Rising Star: Capt. Shaun Baker

Faced with the task of providing network services for the Army throughout the Pacific Rim, Capt. Shaun Baker chose to use new tools rather than relying on the traditional methods used for building computer networks. Replacing an aging architecture with a virtualized architecture dramatically reduced the space, weight and power requirements of the technology infrastructure. Baker inherited an information technology infrastructure that did not meet the needs of his unit. He had short deadlines to design, build and deploy the infrastructure needed to support training exercises in Korea, Japan and other locations. In addition to building the system, Baker had to convince commanders that the new technology would meet the Army’s needs. His effort worked: Other Army commands have contacted him about replicating his work with their own systems.