ADAPTING EXPERIMENTATION AND TESTING
logistics may have an idea for streamlining supply chain manage- ment. Instead of filing a suggestion report for the currently used software and hoping for the best, they can use FOSS frameworks such as Angular and Django to create a proof of concept. Angu- lar’s robust front-end development capabilities can facilitate the creation of an intuitive user interface for tracking and manag- ing supplies in real time. Concurrently, Django, with its efficient back-end structure, can be used for complex data processing and integration with existing military databases. Te application may perform some lightweight tasks, which could be containerized with Docker or Kaniko. Tese tools allow the application to be standardized and isolated from its environment, making it porta- ble and consistent across any computing platform. Te application can then be deployed and shared with other units, giving them the ability to deploy the application in a Kubernetes cluster or other container orchestration services. Kubernetes, a popular orches- tration system, manages the deployment, scaling and operations of these containers across a cluster of virtual machines. Putting this power in the hands of Soldiers in the battlefield leverages the power of innovation and FOSS. Tis approach fosters an envi- ronment where the best ideas are given space and tooling to be developed and deployed by Soldiers who will use them on the front lines.
TRAINING THE NEXT GENERATION OF SOLDIER-DEVELOPERS Initiatives like the Army Software Factory, Kessel Run (U.S. Air Force), Kobayashi Maru (U.S. Space Force) and the U.S. Marine Corps Software Factory are at the forefront of this transformation, and have leveraged FOSS to train, enable and deliver software to DOD. Tese factories are not only upskilling service members, but also providing commanders with organic problem-solvers who can be deployed as strategic assets. DOD is learning the impor- tance of the potential of FOSS, modern development practices that emphasize agility and the principles of DevSecOps, where security is woven into the fabric of software from day one. Tese programs align with DOD’s emphasis on building a technolog- ically empowered force.
NAVIGATING CHALLENGES AND EMBRACING COLLABORATION Some might question the practicality of FOSS. Te question of whether it will it create a patchwork of unmanageable custom tools is a valid concern. Tat’s why there also needs to be a push to promote collaboration and secure knowledge sharing. Imag- ine repositories where proven solutions are not locked away, but accessible to units across the force. A breakthrough developed to streamline medical logistics in one theater could be adapted and
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deployed to others, multiplying its impact and reducing duplica- tive efforts. Tis collaborative model reinforces DOD’s guidance on open-source software (OSS), which highlights the importance of knowledge sharing to maximize the potential of open-source solutions. As a caveat, there exists the need for a legal review of approved OSS; special licensing and user agreements need to be reviewed by the proper legal team to ensure licensing compliance.
CONCLUSION Integrating FOSS in military operations is not just about tech- nological advancement. It signifies a fundamental shift toward a more agile, innovative and technologically proficient military force. Te Army’s new software policy and the growing recogni- tion of FOSS’s value herald a future where military innovation is continuous, collaborative and deeply integrated into defense strat- egies. As our adversaries also navigate the digital terrain, leading the race to harness the full spectrum of technological innova- tion will be critical in defining the future of military supremacy.
For more information on open-source software, go to https://
dodcio.defense.gov/Open-Source-Software-FAQ/#q-isnt- using-open-source-software-oss-forbidden-by-dod-informa- tion-assurance-ia-policy.
CAPT. NOE LORONA is an active duty Army captain assigned to the Signal Branch. He serves as a platform engineer for the Army Software Factory, where he plans, develops and deploys cloud architecture to support Agile application development. He holds a Doctor of Management from Colorado Technical University and an M.S. in management and a B.S. in information technology, both from National American University. His professional certifications include Certified Associate in Project Management from the Project Management Institute and six Computing Technology Industry Association certifications.
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