Taking a forward-leaning stance to defense modernization

The Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) is laying the groundwork for continued IT modernization, with the goal of having a globally accessible, software-defined transport environment ready by 2030.

Lt. Gen. Robert Skinner, who stepped down this month as DISA director and commander of the Joint Force Headquarters–Department of Defense Information Network, discusses DISA’s recent progress in support of DISA’s strategy in a new video panel interview, along with Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) Chief Technology Officer Tracy Mills. Skinner headed both organizations for the past three-and-a-half years, capping a 40-year career that started as an enlisted sailor in the Navy. The interview touches on a range of modernization topics, including the importance of a multi-cloud environment, zero trust and the growing role of AI.

Skinner highlights DISA’s progress in establishing a hybrid, multi-cloud environment. “It’s a national imperative to have the right data, at the right time, at the speed that’s needed,” he says. He also stresses the necessity of a distributed hybrid environment to provide warfighters with reliable and secure information, regardless of location.

In addition, zero trust and identity management have become focal points in ongoing modernization efforts. “Controlling access is more than half the game,” says Skinner. “If someone gets in, minimizing their ability to move laterally is critical.” He cites DISA’s progress with its enterprise identity, credentialing and access management (ICAM) tool, which sees millions of authentications daily and supports hundreds of applications across the DOD.

Mill adds that DISA’s zero trust approach — embodied in its Thunderdome framework — provides a secure, adaptive network environment. “The work they’ve done is pushing industry to co-develop with DOD, making it easier for operators to do their jobs seamlessly,” says Mills, underscoring the importance of collaboration between the DOD and private sector.

Artificial intelligence is also reshaping strategies, particularly in managing data and analytics at the network edge. “You cannot have a discussion of technology without AI,” says Skinner. According to Skinner, AI-driven solutions are being integrated into boundary defenses and endpoint security, enhancing the DOD’s ability to detect and respond to threats.

Moving forward, Mills highlights the urgency of modernizing DOD’s infrastructure to support future technological needs. “We are at an inflection point where infrastructure advancements are as critical as software,” she says. “The need for modern, scalable infrastructure has never been greater, especially as AI becomes integral to operations,” she says.

As Skinner’s tenure at DISA ends, he reflects on the importance of partnerships and a strong culture within the agency. “It’s the people, the partnerships with industry and allies, that give us a strategic advantage,” he says. “We’re building the foundation to excel over the next five to ten years.”

Learn more about how HPE is advancing security and defense capabilities within the DOD.

This video panel discussion was produced by Scoop News Group, for FedScoop and underwritten by HPE | Intel.