Modifying Outdated Systems Through IT Infrastructure Modernization in DoD

The information demands of today’s battlefield place an unprecedented burden on today’s warfighter and the larger Department of Defense (DoD). It’s critical to move larger amounts and different types of data to more personnel faster and with more precision and analysis than at any other time in history. The need for IT infrastructure modernization isn’t just a matter of upgrading to current standards: It’s a matter of life and death.

Unfortunately, current legacy networks make transformation virtually impossible. Built to yesterday’s standards, they fall short in bandwidth and processing power, hindering the ability to incorporate new military technology and adapt to the emerging “kill web” operational concept.

Legacy networks also risk leaving forces open to cybersecurity threats, such as increasingly sophisticated spoofing, jamming, and other threats. IT infrastructure modernization is critical for updating to more modern encryption protocols, such as the concept of “zero-trust” cyber practices.

This challenges the entire DoD enterprise, as modernizing IT infrastructure isn’t like buying a new tank. It requires a broad understanding of complex systems and how they interact. Work on this modernization is underway in various projects, but the pace is accelerating.

The Risk of Standing Still: How Outdated Networks Undermine the Mission

Data and analysis are as critical to success on today’s battlefield as firepower itself. But they’re only valuable if they reach commanders quickly enough to inform real-time decision-making, giving deployed forces the knowledge that they need to win.

This calls for increased investment in IT infrastructure modernization to support the development of high-capacity data and communication networks. Without it, trouble is brewing. Networks may be unable to process or deliver intelligence and situational awareness from increasingly capable sensors and newer platforms, such as autonomous vehicles. The main weaknesses of outdated networks include:

• Greater susceptibility to electronic warfare techniques. Older systems typically only support outdated encryption protocols and are often patched together across various networking projects. This is a unique situation, given that “[t]he concept of cybersecurity did not exist” the last time that the DoD had to rebuild networks, a former Army Chief Information Officer told National Defense.
• Interoperability challenges. Like many organizations, the DoD has pieced together various networks. However, we’re now at a point where older systems are no longer guaranteed to interoperate with new ones, leaving deployed forces short of needed capabilities. Dangerous gaps can emerge.
• Operational complexity and inefficiency. While older networks may initially create problems that seem minor, these can quickly amplify and become real risks. Slower login times and processing delays can turn from annoyances into substantive issues.

Outdated networks put missions at risk. The solution is to significantly invest in IT infrastructure to develop unified, easy-to-use networks with greater information security.

Building a Network Designed for the Future of Defense

The pressing need for IT modernization in the DoD transcends a typical organization’s desire to become more efficient and productive. Lives are at stake, and building a modern IT backbone opens new possibilities for America’s security.

Given the sprawling nature of the DoD enterprise and its many agencies, IT modernization is not a simple challenge. Administratively and operationally, it consists of myriad projects that must work together to provide a common networking capability.

The importance has escalated in the last several years in the transition to the kill web concept, which creates a decision-making command-and-control web that brings sensors, weapons, soldiers, and commanders from across the echelon into a single whole.

The data is the point, DoD officials state. “It’s a national imperative to have the right data, at the right time, at the speed that’s needed,” said Lt. Gen. Robert Skinner, former commander of the Joint Force Headquarters in the Department of Defense Information Network.

IT infrastructure modernization brings numerous benefits from the front lines to headquarters and beyond. At the top of the list are the more resilient operations from dependable infrastructure that effectively handles increased user demands and enables real-time response as battlefield conditions change.

Probably the most important of all, though, is the power of modernized IT infrastructure to support emerging technology for new mission concepts and objectives. For example, the DoD has specifically identified upgrades to IT backbones as a critical enabler in using new AI technology as part of its 2023 Data, Analytics, and Artificial Intelligence Adoption Strategy. “The Department will invest in abundant, flexible, secure, and jointly interoperable infrastructure that is scalable for the needs of users,” DoD leaders wrote, specifically citing data, analytics, and AI capability development as requiring “tremendous computing power” that will “grow exponentially as adoption scales.”

What IT Infrastructure Modernization Means in Real Terms

IT system modernization for improved defense capabilities is not a theoretical exercise. The DoD is engaged in numerous upgrade initiatives ranging from front-line capabilities to base infrastructure. Here are a few illustrative examples:

• The Joint Warfighting Cloud Capability, announced by the Department in 2022, seeks to apply commercial cloud provider technology in a secure warfighting environment to support robust data applications, including AI. This new backbone, an essential part of the Joint All-Domain Command and Control program, drives information-sharing across the DoD enterprise.
• Project Overmatch, led by the US Navy, is a closely held new networking concept designed to help Navy personnel coordinate its people, sensors, weapons, and technology across all domains.
• Project Convergence, an Army initiative, reflects an effort to build a tactical network backbone connecting sensors with command-and-control and front-line resources. The goal is a recognition that “whoever can see, understand, decide, and act first will win.”

The push to modernize DoD networks requires enormous cooperation and synchronization among deployed forces, command staff, DoD leaders, procurement agents, and many others to deliver the networks of tomorrow.

Partner with Sumaria Systems on IT Infrastructure Modernization

The future of defense depends on a modern, resilient IT backbone. With over four decades of experience supporting the DoD and intelligence community, Sumaria understands that the challenge isn’t just about upgrading hardware—it’s about integrating systems to deliver needed capabilities.

Future-ready networks. Mission-ready operations. Modernizing your base network infrastructure is critical for increasing mission readiness, scalability, and security. Sumaria Systems provides the expertise and innovative solutions to integrate, protect, and optimize your network for peak performance. Discover how Sumaria can help you build a resilient, future-ready infrastructure.