Mission

The Cyber-Augmented Operations Division focuses on harnessing the power of cyber-related technologies (such as high-speed processing, agile spectrum electronics and information algorithms) to deliver speed and automation to create both tactical and operational advantages in military operations. CAO technologies will expand as innovators reveal the potential for cyberspace beyond support for intelligence and traditional military operations.

The CAO division offers a venue for industry and government executives to address pressing policy, technology, and budgetary matters to ensure that CAO capabilities can be incorporated into the military and broader national security enterprises. The Cyber-Augmented Operations Division will collaborate with the staffs of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (ASD(R&E), Assistant Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment (ASD(A&S), United States Cyber Command, the Defense Department Chief Information Officer (CIO), and their Service counterparts. Together, they will identify focus areas that can benefit from industry expertise and experience. They also will seek out the challenges confronting combatant commands and military Services to offer industry views and assistance on opportunities to leverage these new capabilities as they become available.

The CAO division will provide continuous contributions to U.S. national security through periodic studies from industry experts for the identified defense areas of need. It will periodically sponsor national symposia, seminars, workshops, and executive breakfast meetings.

CAO Division Focus Areas:

  • Human augmentation and replacement: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Algorithmic Data Analytics, and Autonomy
  • Human-Machine (HM) Teaming:Augmented Reality(A/R), Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI), Command and Control/Battle Management (C2/BM) and Decision Execution, andVirtual Reality (V/R) HM training and exercising
  • EM Spectrum Operations (EMSO): EMSO C2/BM, EW-Cyber Ops, and Spectrum Agility and Management
  • Cyber-enabled Process Innovation: Additive Manufacturing, Acquisition & Business processes, and Logistics & Sustainment

Objective

The CAO Division works to:

  • Foster mutual understanding and effective working relationships between government and industry to insure the design, development, and production of effective and reliable cyber-enabled products and services to meet government requirements at reasonable costs.
  • Serve as an effective communications vehicle for the exchange of views and information between government and industry on matters of common concern relating to cyber and emerging technologies.
  • Provide industry insight and advice on government policies, practices, requirements and challenges within the CAO division’s purview,
    Conduct special studies and forums to advance understanding and common mission-focused objectives.
  • Serve as the focal point and coordinating element within NDIA for the identification, study, and resolution of CAO technology, operations, management, and business issues associated with government policy and practice in emerging cyber-enabled technology activities.
  • Provide collective industry viewpoints, recommendations, and advice on matters of national security interest regarding cyber-enabled technologies.
  • Foster dynamic and effective working relationships between government and industry to ensure that the most effective and reliable cyber-enabled technologies are available to support national security and military operations objectives.

Topics: Cyber, Emerging Technologies

NDIA Contact

For more information about this group, please contact:

Carizza Gutierrez
Associate Director, Divisions
Phone: (703) 247-2599
E-mail: cgutierrez@NDIA.org
Andrew Peters
Associate Director, Meetings
Phone: (703) 247-2572
E-mail: apeters@NDIA.org

Division Contact

Maj Gen Jim Keffer, USAF (Ret)
Chair
Lockheed Martin
E-mail: jim.h.keffer@lmco.com

Policy Contact

For policy-related or congressional inquiries, please contact:

Riley Van Steenburg
Regulatory Policy Associate
Phone: (703) 247-2584
E-mail: rvansteenburg@NDIA.org