DATA-DRIVEN DECISION MAKING at the Edge

2024 Deployable Communications Technology Forum Overview

Operating Guidelines

The forum is hosted and organized by Warriors Ethos, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization. It provides a basis for communication that is fair and transparent, consistent with DoD’s March 2, 2018 directive for engaging with industry and is designed to meet all relevant compliance requirements including Conflict of Interest (18 U.S.C § 208); Procurement Integrity (41 U.S.C § 2102 and 48 C.F.R § 3.104-4); Trade Secrets Act (18 U.S.C § 1905); Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.2) “FACA”; Impartiality (5 C.F.R § 2635.101 and § 2635.501-503); Nonpublic Information (5 C.F.R. § 2635.501-703)

Who is the forum organizer?

The Forum is hosted and organized by Warriors Ethos, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. It provides a basis for communications that is fair and transparent consistent with DoD’s March 2, 2018 directive for engaging with industry and is designed to meet all relevant compliance requirements including Conflict of Interest (18 U.S. § 208); Procurement Integrity (41 U.S.C § 2102 and 48 C.F.R § 3.104-4): Trade Secrets Act (18 U.S.C § 1905); Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.2) “FACA”; Impartiality (5 C.F.R. § 2635.101 and § 2635.501-503); Nonpublic Information (5 C.F.R. § 2635.501-703).

Who should attend?

C4ISR program managers, security/IA managers, policy and decision makers in defense and foreign relations, representatives from US federal agencies such as DISA, DIA, DoE, NSA, and FBI, representatives from state & local law enforcement and first responders as well as active duty members across all military services and combatant commands supporting executive and tactical communications teams and our NATO allies have been invited to join us.

Why attend?

Our forum will work to close the communication gap between government and industry by validating and documenting requirements and CONOPS from the user and operator perspective alongside the engineers from industry designing and integrating these communications systems. This is accomplished with open discussion and feedback on the performance of existing systems and by identifying gaps the systems have, while addressing the technical security issues often overlooked or misunderstood. Future/systems ideas are presented and obtain real time feedback from the users to assist with the product development. Government communications teams also have the opportunity to participate in educational forums and working groups to solve common challenges across the DoD.

General

• Conference and evening event attire: This is a non-uniform event, business casual (sport coat is fine, no tie required)

• Classification: UNCLASSIFIED

• The forum is open to all U.S. DoD and federal employees and those invited from partner and coalition nations.

• The event is considered an educational and training forum. The forum is CLOSED TO PRESS / NO RECORDINGS / NON-ATTRIBUTION.

*agenda subject to change

ACHIEVING INFORMATION DOMINANCE at the Edge

Monday, April 8, 2024

0800-1700

0800-0900
                

0900-1000

1300-1700

1400-1500

Forum Check-In / Registration

Pick up your name badge and forum guide at the dedicated forum check-in table located in The Shelbourne lobby.                                                                                                                                                                                                        

Klas | Get Connected, Stay Connected – KlasOS Keel and Blackrock

Derwin Melendez-Diaz, Advanced Programs Engineer, Klas Government & Tucker Blue, Advanced Programs Engineer, Klas Government

Klas software can securely deploy and maintain assets in remote environments while reducing complexity and labor. KlasOS Keel is a lightweight Linux operating system with an integrated KVM hypervisor and SD-WAN capabilities. Klas’ Blackrock software incorporates Ansible and NAGIOS to enable users to automate, monitor, and manage Klas and third-party hardware assets globally.
                                 
Tea, coffee, and pastries will be served.

Klas | RoIP – Extending the Reach of C2

Derwin Melendez-Diaz, Advanced Programs Engineer, Klas Government & Tucker Blue, Advanced Programs Engineer, Klas Government

RoIP solutions like VoyagerEMm seek to shorten that tooth-to-tail ratio. As departments within the DoD, such as the Army, look to reduce the number of radios on the battlefield, extending command reach to multiple levels becomes more difficult. The ability for operational command staff to reach the tactical edge becomes simpler. Klas’ RoIP solutions are designed with many radio deployments to maximize communication and decision-making at all levels.
                       
Tea, coffee, and pastries will be served.
                 

