DoD Launches Pilot to Boost Cyber Defense Capabilities

The Joint Force Headquarters-Department of Defense Information Network (JFHQ-DODIN) — a subordinate headquarters under U.S. Cyber Command and the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) is currently testing a pilot program aimed at enhancing the Pentagon’s intelligence capabilities for defensive cyber operations.

This pilot initiative, which began in June and will conclude by year-end, expands beyond cyberspace and encompasses all-source intelligence, Brig. Gen. Heather Blackwell, deputy commander of JFHQ-DODIN, told DefenseScoop.

The pilot also aims to foster mutual understanding between JFHQ-DODIN and intelligence personnel. According to Blackwell, officials are exploring strategies to integrate these insights effectively and leverage them to enhance the focus of their defensive actions.

“At the same time, I’d argue that it’s also on the cyber personnel to better understand how I put demands into the intelligence system to say, ‘Hey, I want intel on this particular piece of equipment for that particular actor. I would say our cyber warriors need to put better RFIs into the intel system. It’s the education on both sides,” Blackwell said.