Army initiates 500-day IT plan

“Army CIO/G-6 500-Day Plan: Delivering a Joint Net-Centric Information Enterprise”

Taking a page from retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Harry Raduege’s management style, Army Lt. Gen. Steve Boutelle released a 500-day information technology plan yesterday to guide the service’s IT. The plan is part of a larger initiative to help soldiers communicate better in combat.

The “Army CIO/G-6 500-Day Plan: Delivering a Joint Net-Centric Information Enterprise” identifies 33 acquisition, architecture, governance, strategy and portfolio management initiatives to reach that goal. The plan also focuses on IT and information management operational concepts and organizational changes to improve data sharing and systems integration.

“The plan is our road map for delivering a joint [network]-centric information enterprise that enables warfighter decision superiority,” said Boutelle, the Army’s CIO. “Information management and technology are strategic enablers that contribute to today’s mission — supporting combatant commanders’ needs.” He announced the plan during a speech and media briefing yesterday at the Association of the United States Army’s annual conference.

Raduege issued 500-day plans to focus himself and his employees, to achieve short-term goals and to build confidence. He retired in July after serving five years as director of the Defense Information Systems Agency.

The new Army plan explains six IT and information management goals. They include:

* Develop and enforce an enterprise architecture to operate and manage LandWarNet, the Army’s networks in the military’s Global Information Grid.

* Lead enterprise integration efforts to improve data, processes and applications for commanders and warfighters.

* Protect and defend the Army’s networks, systems and information.

* Ensure that Army IT investments increase the service’s and the military’s warfighting capabilities.

* Improve soldiers’ and civilians’ IT and information management knowledge using training and education.

* Produce an integrated IT and information management strategy.