Title

AWS re:Invent 2022 - Delivering global digital transformation for the U.S. Army (WPS103)

Summary

• Rob Nolan, chief technologist for the DoD team at AWS, Brian Masters, former Dragon Cloud program manager and chief architect at the 18th Airborne, and Paul Puckett, former director of the Enterprise Cloud Management Agency with the U.S. Army, discussed AWS's role in cloud adoption and digital transformation within the Department of Defense (DoD).
• AWS has been a key partner in enabling the DoD to be more agile and experiment with technology, including running large SAP systems, implementing DevSecOps architectures, and supporting logistics for the U.S. Navy and Army.
• The 18th Airborne Corps, known as America's contingency corps, has shifted to a data-centric warfighting force, leveraging cloud technology to deploy mission command applications globally within an 18-hour sequence.
• The Enterprise Cloud Management Agency (ECMA) was established to centralize governance and strategy for cloud adoption across the Army, providing common ways to buy, secure, and build capabilities.
• The session highlighted the importance of culture, upskilling, and digital literacy in driving innovation and the use of cloud services.
• Real-world applications of cloud technology were discussed, including rapid deployment of mission command applications, data analytics platforms, and hybrid cloud environments for disconnected operations.
• The speakers emphasized the need for continuous innovation, collaboration, and the inclusion of cybersecurity in the development process from the start.
• The session concluded with a discussion on the importance of adapting to the digital expectations of new soldiers and the value of government and industry collaboration in advancing cloud adoption and modernization.

Insights

• The DoD's move towards cloud technology is driven by the need for rapid deployment, agility, and data-centric operations, which are critical for global response forces like the 18th Airborne Corps.
• The establishment of the ECMA as a permanent agency signifies the long-term commitment of the Army to cloud adoption and modernization.
• The Army's approach to cloud adoption involves not only providing resources but also creating an environment that encourages experimentation, innovation, and collaboration across different corps and divisions.
• The cultural shift towards embracing digital transformation is crucial, and it involves recognizing and utilizing the talents and skills of soldiers who may not have formal IT backgrounds.
• The discussion highlighted the importance of cybersecurity being integrated into the development process from the beginning, rather than being an afterthought, to ensure operational security and efficiency.
• The session underscored the potential impact of cloud technology on recruiting and retention, as the new generation of soldiers expects modern, digital tools and resources that match their experiences as digital natives.
• The speakers' willingness to return to government roles in the future and their focus on continuous improvement and collaboration between government and industry reflect a strong commitment to enhancing the capabilities and safety of warfighters through technology.