Challenge: Quickly and Securely Conduct Joint Intelligence Analysis in Sub-Optimal Conditions
Tradewinds is an ongoing quarterly exercise that brings together mission partners focused on improving interoperability in order to effectively execute maritime or land operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster response. This summer included a multi-dimensional training exercise focused on the ground, air, sea and cyber domains reacting to disadvantaged and disconnected communications scenarios. Participating nations had the opportunity to conduct joint, combined and interagency training exercises focused on increasing regional cooperation, validating disconnected workflows and identifying further needs to enhance and strengthen capabilities.
Approach: Leverage the Edge Node Platform for Continuity of Mission Operations
GDIT supported this summer’s training exercise in Hawaii, where we demonstrated the full lifecycle of geospatial intelligence collection capabilities using our edge computing technology platform. This solution is currently being delivered as part of a GDIT intelligence agency contract to support disadvantaged and disconnected workflows when access to the cloud or to Continental U.S. systems (CONUS) are not possible. During the exercise, the GDIT edge computing platform was leveraged across all critical intelligence lifecycle functions; collecting, processing, exploiting and disseminating intelligence, at the edge, without any workflow delays or disruption.
Edge Technology
The platform uses a distributed edge infrastructure, essentially putting compute, processing, and storage resources in multiple geographic locations, closer to the users that are consuming and generating data. This is an improvement to traditional architectures where data is centrally located in one or two locations in a different geographical region where users reach back to access. Edge architecture reduces time to access applications and data, while adding resiliency and support for local data processing. For the mission, this means continuity of operations and faster decision-making.
Our team running this demonstration in Pacific Command allowed analysts to interact with mission capabilities locally, rather than going back to a workstation or stateside. We were also able to test enhancements to existing analyst functions by converging multiple data sets to enable faster and more complete analysis.
The Exercise
During the exercise, participating agencies from the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community were each given a previously unknown target geographical area. Imagery analysts evaluated and analyzed the imagery available at the edge from an area and created a report – called an intelligence product. They then uploaded the product to a shared space globally alongside its accompanying analysis, providing a complete view and enhanced collaboration.
Mission Impact: Thousands of Imagery Products, Rapid and Secure Information Sharing, Building for the Future
1. Rapid single pane of glass analysis at the edge
Dozens of intelligence personnel from five processing, exploitation and dissemination teams participated, each producing and sharing targeted intelligence products during multiple three-hour test windows where a target area of exploitation was unknown until announced. These products were enhanced with the convergence of multiple data sources on a single pane of glass for analysis.
2. Expanded capabilities
The exercise validated the platform’s utility and capability set and is already driving new requirements for supporting the intelligence lifecycle in disconnected environments. The exercise demonstrated the platform’s support for other edge applications spanning both the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community. The exercise also showed how, in these types of environments, tools like edge nodes microservices and software development can behave like building blocks to extend a host of capabilities to the edge.
3. Rapid deployment in disconnected environments
Finally, the exercise demonstrated the possibility of rapid deployment in a disconnected environment, which is a key priority for the Intelligence Community.
We are incredibly proud of our participation and collaboration with other mission partners, agencies and personnel. The contributions of our edge computing technology platform to the exercise truly demonstrated the art of the possible and will further the nation’s intelligence capabilities around the globe.