5 Takeaways from AFCEA West 2025

The Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWAR) is tackling modernization challenges by equipping its workforce with advanced tools, enabling warfighters to focus on their mission. Despite legacy system hurdles, the command sees an opportunity to leapfrog to newer technologies like low-code/no-code platforms and advanced connectivity solutions.

“What we really want to do, in our mission, is enable the workforce, [and] get them the tools they need, … [so] the warfighter can focus on the mission, what they’re trying to do and not the technology that they’re working on,” said NAVWAR CIO Ben Motten.

The Marine Corps is rapidly modernizing by adopting modular applications, training Marines in coding and leveraging real-time data to enhance decision-making.

Marine Corps Systems Command Cyber Technology Officer Gaurang Dävé explained the service’s collaborative work with the Army’s software factory in Austin, Texas, that allows Marines to code applications and receive hands-on training in innovative technology.

“[RAISE 2.0] stands for ‘rapid, assess and incorporate software engineering.’ That looks for your supply chain, risk management, software bill of materials,” Dävé said. “Once you certify that as a software factory RAISE platform of choice, you don’t need an ATO on your applications. So, we can actually deliver those capabilities without going through the ATO process because it’s coming out of that environment. So we’re in the process of certifying that software factory down in Austin with the RAISE 2.0.”

DOD Principal Director for Resources and Analysis Mark Gorak, who also serves as director of the Cyber Academic Engagement Office, highlighted efforts to streamline cyber hiring, retain talent and implement the Cyber Workforce Strategy while fostering a government-wide ecosystem of cybersecurity experts.

“We’ve reduced our vacancy rate. It was over 20% at the end of last year. We’re about 15.8%. That is a huge accomplishment, when we’re talking about a shortage of 30,000 across the department. So, we’ve hired a lot more than we’ve lost. By the way, we lose about 10,000 cyber professionals a year. I don’t view that as a loss. I view that as providing cyber professional talent to the nation,” said Gorak.

Kaitie Penry, director of emerging technology and innovation at the Naval Postgraduate School, detailed how a recent memo of understanding with the Defense Innovation Unit is developing future leaders to manage tech challenges and solutions of tomorrow.

She emphasized the program’s impact on developing leadership skills in acquisition and innovation and discussed how it prepares students for senior positions in the Defense Department.

“They’re more knowledgeable about how they speak about innovation and acquisition and able to really change the culture of what our senior leadership within the DOD at large can look like in the future,” said Penry.

Verizon Navy and Marine Corps Director David Reaves outlined how modernizing the Navy’s voice and data communications with an enterprise-wide deployment strategy ensures consistency and cost-effectiveness across bases.

“The enterprise deployment is the way to get the Navy into new technology and to ensure there’s consistency,” said Reaves.

He also explained the importance of converging voice and data networks for operational efficiency and discussed how the Navy can leverage existing contracts to streamline the acquisition of modern technologies like Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).