Operationalizing the Joint Information Environment: Achieving Information Dominance with the Undersea Constellation

Abstract : As lead agency for instantiating the Joint Information Environment, DISA has stewardship for a Defense-wide grid to support the services in all their network needs. The JIE is designed to increase mission effectiveness, strengthen cyber-security, deliver capabilities to the warfighter faster, and improve interoperability while saving money through cost efficiencies and improving IT acquisition outcomes. Implicit in this definition is the need to support the joint warfighter and make interoperability among the Services something that is built into the overarching network, not something bolted on after the fact. Only DISA can provide stewardship for this network. If each service designed its own warfighting network then joint integration and interoperability would be doomed to failure for the simple fact these networks would not be interoperable. But if separate networks have served the U.S. military services well in the past, why is an integrated network needed now? The reason is the dramatic change in the international security paradigm and the substantial anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) challenge presented by potential adversaries. To enable effective maritime superiority and maintain global maritime awareness, the Department of Navy (DoN) has made information a main battery of its arsenal. Information, when networked across joint, allied, and coalition forces enables commanders to create a truly common operating picture. Enhancing its proficiency at operating within the information domain will allow the Navy to better respond to a rapidly changing battlespace as it takes advantage of advanced IT and networks; develops a global enterprise through network centric operations and C2; and elevates the use of information as a main weapon, alongside traditional weapons. Under this imperative, a networked undersea force is required to provide continued safety and effectiveness in satellite-denied environments.