JTF-GNO AND THE GIG
In 1998 the Department of Defense recognized a growing cyber threat and in response created the Joint Task Force — Computer Network Defense (JTF-CND), which achieved initial operational capability on December 30, 1998, and full operational capability in June 1999. In the fall of 2000, in accordance with DoD doctrine, JTF-CND became the Joint Task Force — Computer Network Operations (JTF-CNO). In October 2002, the new Unified Command Plan, Change 2, re-aligned JTF-CNO under the United States Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM). The JTF-CNO began its largest and most comprehensive transformation in April 2004 when the Commander of U.S. Strategic Command approved the Joint Concept of Operations for Global Information Grid Network Operations.
This "NetOps CONOPS" provided the common framework and command and control structure to conduct the USSTRATCOM Unified Command Plan-assigned mission of Global Network Operations, combining the disciplines of enterprise systems and network management, network defense, and information decision management. The Secretary of Defense signed a delegation of authority letter on June 18, 2004, designating the Director, DISA as the Commander of the JTF-GNO. With this designation, the new command assumed the responsibility for directing the operation and defense of the GIG. This transformation enhanced the JTF-GNO’s mission and objectives in achieving the Joint Vision 2020 Objective Force and the evolving concept of net-centricity.
DISA IN THE 21ST CENTURY
Combating Terrorism & Supporting Disaster Relief Joint Meritorious Unit Awards for Support of DoD and Support of the Global War on Terror
DISA received the Joint Meritorious Unit Award (JMUA) in August 1998, April 1999, and March 2000 for support to the DoD and other government activities. DISA received another JMUA in March of 2003 for support of the Global War on Terror and Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
DISASTER RELIEF-HURRICANE KATRINA
The storm surge caused severe flooding in the Slidell area. DISA photo
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DISA's Continuity of Operations Test Facility (DCTF) at Slidell, La., underwent a real life test in the form of the largest natural disaster in recent U.S. history. When Hurricane Katrina devastated sections of Louisiana and Mississippi in late August 2005, the DISA facility became the point of operations for the city of Slidell for several days after the storm. During the first three weeks after the hurricane, the facility provided shelter and security for about 200 to 350 first responders per night.
In the aftermath of the storm, DISA’s Testing Directorate (TE) tasked the Joint Interoperability Test Command (JITC) to re-establish communications. The JITC commander created a 24-hour operations cell to handle all aspects of disaster coordination and relief for the testing facility. The JITC commander organized an initial rapid deployment team of four personnel to assess the damage and commence immediate assistance. A second team followed quickly with communication packages. Meanwhile, JITC employees sought donations from the local community to include food, diapers, hardhats, gloves, and monetary donations. JITC then deployed a third team to Slidell with two trucks bearing the donated items and more support equipment.
 Aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. U.S. Navy photo by PH1(AW) Brien Aho
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At Slidell, the JITC teams set up landline phones, hand-held radios, satellite radios, secure and non-secure communication, Internet, and video-teleconferencing support to be used by the DCTF. The teams also worked to help restore the facility and to aid the city of Slidell.
As a result of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) decision of 2005, DISA will consolidate its headquarters at Fort George Meade, Md. A ground-breaking ceremony for the new DISA headquarters building was held in April 2008. The relocation of the headquarters is expected to be completed by 2011.
DISA continues to offer DoD information systems support, taking data services to the forward deployed warfighter.
DISA has been driving toward its vision of unprecedented speed in delivering new capabilities across DoD. Warfighters and those who support them have enjoyed broader access to information, less interoperability challenges, and greater security. In June 2004, DISA launched its Net-Centric Enterprise Services Program. The program portfolio consists of host-based security services, the enterprise portal, service-oriented architecture foundation, collaboration, computing, and commercial satellite communications. NCES has achieved Milestones A, B, and C (June 2008) and is scheduled for Full Operational Capability (FOC) in 2010.
DISA has the understanding that in the end, delivering information to the warfighter is a team sport. Whether leading or partnering, DISA employees are committed to remaining faithful to the soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines who rely on what they do.
New DISA Facility at Fort G. Meade, Md.
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