DOD’s classified mobility program pilots use of tablets

The Defense Information Systems Agency is expanding its offerings under the Department of Defense Mobility Classified Capability-Secret (DMCC-S) Program through a new pilot program, which puts 8-inch tablet computers into the hands of designated senior leaders across the department.

The pilot expands upon the DMCC-S’s support for smartphones and acknowledges the need to enable leaders to work with classified data in a mobile environment just as they would in an office. 

“We’re bringing the mobile device from something you use mostly to consume information from to being able to actually do work on the device,” said Jake Marcellus, DOD Mobility Portfolio manager.

The first tablet was issued to Dr. John Zangardi, acting DOD Chief Information Officer, May 19; and 23 others have been issued since.

Though it seems small, the change from a 5-inch phone screen to an 8-inch tablet screen offers greater flexibility and an improved user experience.

"DISA understands global senior leaders require highly secure mobile solutions/devices to be always on and always connected,” said Leticia Parra, DMCC-S tablet pilot program manager. “The program is focused on listening to customer needs and providing them with larger viewing screens for real-time missions.”

Parra said the program has incorporated capability enhancements, such as support for the Unified Video Dissemination System (UVDS), which enables viewing of live full-motion video feeds collected for the purpose of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

The pilot management team has already received positive feedback from combatant commanders, praising the enhanced capability to view UVDS.

“While the yearlong pilot is in its initial stages, it will be a game changer across the department,” said Parra. “As we continue to enhance capabilities, modern information technology will continue to join forces with cybersecurity to provide situational awareness and create a manageable battlefield communications infrastructure.”

Posted July 31, 2017