's newly formed Commission on Software-Defined Warfare. The Commission was established by the leading, non-partisan think tank Atlantic Council’s Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security and its Forward Defense program to help ensure that the U.S. and its allies are on the cutting edge of adopting transformative software defined capabilities. The Commission, co-chaired by the 27th U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper, Ph.D., Former Acting Deputy Secretary of Defense Christine Fox, and President of Purdue University Mung Chiang and comprised of a distinguished group of subject-matter and industry commissioners, will develop a framework to more efficiently harness emergent digital capabilities critical to national security. Startups like Kodiak play a vital role in these discussions. Our depth of expertise and unique perspective, rooted in innovation and safety, contribute to a more holistic understanding of the implications of new technologies like AI and autonomy. By incorporating diverse voices, including those of emerging technology companies, the Commission ensures a comprehensive and forward-thinking approach to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Kodiak is excited to be part of this critical dialogue, and we look forward to collaborating with the Commission to navigate the road ahead responsibly and ethically. https://lnkd.in/gfBF7fPi

📢 New Blog Alert: "Raindrops Keep Falling" 🌧️ Excited to share some reflections triggered by my recent visit to the Joint Targeting Automation Forum. Over my 20+ years in the defense industry, I've observed key themes that continuously resonate across various platforms and discussions. 🛡️📡 In this post, I delve into: 🔗 The critical need for accessible integration in defense technologies. 🌐 Breaking down data silos to amplify warfighter effectiveness. 🔄 Rethinking our approach to modeling and data utilization to ensure practical, real-world applications. 🤝 The imperative of early and effective collaboration with allies. I also share a peek into the architecture of the NGA's new campus and some memorable "swag". 🏢🎖️ Join the discussion and let's explore how these observations can lead to better solutions in the defense sector. Your thoughts and feedback are invaluable! Read more here: https://lnkd.in/guQ4TdyY #DefenseIndustry #DataIntegration #Collaboration #JTAF2024