SEOUL, Republic of Korea (Feb. 6, 2015) – The Commander of Navy Information Dominance Forces Command (COMNAVIDFOR), Rear Adm. Matthew J. Kohler, spoke to members of the U.S. Navy Information Dominance Corps (IDC) stationed in Seoul at an all-hands call held at U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan, Feb. 6.
Kohler spoke on a variety of cybersecurity topics ranging from the importance of maintaining secure networks, creating a culture of accountability for cyber security, and increasing the scope of cyber training for all Sailors across the Navy.
“Our ability to maintain a strong warfighting network is the essence of our ability to sustain the operational environment,” said Kohler. “We multiply capabilities with the ability to share information across networks. This same capability is also our greatest vulnerability.”
Kohler also discussed how combating cyber threats remains a top priority for the U.S. Navy, and he highlighted the unique challenges placed on the cyber warfare community in sustaining and protecting the fleet’s networks.
“The reliability and readiness abilities of our systems do not get a bathtub effect in readiness,” said Kohler. “They have to be maintained at full readiness at all times. Cyber is a unique warfighting area with unique challenges and it has to be integrated to support the conventional fight.”
After briefing the audience on the direction of the IDC community, Kohler opened the floor to questions from Sailors on topics including the Limited Duty Officer (LDO) program and cross-training within the community.
“He gave me insight on the direction the IDC community is taking, as well as community priorities and cross-pollinating at the senior level,” said Lt. Steve Griffing, Information Assurance Manager for Special Operations Command Korea (SOCKOR).
Kohler will continue his outreach Feb. 9 at Commander, Fleet Activities Chinhae where he will meet with IDC Sailors assigned to the installation and associated tenant commands.
COMNAVIDFOR provides ready Information Dominance forces and information related capabilities afloat and ashore to optimize warfighting capabilities. Under the authority of Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFF) the, COMNAVIDFOR is delegated to organize, man, train and equip assigned Information Dominance forces.