Data-driven innovations in AI/ML capabilities are forging NETCOM’s future – Army.mil

FORT HUACHUCA, Ariz. — Under the leadership of the Data Science Directorate’s director, Col. Michael Landin, the U.S. Army Network Enterprise Technology Command launched its new analytics environment, called Edge, on Oct. 16, 2024. Edge is the first government-owned artificial intelligence and machine learning data science development platform to integrate state-of-the-art open-source tools on the Department of Defense Information Network – Army, or DODIN-A.

The decision to implement Edge is inspired by rapid advances in AI capabilities, which continue to expand the potential use of cyber enterprise data. From emerging AI tools like large language models and deep learning neural networks to classical machine learning approaches such as K-means clustering and random forests, the use of cutting-edge data science techniques is enhancing decision-making, learning, and awareness across industry, academia, and defense.

As a leader in technology, data, and data science techniques, the NETCOM Data Science Directorate is launching an advanced data analytics environment to empower its employees and leverage recent technological advances.

Developed by the Office of the Secretary of Defense’s Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office, Edge is a secure, turnkey platform that integrates popular open-source AI/ML development tools into a single workspace. Rebranded as NETCOM Edge on the DODIN-A, it is strategically hosted on the Army Endpoint Security Solution platform, allowing the application of advanced data science algorithms and ML models to near real-time data. NETCOM data scientists use the platform to deploy ML algorithms that enhance network operations and security in direct support of NETCOM G-2, the Global Cyber Center and the 7th Theater Support Command.

“Today, we stand on the brink of a transformative era in data analytics within the Army. The launch of NETCOM Edge empowers our teams with unparalleled access to advanced AI/ML tools, enabling them to make informed, timely decisions that will enhance our operational effectiveness and security posture,” said NETCOM Commanding General Maj. Gen. Denise McPhail. “This initiative underscores our commitment to leveraging open-source cutting-edge technology to protect our networks and serve our Nation more effectively.”

The NETCOM Data Science Directorate serves as primary staff to the NETCOM commanding general. The directorate consists of three divisions and three Data Science Centers. The DSD’s 34 nationally dispersed data scientists, computer scientists and operations research analysts provide integrated, advanced analytic capabilities to enable objective decision-making. Initial use cases on Edge include detecting DODIN-A threats and threat indicators, such as network beacons, as well as guiding incident response.

“Having the latest tools and data residing in a unified, advanced analytics environment will allow us to rapidly deliver insights to network operators, policymakers and leaders across all theaters of NETCOM operation,” said Lt. Col. Klingensmith of NETCOM Data Science Center, Pittsburgh.

Initial users of NETCOM Edge will include the DSD and NETCOM G-2. The G-2 leads the intelligence and security enterprise by supporting NETCOM’s role to design, engineer, build, configure, secure, operate, and sustain the Army’s portion of the DODIN-A. The DSD’s partnership with the G-2 includes the application of machine learning to incident data, enabling rapid prioritization of response and informed decisions on policy.

“One of the benefits of this environment is the ability to scale access to NETCOM’s global partners,” Col. Landin stated. The expansion and scaling of the user base at full operational capability will include subordinate NETCOM unit analytical cells and DSD strategic partners, including Carnegie Mellon University’s Software Engineering Institute, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Lincoln Laboratories, the West Point Army Cyber Institute and the Naval Postgraduate School.

Dr. Alan Whitehurst, the DSD’s lead computer scientist, heads all technical engagements on the path to FOC and SIPR instantiation. This collaboration includes a series of meetings across key organizations: OSD-CDAO-SEED Innovations, AESS-ECS, NETCOM Cyber Security Directorate, and the DSD.

“We expect Edge to achieve full operational capability, including SIPRNet and an expanded user base, in January 2025,” Dr. Whitehurst stated.

The rollout of NETCOM Edge represents the culmination of a long-term effort led by Col. Landin to survey AI/ML platforms across industry, academia and government. Edge was a clear frontrunner based on critical criteria including applicability, sustainability, implementation and cost. Onboarding this capability will keep NETCOM at the forefront of AI and data-enabled capabilities as the Army moves toward a Unified Network Operations-capable force of the future.

As a two-star operational command, the United States Army Network Enterprise Technology Command (NETCOM) operates globally within a framework of constant competition, crisis, and conflict. Key to our mission, NETCOM provides centralized IT services, including cybersecurity that is globally aligned and theater-focused. We have a critical role in establishing a Unified Network for the U.S. Army founded on Zero Trust principles. Our efforts are organized into three primary areas: People, Unified Network Operations, and Continuous Transformation, all aimed at maintaining and securing the Army’s section of the Department of Defense Information Network. The NETCOM workforce consists of 14,000 Soldiers, Department of the Army Civilians, Host Nation and Contract Employees, serving in over 30 countries around the globe.