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DOD Network Defense HQ Up and Running

The cyber force arm that defends DOD’s 15,000 networks with 3 million users has achieved full operational capability.

The Joint Force Headquarters Department of Defense Information Network is fully operational, DOD reports. The network defense headquarters spent three years improving capabilities and building capacity to be able to secure and defend the military’s global network. DOD U.S. Strategic Command photo by Adam Hartman, of Petty Officer 2nd Class Ryan Allshouse using an intrusion detection system aboard the USS Ronald Reagan.

In the U.S. Cyber Command, the part of the cyber force that defends Defense Department networks, systems and vital information is fully up and running, the DOD reported.

The Joint Force Headquarters (JFHQ) Department of Defense Information Network (DODIN) reached readiness after three years of building its capacity and capabilities to secure, operate and defend the DODIN, according to a DOD statement. To achieve full operational capability, JFHQ-DODIN participated in a number combatant command exercises and managed daily network operations to address and counter “significant” cyber threats, DOD said. The unit also deployed its six cyber protection teams to support high-priority military operations.

“The JFHQ-DODIN team has worked hard since inception in 2014 to reach this milestone,” said Lt. Gen. Alan R. Lynn, USA, commander of the joint force headquarters, who also serves as director of the Defense Information Systems Agency. “A highlight for me was to see the organization take the reins of actively defending the DODIN in real-world threat and attack conditions.” Organizing the operation as a joint force in the cyber domain, was key to that progress, Lynn said.

“We saw dramatic progress in a number of areas in 2017,” added Rear Adm. Kathleen M. Creighton, USN, JFHQ-DODIN deputy commander. “It’s important to celebrate and reflect on this accomplishment while acknowledging that there is more work to do.”

DOD also reported that all 133 of the command’s Cyber Mission Force teams are on target to be fully operational by September. The force includes 13 National Mission teams, which defend the United States and its interests against cyber attacks; 68 cyber protection teams, which defend DOD’s priority networks and systems; 27 combat mission teams, which support the combatant commands with integrated operational cyberspace effects; and 25 support teams, which offer analytical and planning support to the National Mission and Combat Mission teams.