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Special Operations Command Seeks Automation, Modernization

Subject-matter expert Peter J. Tragakis speaks on opportunities within the U.S. Special Operations Command.

Keynote speaker Peter J. Tragakis presents to a packed room at the annual TechNet Fort Bragg Symposium and Exposition 2023. Photo by Chris Levi

Modernization continues to be at the forefront of expert goals and asks of industry.

Peter J. Tragakis, director of Communications Systems and chief information officer at U.S. Special Operations Command, laid out his goals, as well as tasks for industry, during his keynote address at the annual AFCEA TechNet Fort Bragg Symposium and Exposition.

Tragakis noted the “tremendous burden of technical debt” in current architectures. “We’re looking to commercialize that technical data,” he added. Currently, the extensive amount of data gathered is not being utilized as a weapons system. Tragakis would like for that to change.

“We are desperate to use automated manual processes,” he emphasized. “It pains me to watch humans spend 2.5 hours programming a server.” Though progress has been made, it has not been nearly fast enough for modern-day warfighters, according to the speaker.

Tragakis also drew attention to the need to deliver enterprise to the edge. “The capabilities that commercial devices are providing are growing exponentially.” Commonly referred to as Shadow Net, or Dragon Net, the J6 director noted the importance of enabling mobile mission environments.

In reference to command, control, communications and computers (C4), Tragakis stated that a modernized tactical kit environment is necessary.

Tragakis asked industry to keep the coalition in mind. “The technologists or the communicators of today have really got to adapt to [new] environments rapidly.”

Following his recent visit to server rooms, Tragakis pointed out how outdated the environments were. “You’ve got cooling fans blowing cold and big ducts blowing hot air out,” he said. Industry is asked to help containerize the rooms that currently hold technology from the late ‘90s and 2000s. Additionally, Tragakis emphasized that capabilities are the needed element; not the racks of gear that often follow. “That certainly is starting to drive my personal decision making,” he added.

To conclude, Tragakis pointed out that an exorbitant amount of time is spent running down the RMF [risk management framework] process when bringing in new capabilities. “To put it into perspective, within the J6, there are about 1,000 different RMF packages,” with 400 of those currently active. The keynote speaker asked industry to understand the manpower of those serving, and not allow RMF to be an afterthought when delivering their contracted technologies.