Information assurance as a system of systems in the submarine force

Abstract

There are significant gaps in the United States Navy Submarine Forces ability to integrate and manage Information Assurance requirements (IA), Information Technology (IT) manpower, End-to-End security, IT equipment, IT training, and applicable documentation that meet the intent of the Design for Undersea Submarine Warfare initiative promulgated in July 2011. Furthermore, the Submarine Force lacks common criteria for IA integration as a system of systems. IT operators and system administrators must understand the concept of end-to-end security. Senior leadership should understand the end-to-end security concept so as to understand the cause and effect on overall ship mission and vulnerabilities. Organizational governance must raise the level of awareness as to network security protection. Training, personnel, and equipment, should connect with ethics and security practices for total End-to-End Security. A paradigm shift in watchstanding must take place. Information Technician Submarines (ITS) duties are no longer a collateral duty. Submarine communications division and ITS division merging has the potential to solve the manning and watchstanding challenges. Senior enlisted leadership and senior communications officer leadership should take the lead on this merger, with command and control element support. Military procurement system is more oriented on acquiring platforms, not cross-platform sections. A more cohesive interface between the TYCOMS and the acquisition corps is needed.