Department of the Air Force senior leaders from across the IT and acquisitions community emphasized the importance of investing in critical infrastructure and information systems across Air and Space Force installations. They highlighted the need for robust networks, information technology architecture and command and control (C2) systems at the base level as essential components to maintain combat readiness and resilience in an era of renewed threats from geopolitical adversaries.
Department of the Air Force Chief Information Officer (CIO), Venice Goodwine, articulated how outdated IT systems impact operational effectiveness, as failing to upgrade these systems leads to increased maintenance costs and system downtime - risks that impact daily operations and training.
"As CIO, my role includes advocating to modernize information technology at our Air and Space Force installations - enterprise systems that need to be able to communicate with each other. Strategic readiness hinges on systems that are both interoperable and secure. To do this, we need to constantly invest in upgrading our critical IT infrastructure," said Goodwine.
The consequences of underfunding these initiatives often go unnoticed, at least initially, but the need to consistently make these investments was essential, explained Goodwine. "Leaders might say, 'Oh, the network worked fine today; I was able to send emails, make phone calls, join a VTC and the planes still took off.' I understand that perspective and it can be challenging to convey the urgency. However, as technology advances, our adversaries are actively seeking vulnerabilities within our infrastructure and C2 systems. It's crucial to remain vigilant in our investments to ensure we are always ready to fight tonight."
Goodwine further emphasized that the Department's corporate decision for addressing these infrastructure needs was through the Base Infrastructure Modernization program, or BIM, an extension of the Department's successful Enterprise IT as a Service roll-out, which aims to provide specialized contract support for several functions currently found in base Communications Squadrons and units. "By contracting out non-military IT functions, we ensure that the new equipment is consistent with industry best practices and can be implemented more quickly than a piecemealed approach. Working with our acquisitions partners, BIM-provided systems provide baked-in cybersecurity features and adhere to a standardized risk framework," she said.
"As the Air Force and Space Force change the way they organize, train and equip, we want to give them the ability to free-up highly skilled cyberspace and IT-related military manpower at bases to perform inherently military tasks, like Cyber Ops or Warfighter Communications as part of a Deployable Combat Wing. The BIM 'as a service' model will focus on providing capabilities that do not necessarily need to be performed by military personnel, while allowing each command the option of prioritizing personnel for mission critical roles," said Glen Townsend, Senior Materiel Leader for the DAF's Enterprise IT and Data Transport Division within the Air Force Lifecycle Management Center.
Townsend stressed that BIM is not meant to be a cookie-cutter approach. "BIM is not a one-size fits all model. We fully expect that the size, location and mission of our installations will drive the extent to which industry will be tasked to execute and/or augment existing airmen in operating the base area network." he said. "Decisions will be made based on their risk tolerance and specific mission needs."
Townsend and his team work together with the Department's Enterprise Information Technology Director, Dr. Keith Hardiman, and his staff. They collaborate to execute BIM on behalf of the Department's IT Enterprise, after receiving base prioritization from both the Air Force and Space Force.
"BIM refers to the comprehensive process of upgrading, modernizing and optimizing base area networks that reside at every Air and Space Force installation. Investing in BIM is key to creating base and network resiliency, which becomes increasingly important as we continue to posture ourselves for the newest geopolitical challenges our Nation faces," stated Hardiman.
Modernizing IT infrastructure is not merely about maintaining operational systems but includes ensuring the DAF is prepared for future conflicts. Although the uncertainties regarding the overall cost and timeline remain, they are outweighed by the strategic necessity of these upgrades, Hardiman explained.
"Our adversaries aren't waiting for us to get our act together - we have to move out now," he said. "Bases will never truly be fully modernized, as we constantly need to make upgrades as technology advances and new standards come about. BIM is a strategic initiative to keep forces agile and focused on core military functions, thereby enhancing our national security posture."
The Department's commitment to modernizing critical IT infrastructure through BIM underscores the strategic need to invest in and sustain resilient base networks and communications systems. By investing in these essential upgrades, the Air Force and Space Force ensure that Airmen and Guardians have the foundational digital tools they need to train and execute their missions.
