MILCOM 2013 Schedule & Events

Abstract: Our Armed Forces are being reshaped and rebalanced in accordance with the President’s strategic guidance. The result will be a Joint Force that is agile, flexible, ready, technologically advanced, and smaller. It will have cutting edge capabilities, exploiting our technological, joint and networked advantages. It will have global presence emphasizing the Asia-Pacific and Middle East while maintaining commitments to Europe and our alliances and partnerships across all regions. The Joint Force will recalibrate its capabilities and make selective investments to succeed in 10 broad missions that include Counter Terrorism and Irregular Warfare; Deter and Defeat Aggression; Project Power Despite A2/AD Challenges; Operate Effectively in Cyberspace and Space; Defend the Homeland; Provide Stabilizing Presence; and others. DOD will take extra measures to retain and build upon key advancements in networked warfare in which Joint Forces are interdependent. DOD will also foster development of partner capabilities that improve interoperability and are relevant to common defense interests. A panel of senior leaders who manage military communications and networking will address requirements for communications capabilities needed by 21st century warfighters to execute this strategy.

Abstract: Over the last 10 years warfighters received a massive influx of communications and networking capabilities over and above their pre-war authorizations. Combatant commanders submitted a host of Joint Urgent Operational Needs Statements which resulted in accelerated deliveries of capabilities from programs of record; modifications to in-service equipment; and procurements of commercial capabilities to meet operational needs. As the values of new capabilities were validated by warfighter experience, standard packages of theater-provided communications gear were acquired for issue to rotational units. These packages included a mix of military and commercial radios, networks, data transport capabilities, automation, audio/visual kits, end user devices, and specialty terminals to interface with external sources. In addition, new networks were developed to improve interoperability with coalition forces. A panel of experts with personal experience in employing these communications and networking technologies in combat will discuss their insights, lessons learned, and recommendations for acquisition, employment, retention, refreshment, sustainment, and integration of military and commercial communications capabilities provided to warfighting units.

Abstract: Emerging capabilities and innovation in information technology are dramatically improving operations, productivity, and information sharing in the commercial sector. Government agencies are also adopting these technologies to improve services. As the Nation’s Armed Forces are reshaped for 21st century missions, there will be new opportunities to employ the power of intelligent programmable networks, virtualization, and ubiquitous connectivity to improve Joint operations, increase efficiency, and dominate the future battlespace. A panel of experts will share their views on opportunities for our Joint Forces to leverage transformational information and communications technologies, with specific emphasis on advanced networking, wireless mobility operations, advanced data center operations, advanced collaboration, and autonomous operations.

Abstract: Over the past two decades of intense military conflict, SATCOM has emerged as an indispensible element of command and control and situational awareness. With this increased dependence, the threat of denying these SATCOM links is of increased concern. At the same time, the protected community is looking at increased disaggregation between strategic and tactical missions, architecture resiliency, and system affordability. In this light, what is the future of protected and contested SATCOM for conventional / tactical forces, and how does Joint Aerial Layer Networking contribute to more robust and reliable communications for the warfighter? And how do we provide assured communications capabilities in a timely and affordable fashion? A panel of SATCOM experts will address these questions and related issues.

Abstract: Revolutionary advances in information technology continue to transform the world. The emerging Internet of Everything and convergence of Big Data, Analytics, Virtualization, Cloud, Social, and Mobile technologies are enabling ubiquitous connectivity, collaboration, and digital relationships. Military forces are moving into a hybrid operating environment combining commercial and military infrastructures and adopting new services, applications, and most notably, mobile devices. Global connectivity offers exciting opportunities, but it also increases dependencies and vulnerabilities. Malevolent actors on the world stage using increasingly sophisticated and persistent digital tools and malware pose a constant threat. The explosion in use of mobile devices and networks for business, personal, and military purposes has led to “Bring Your Own Device” and “Bring Your Own App” practices which complicate the cyber security challenge. A panel of experts will address the issues and challenges of cyber security in an increasingly interconnected and mobile information technology environment.