By Vicky Falcón
NAVAIR Public Affairs Office

Where is the greatest threat against the U.S. military – Iraq? Afghanistan? Some folks in the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) believe the potential for devastation could be greatest right here at home – if our enemies successfully infiltrate the Defense Information Systems Network (DISN).

As DOD’s component for the Global Information Grid, DISN provides a worldwide network that allows the warfighter to exchange information in a seamless, interoperable and global battlespace. DISN is the DOD telecommunications infrastructure for the Secret Internet Protocol Routed Network (SIPRNet), DISN-Leading Edge Services (LES), Secret/Defense Research Engineering Network (DREN/SDREN), and Unclassified Internet Protocol Routed Network (NIPRNET).

Acquired systems such as weapons control systems, mission planning systems, office automation systems, logistics systems, or any other information technology that requires connection to DISN could be a route used by enemies of the U.S. to assail the network and cause immeasurable damage.

The system, used daily by thousands of NAVAIR employees, has come under increasingly complex and varied assaults and so DISA has established a defensive line around DISN as they continue to strengthen the network’s security.

A recent directive from Joint Staff (CJCSI 6211.02B) outlines the defense of this battle space and the responsibilities for those who use the network – especially program managers.

According to Rodney Stalker, Information Assurance Integrated Program Team Certification and Accreditation Division lead, immediate compliance to this directive is required – and is being enforced.

“Program managers within NAVAIR need to be aware of their new responsibilities regarding DISN,” said Stalker, who explained that program managers for multi-site/multi-user applications or systems need to identify security features for centrally developed systems and then have those features approved and validated.

“DISN users could find themselves unable to connect to the network unless they are in compliance (with CJCSI 6211.02B),” said Stalker. Stalker is part of the NAVAIR Information Assurance Program Office, which addresses application of the security certification and accreditation process.

Stalker’s team is available to assist program managers with addressing DISN compliance concerns such as identifying security issues, testing and documentation and security verification from the Designated Approving Authority.

“As part of our ongoing commitment to securing the products NAVAIR provides to the fleet, we’re trying to reach DISN users and program managers to make sure they are aware of the latest directives.”

According to Stalker, program managers who are developing a product that will connect to DISN need to be budgeting to fund this new requirement. “It’s not so much that our systems are not in compliance,” said Stalker. “It’s more a matter of being aware of our responsibilities. Program managers need to make sure they have funding for this requirement.”

According to Stalker, the new instruction applies to all DISN connections – including major acquisitions that are part of the shore-based naval installations and acquisitions that are integrated into airborne, afloat, or submersible platforms.

“The directive focuses on connection of systems to the DISN and clarifies our responsibility to ensure the operational war-fighting community receives assured products from the acquisition community,” said Stalker.

Battlefront preparedness is key to any military success, and protecting valuable assets like DISN is the duty of all who use the network – especially program managers.

For more information about DISN compliance issues, or for answers to your DISN questions, contact Rodney Stalker at [email protected] or Nate Bunting at [email protected].