Booz Allen | Enhancing Mission Readiness at the Edge with EdgeXtend™

Chris Christou, Senior Vice President & Jayne Chang, Senior Lead Technologist & Edge Cloud Platform Architect, Booz Allen

Tactical teams need to collect, process, and interpret large amounts of data to maintain situational awareness and achieve mission advantage over adversaries. However, operating in DDIL environments puts hyperscale cloud services out of reach. In this session, Booz Allen showcases EdgeXtend™, a rugged, portable, and cloud-native platform that extends the power of hyperscale cloud services to austere locations to deliver superior joint all-domain operations at the distributed and disconnected edge.

Tea, coffee, and pastries will be served.
                       

Exhibitor Set-Up

Sponsors only
                                                                                                                                                                   

Dell Technologies | Simplify The Edge

Ryan Wenzel, Senior Director – Enterprise Sales, Dell Technologies

Edge is the next frontier for innovation and growth. The rise of edge requirements and edge-native workloads has data growth outside the data center exploding exponentially. Use cases from security management to predictive maintenance to logistics and asset tracking to processing of CEM data for analysis and targeting are pivotal for operational effectiveness. Edge deployments offer incredible capability enhancements but also introduce multiple challenges. An effective edge strategy must streamline and modernize operations while remaining scalable and manageable and facilitating real-time decision-making. Leveraging the broadest hardware solution portfolio in the industry, combined with validated designs and Dell Native Edge Operations Software; Dell helps organizations deploy
and manage a broad range of edge capabilities in an easy-to-deploy, easy-to-manage, secure, and cost-effective manner.

Tea, coffee, and pastries will be served.
                        

1830-2130

Welcome Reception kindly sponsored by Intelligent Waves & Klas

Dress Attire: smart casual for day and evening events
*agenda subject to change

DATA-DRIVEN DECISION MAKING at the Edge

Wednesday, April 10, 2024     

0800-0840

0800-1700

0840-0850

Networking

Light networking opportunities over coffee, tea, and pastries

Exhibit Hall Hours

Day 2 Kick-Off

BRIG (R.) Mark Smethurst, former Deputy Commander Australian SOCOMD, Comd ISAF SOF, DJ3 US SOCOM                             
                                                                                                                           

0850-0900

Project Convergence – the beginning

GEN (R.) John “Mike” Murray, Commanding General, Army Futures Command, USA                                                                                                                                                                 

0900-0930

How To Operationalize Tactical AI

LTC Ryan Kenny, Commander, 112th Signal Battalion, (Special Operations) (Airborne), USA
                     
The Department of Defense recognizes the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to transform modern warfare, but integrating these technologies at the unit level requires a clear strategy for operationalization and agile development practices like MLOps. This strategy must address challenges like data silos, talent gaps, and security concerns by prioritizing use cases, investing in data preparation and scalable infrastructure, and employing MLOps for continuous learning and improvement. MLOps itself offers benefits like model governance, automated testing, and continuous deployment, ultimately leading to enhanced situational awareness, improved decision-making, increased efficiency, and reduced training costs for DoD units. By overcoming these challenges and implementing a comprehensive AI strategy, the DoD can empower its units and create a more adaptable fighting force, although success hinges on ongoing investment in talent, infrastructure, and a cultural shift towards data-driven decision-making.
                                                                                                                                                                   

0930-1100

Panel 3: Operationalizing Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning

Moderator: Paul Puckett III, Chief Technology Officer, Clarity Innovations

Panelist 1: Nicholas Kaminski, Wireless Security Researcher, Communications Technology Research Department, Idaho National Laboratory

Panelist 2: LTC Ryan Kenny, Commander, 112th Signal Battalion, (Special Operations) (Airborne), USA

Panelist 3: COL Ronald Iammartino Jr, Commander, 2d Theater Signal Brigade, USA

Panelist 4: LTCOL Nathan Jones, Staff Officer Grade 1, C5ISREW Development, SO Modernisation Branch, ADF

Panelist 5: COL Jesse Phillips Director, J-6 and Chief Information Officer, USAFRICOM
                                                                                                                                                                   

1100-1145

Refreshment Break kindly sponsored by CISTECH Solutions

1115-1135

1145-1215

Does Zero Trust Belong on the Modern Battlefield?

Hansang Bae, CTO Public Sector, Zscaler

“Does zero trust belong at the tactical edge? Or is it another technology buzzword looking to solve a problem that doesn’t exist for the rifleman? Does it matter on the field of battle with a near-peer? How about in asymmetric warfare where a $400,000 dollar missile is being used to shoot down a $200 drone? Modern warfare has been evolving since the days of Roger’s Rangers and the edict “Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes.” In the current dynamic and connected battlefield, is there room for zero trust? Or is zero trust even necessary?

