QUARTERBACKING DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION


For most of the past two decades the Army has operated within a network-centric paradigm. Programs lived or died by whether they were network centric.


also means an increased reliance on a digital ecosystem in the engineering process. From remote-control tanks to resilient communications networks, Soldiers rely on complex systems of systems that comprise interconnected and mutually depen- dent parts. Each time one of these individual components gets upgraded, the dependencies and interfaces are put on trial to make sure they were understood and documented well. In an analog system, tracking these requirements is cumbersome. But with digital engineering, the Army’s goals become achievable.


Te challenge for ASA(ALT) is to get everyone speaking the same digital language, so we can understand each other. It’s one thing to gain efficiencies if all systems in one platform are neatly and systematically defined, but it’s another thing altogether to deliver every ASA(ALT) system with digital models that can be shared and leveraged by integrators, testers and logisticians.


Taking this down a level further, this means establishing and integrating models that describe each aspect of a complex system and making sure all our systems leverage the same underlying data structures and pull from the same authoritative sources of truth. Tis process is called model-based systems engineering, which is an important subset of digital engineering.


Programs across the Army have realized benefits and are increas- ing their use of digital engineering but need a common playbook to ensure that system (and subsystem) representations are consis- tent, reusable, able to be integrated with one another, and traceable to operational needs. Much like in the game of foot- ball, when everyone on the team is running the play properly, the efficiencies are exponential.


Key Effort: Model-Based Systems Engineering Style Guide


As part of a larger plan for adopting digital engineering prac- tices across ASA(ALT), DASA DES is developing a style guide for ASA(ALT) to be released this fiscal year. Tis style guide will enable programs adopting model-based systems engineering to do so in a uniform way to maximize the value to the Army. Te


36 Army AL&T Magazine Winter 2023


style guide is being developed in close coordination with other service components and Army organizations to ensure maximum interoperability and commonality across DOD.


CONCLUSION Te Army is making significant investments in digital transfor- mation because achieving a digitally enabled and data-driven land component requires decisive action. It involves setting the stage for data centricity; it involves transitioning across-the-board to modern software development and leading practices for digi- tal engineering; and it involves the important work of training, coaching and mentoring along the way.


As Swanson put it, “Te role of DASA DES is part quarterback and part cheerleader. We are focusing on providing key enabling guidance and architectures, but also coaching and mentorship to programs out on the front lines fighting the good fight each day.” Te Army is expecting these investments to pay dividends as the acquisition force embraces digital transformation through the ranks.


For more information contact the Office of the DASA DES, dasa- des@army.mil.


DARREN LEBLANC is a senior technical adviser with CommNet, supporting DASA DES. In his current role, he helps the Army analyze and solve complex problems related to digital transformation. He holds a B.S.


in engineering from Messiah University and


has done interdisciplinary graduate work at Harvard Business School, Stevens Institute of Technology and Western Seminary.


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