DISA Unveils 5-Year Strategy to Simplify DOD Network, Adopt Cloud, and Bolster Cybersecurity

The Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) has released its new five-year strategic plan, known by the name DISA Next Strategy, which outlines the agency's priorities for global operations from fiscal years 2025 to 2029. The plan, which aligns with the Department of Defense's (DOD) goals and objectives, focuses on transforming the DOD's information network and meeting the challenges described in the National Defense Strategy.

Why this matters: The success of the DISA Next Strategy will have a significant impact on the DOD's ability to maintain its technological edge in an increasingly complex global environment. By simplifying the network and enhancing cybersecurity, the DOD can better protect its information systems from potential threats and ensure the security of its operations.

The DISA Next Strategy encompasses three key objectives: simplifying the network with large-scale adoption of a common IT environment, developing a fully functional DOD enterprise cloud environment, and integrating Identity, Credential, and Access Management, and Zero Trust capabilities within the common IT and cloud environment. These objectives aim to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and bolster cybersecurity across the DOD's global network.

Air Force Lt. Gen. Robert J. Skinner, DISA director and Joint Force Headquarters-Department of Defense Information Network commander, emphasized the importance of the plan, stating, "We must continue to deliver while being challenged by great powers." The strategy includes four strategic imperatives, six operational imperatives, and eight goals that guide the agency's support to the warfighter and mission partners.

Skinner further highlighted DISA's role as a combat support agency and premier IT service provider for the DOD, stating, "As a combat support agency and the premier IT service provider for the Department of Defense, we will continue to provide world-class services. At the same time, we are changing. We are re-organizing, optimizing, and transforming to deliver resilient, survivable, and secure capabilities to enable department success and warfighter lethality."

The plan's goals and objectives coincide with those that the DOD has set for global operations over the next five years, matching the department's process used to budget appropriated funds, known as the Program Objective Memorandum (POM). This alignment ensures that DISA's efforts are in sync with the DOD's overall strategic vision and resource allocation.

The DISA Next Strategy is expected to have a significant impact on the DOD's global operations. By simplifying the network, adopting a hybrid cloud environment, and enhancing cybersecurity, DISA aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the DOD's information systems. The strategy will aid leadership, industry partners, and the DOD's ability to develop sound judgments and allocate resources effectively to achieve organizational stability.

The DISA Next Strategy was released on May 1, 2024, marking a significant milestone in the agency's efforts to modernize and transform the DOD's information network. During the next five years, the strategy's progress will be closely monitored to assess its impact on the DOD's global operations. The success of the DISA Next Strategy will be a key factor in ensuring the DOD's ability to meet future challenges and maintain its technological edge in an increasingly complex global environment.

Key Takeaways

• DISA releases a 5-year strategic plan, DISA Next Strategy, to transform the DOD's info network.
• The plan focuses on simplifying the network, adopting a hybrid cloud, and enhancing cybersecurity.
• Goals align with DOD's objectives, ensuring efficient resource allocation and strategic vision.
• The strategy aims to improve DOD's info system efficiency, effectiveness, and security.
• The success of DISA's Next Strategy is crucial for DOD's technological edge in a complex global environment.