Warfare has evolved to a point where it is no longer about beans and bullets. It’s about beans, bullets, and bytes. And to facilitate timely but secure communication with coalition forces and commanders at all levels, zero trust is a must.”

Optimizing AI/ML for the Tactical Edge

Gregory Tozzi, Senior Lead Scientist, Booz Allen

A discussion of the cascading challenges associated with moving ML inference workloads from the cloud to the tactical edge. The tactical edge encompasses a wide range of situations, from home station training and humanitarian relief to operations on the forward edge of the battlespace. In these cases, network connectivity may not be assured, and a host of mission-critical workloads compete for limited compute. Success at the tactical edge requires addressing well-understood—but not always easily solved—edge ML challenges and adopting a unique approach to platform management.
                                                                                                                      

1215-1245

Evolution of Tactical Networking and Data Sharing

Tim Van Name, President, Orbis Operations

Battlefield communications have evolved. The rate of change and technology evolutions has continued to increase, putting a significant burden on military communicators to understand and adopt new technologies. We must regularly invest in those operational cycles and technical decision-making by harnessing cloud and edge computing, distributed software-defined networking, new communications protocols, AI, autonomy, and the ingenuity of our incredible service members. Orbis and our technology partners deliver dynamic and secure tactical networks supporting some of the world’s foremost communicators and the operations they support within the FiveEyes and our closest allies. We will be sharing some best practices and highlighting challenges so we can face them as a cooperative community.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

1245-1305

1305-1400

1330-1350

Connecting the Force: Mobilizing Datalink at the Forward Edge

Maj Richard Tyler “Regen” Margerison, Chief, Wing Plans & Programs, 60th Air Mobility Wing, USAF

Should the US find itself in conflict with a peer adversary, Air Mobility Command will undoubtedly be the most relied-upon force in the history of warfare. To ensure preparedness, AMC is refreshing legacy aircraft with modern solutions to advance battlespace awareness at the tactical edge. Agile and open mission systems are central to this initiative and ensure AMC’s ability to provide effects for the global Joint logistics enterprise, for which training and procurement must begin immediately.
                                                                           

Lunch                            

Satcom as a managed Service with Roll on Roll off Capabilities

CMSgt (R.) Ryan Starkey, Senior Director, Strategy, Satcom Direct

Satcom Direct’s groundbreaking solutions for airborne platforms, like the Joint Deployable BLOS Carry-on Kit and TRASC System, emphasizes roll-on-roll-off flexibility. These solutions offer low-profile, on-the-move communications with global capabilities, leveraging Inmarsat BGAN or LEO networks. Integration via SD Pro enhances operations with fleet management and real-time updates, ensuring Mobility Forces stay connected and agile.
                                                                                                 

1400-1430

AI in Support of Combat Operations

Transition Assistance for Service Members & Veterans

Jared Shepard, Founder, Warriors Ethos & MajGen (R.) Mark “Droopy” Clark, former MARSOC Commander, USMC, and Board Member, Warriors Ethos

Military transition is a period of tremendous change for service members. Seeking a new career, adapting to an entirely different work culture, and navigating the maze of military and corporate benefit structures, are just a few of the many changes they face. Warriors Ethos assists each of our members during their transition from military service by helping them to identify their professional passion, prepare for the civilian workplace, and pursue career opportunities. Learn how you can get involved in our mission through mentorship, coaching, internship, and donation. 
                                                      

1500-1530

Electronic and Cyber Warfare in Modern Conflict: Lessons Learned in Ukraine

Oleksandr “Sasha” Danylyuk, Head of The Center for Ukrainian Defense Reforms
                          
An evaluation of the development and use of electronic and cybernetic warfare during the Russian-Ukrainian war.  In this session, we will delve into the changing approaches, methods, and tools used and share lessons learned and unlearned. We will also present an updated forecast of the future and highlight the need for global cooperation with Ukraine to prepare NATO members for the challenges of modern warfare with a near-peer or superior adversary.                                                                                                                                                            

1530-1600

Refreshment Break kindly sponsored by ServiceNow

1600-1630

1630-1700

10 Things the Army is Doing to Become More Data Centric

CW5 Jeramy Cosner, Chief Technology Officer, Network Cross-Functional Team (N-CFT) Army Futures Command, USA

The US Army is transforming its command and control (C2) network to ensure that a data-centric force has the foundational capability it needs to fight and win in large-scale combat as part of the Joint Force. As the Army continues to make progress towards this goal, including through persistent experimentation with joint partners and allies at events such as Project Convergence, there are fundamental things we must do to set a data-centric foundation through technology, policy, and people. This presentation will address these priorities for data centricity, as well as some of the barriers that remain.   
                                                                                                  

USAFRICOM Cloud & Digital Ecosystem

COL Jesse Phillips, Director, J-6 and Chief Information Officer, USAFRICOM

An overview of the Cloud and Data initiatives to improve interoperability with our coalition and African partners.

