Innovation in Government benefits the changing and growing needs of the nation, and the Department of Defense (DoD) leads the way in both innovation and security. The Department of Defense Intelligence Information System (DoDIIS) is a conference for the nation’s top military and technology specialists to share insights revolving around the show’s theme – ‘Chaos to Clarity: Leveraging Emerging Technologies.’ Fed Gov Today joined Carahsoft on the show floor to discuss IT and OT updates, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) and priority technology updates with military thought leaders.
Departmental Shift to Information Technology
The DoD aims to refresh technology and standardize user experience across the department as a response to employee feedback. These standards are partially inspired by Zero Trust models and codifying existing standards. Through the implementation of office management and hiring defense digital service experts, agencies will update hardware and endpoints, refresh outdated technology and enhance overall IT capabilities. Executing these standards will require time and financial resources, and to properly utilize all acquired resources, a new generation of industry professionals will need to be onboarded. By building off effective processes from previous initiatives and hiring new talent that is optimally suited for these processes, the department can make strides in software such as cloud computing, generative AI and Zero Trust. The introduction of the Joint Operational Edge Cloud (JOEC) is also critical in accelerating cloud computing for combat tactical edge usage during the interim shifts in technology. At record speeds, the DoD must move from hardware defined enterprise towards modifying software.
AI Evolution
While AI is in its infancy, prototypes show a promising and interesting future where machines are trained to complete work. With more than 1,200 AI applications across civilian agencies, and various similarities and differences in the way AI is used by Government and commercial agencies, there is a lot the Federal sphere can learn from commercial agencies. In the private sector, companies tend to build back-end architecture for AI, providing fast access to all data. The Federal Government can optimize this plan by automating AI/ML to gain tactical advantage against machine adversaries. AI can also aid in predicting component failure. This helps agencies get hardware and software back on track as soon as possible, as well as help with mission planning. The private sector offers a myriad of ideas the Government can leverage for efficiency, such as AI in healthcare, sustainable energy and creative component and finance management.
DIA Initiatives
The Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), a service provider on behalf of the defense industry, has a comprehensive IT strategy made up of five key priorities:
- Among both classified and unclassified networks, the DoD should implement top secret connection.
- With the transition to working from home, employers must enable workplace inclusivity through technology, especially for employees with disabilities.
- Enable workers to access data applications from one fully integrated place by consolidating network systems, such as desktop environments.
- As internally shared information becomes more complex, the DIA must update technology to strengthen intelligence sharing.
- Authorize worldwide connectivity for the Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communications System (JWICS), the DoD’s house for sensitive information. This means a reliable and secure connection regardless of environment and its proximity to data centers.
By maintaining pace with world class technology such as the cloud and AI, the DoD will lead the nation in secure communication and strategies.
Check our more resources, interviews and highlights from the event floor at DoDIIS at FedGovToday.com.
