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After more than 13 years of continuous war, the U.S. military is entering a new era with a smaller force that faces new and expanding roles and challenges. As with all the services, the Navy’s and Marine Corps’ challenges are complicated by budget tightening amid an evolving and broadening security environment.

President Barack Obama has put the cybersecurity ball into Congress’ court, seeking legislation that pushes what some industry experts have clamored for in the quest to better protect the nation’s information network. The president has unveiled details for new laws toward better cybersecurity, which includes a heavy focus on increased information sharing between government and industry. Some experts have said better protections lacking a robust information-sharing plan—and the related safeguards—between the private sector and government. It's a good start, but not quite enough. 

Perception isn’t always reality, but that doesn’t make for the most compelling headlines, said Rear Adm. Randy Mahr, USN, deputy program director at the F-35 Lightning II Joint Program Office. So he provided some straight talk on the Defense Department’s most expensive—and possibly most criticized—acquisition program at AFCEA's inaugural TechNet Air 2016 symposium.