1900-2200

Evening Event kindly sponsored by Clarity Innovations, Ixodron, and Microsoft

Dinner

Dress Attire: smart casual for day and evening events
*agenda subject to change

DATA-DRIVEN DECISION MAKING at the Edge

Thursday, April 11, 2024     

Light networking opportunity over coffee, tea, and pastries
                                                         

0800-1700

0850-0900

Exhibit Hall Hours

Closed during main plenary sessions                                                                                                                                                                                               

Day 3 Kick-Off

LTG (R.) Mark Bowman, former Director C4/Cyber, CIO, Joint Staff J6/CIO, the Pentagon, Washington, D.C.                                                                                                                                                                                                  

0900-0930

Mission Command in a Contested Environment 

MAJ Zachary Taylor, Regimental S6, 75th Ranger Regiment, USA
                                 
The United States’ National Security Strategy relies on global military power projection. However,
adversaries have developed anti-access, area-denial capabilities, challenging operational deployments and freedom of maneuver. Technology has exponentially accelerated this evolution of warfare. This requires leaders across DoD to embrace disruptive technologies and strategic investments. The path to victory lies in understanding and mastering the complexities of contested tactical communications.                                                                                  
                                                                                                                     

0930-1100

Panel 4: Communicating in a Contested Environment

Moderator: COL (R.) John McLaughlin, President of IPR Consulting, former Director of C4 Operations, SOCOM, USA

Panelist 1: LTC Tom Gaines, ACoS G6, 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne), USASFC

Panelist 2: Col Ian Fletcher, Commanding Officer, II MEF Information Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force, MARSOC, USMC

Panelist 3: Thomas “Tom” Holschuh, Manager, Communications Technology Research
Department, Idaho National Laboratory

Panelist 4: Lt Col Marvin “Mitch” Brown, Commander, 1st Combat Communications Squadron, USAF

Panelist 5: LtCol Michael Anthony, Assistant Chief of Staff G-6, 1st Marine Division, FMF, USMC
                                        

1100-1130

Refreshment Break kindly sponsored by Nutanix

1130-1200​

Upskilling Military Communicators for Contested Environments

Lt Col David Knutzen, J7 Director, White House Communications Agency, USAF
                                                                    

The resurgence of sophisticated and capable Electronic Warfare as a highly proliferated threat on the battlefield changes the game for establishing and maintaining communications. Communications personnel are highly skilled in break-fix actions but need to adapt a maneuver mentality to keep communications flowing in light of the modern threat. How can units and services upskill their IT workforce to prepare them for contested environments?
                                                    

1200-1230

1230-1300

USARPAC Perspective and C2 Expansion

COL Andrew Brokhoff, Commander, 516th Signal Brigade, USA

USARPAC Perspective and C2 Expansion will present and describe and detail how the CG views the Theater and the specific nuances in the Pacific. The 516th Theater Signal Brigade along with the 311th Signal Command “sets the digital theater” with a wide array of communications assets and capabilities to deliver the network to the Warfighter, enabling leaders to make informed decisions at speed.  C2 Expansion is an ongoing project that leverages current capabilities, primarily from DISA and GAIT, across the Pacific to support the USARPAC CG’s guidance and follow the National Defense Strategy guidelines of Integrated Deterrence, Campaigning, and Joint Interior Lines.  We will discuss the current posture of our signal assets as well as future expansion efforts across the Theater.
                          

Forum Conclusion with Guinness Break kindly sponsored by Instant Connect

Jared Shepard, Founder, Warriors Ethos
                                                            

1300-1400

Lunch

1400-1530

The Solution Room – Open Session

Facilitator: LTG (R.) Mark Bowman, former Director C4/Cyber, CIO, Joint Staff J6/CIO, the Pentagon, Washington, D.C.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

1930-2330

Evening Event kindly sponsored by Klas

Dinner 
                        

Dress Attire: smart casual for day and evening events
*agenda subject to change