Alex Arlint is an engineer and program manager, and former active-duty Air Force engineer, who pursued his current career in the defense industry. In the following article Alex Arlint discusses new developments within the industry, and how these developments will help to strengthen national security on a widespread scale.
Technology and software are key to the defense of the United States of America. Different software systems are implemented to ensure the security and stability of the nation and as technology advances, so do the defense systems that protect the country.
As we progress through the digital age, Alex Arlint explains that software has advanced and become more widely used, allowing for stronger security, but also creating a window for cyber exploitation. Those who abuse software have weaponized information and data, which poses a widespread threat. Everything from Facebook profiles to military defense systems can be hacked and exploited, so investing in stronger software systems has never been more crucial.
In February 2022, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) announced its Software Modernization Strategy, a development that aims to deliver secure software into the commercial domain and modernize software according to the nation’s demand, focusing on speed, protection, and quality.
The Software Modernization Strategy
Alex Arlint reports that the DoD’s Deputy Defense Secretary, Kathleen H. Hicks has been one of the driving forces of this change and has spoken about why these changes have been implemented. She claims that it is essential to be more adaptable than competitors in order to deliver a more lethal force, implying that staying technologically ahead of other, potentially exploitative, networks will improve national security.
Jason Weiss, the Chief Software Officer touches on the military significance of software modernization as he claims, “the modern battlefield [has] become a software-defined environment”. Considering the current state of international relations, modernizing software for military use is one of the most important factors contributing to the prioritization of this development.
The Software Modernization Strategy outlines five key principles that must be met in order for modernization to progress. These include strengthening existing DoD strategies but also enforcing new methods that will create an all-encompassing, holistic approach to security and data control.
Alex Arlint says that these five principles are as follows:
- Although software delivery will increase in speed, software must be defined first by quality and stability.
- Cloud adoption will be accelerated to facilitate software modernization and gain more control over data.
- Prioritize enterprise capabilities.
- The training, development and recruitment process will be strengthened to ensure an effective workforce aids software modernization.
- Every policy and process will be equally appreciated.
Modernizing software delivery involves addressing and strengthening technical enablers and processes. Technical enablers encompass the cloud environment, enterprise services, software design patterns, and software engineering. Alex Arlint reports that the processes by which software is modernized must adapt to facilitate new software quality, pace, and types.
The primary objectives of the Software Modernization Strategy include the following:
- Improve the DoD’s cloud environment.
- Adopt a software factory model.
- Develop the quality and speed of software.
The DoD Cloud Environment
The DoD’s cloud environment is arguably the most important factor contributing to this software development. This system was adapted in 2018 under the DoD Cloud Strategy and now faces further changes that will help to protect national security and data, prepare military organizations for modern, digital warfare, and progress with the advancements of artificial intelligence.
Cloud contracts, the management of data, the infrastructure of the cloud, and accelerated cloud adoption are all components that will be addressed in the Software Modernization Strategy explains Alex Arlint. The cloud is predominantly concerned with cyber security and the protection of data, so developing these structures will be integral to the overall security of the U.S.
The Software Factory Model
Alex Arlint explains that by developing a clear software factory ecosystem will advance military capabilities. This model will make software use more succinct and organized, allowing all departments to progress together by different means.
This model will use different enterprise providers and commercial tools to clarify, authorize, and accelerate software systems to benefit industries and military organizations.
Develop Quality and Speed of Software
Regulations, standards, policies, and systems will be evaluated and adapted accordingly. Open-Source software, data strategies, security systems, and software management should all be addressed as part of this process and international regulations will be considered to ensure that software development is beneficial on a global scale.
Final Thoughts
The DoD Software Modernization Strategy will provide faster, more stable, higher-quality software that will strengthen national security on a widespread scale. Its aim is to technologically stay ahead of competitors, reduce the risk of cyber-attacks, and improve military and industrial systems. Alex Arlint explains that modernizing software will ensure that the U.S. can adapt to ever-developing technologies and protect its data and citizens from cyber exploitation.
