Daniel Edwards

I found the comments from Rob Bauer, Admiral RNLN, the Chair of the Military Committee of NATO, enlightening, if not slightly frightening. At the WSJ CEO Council he said, “It’s not only the military that has to prepare—or the governments that have to prepare—for war; I think businesses have to prepare for war as well,” Bauer said. “We have to become much more resilient.” This is one reason the National Association of Manufacturers - NAM, our state association partners and many of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)'s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP)s have invested so much in the CONNEX Marketplace. Helping U.S. manufacturers find and be found is a good first step to finding the resiliency he spoke about and why we have OEMs and small and mid-sized manufacturers already using the platform. #manufacturing #Resiliency #supplychain https://lnkd.in/ezpie7gs

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This is an excellent piece by Clementine Starling and General James Cartwright (Ret.) on the role of our special operations forces in today's world. SOF are still really good at what we've asked them to do the last two decades, but we need to recognize there's so much more they can and must do. https://lnkd.in/eafQyTJ3

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Stepping into the future with #DISANext - a comprehensive 5-year blueprint from the Defense Information Systems Agency. Spearheading industry change through its 4 fundamentals: Secure Capabilities, Strategic C3, Modernization, and Data. Hear from the visionary himself, Lt. Gen. Robert Skinner about the strategic imperatives of this plan: https://bit.ly/3WcCrb2. Paving the way for advanced #Cybersecurity and #strategy!

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Balancing the strategic, operational and tactical landscapes can be a challenge without clear definitions. Systems Engineering can support the layer definitions and delineate accountable assurance processes.

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Good article and good read. I have a few differences though in what is said. One is we need to get past the thinking of mobilizing USAR CA units for crisis that do occur - and often occur alot. Figure out the funding - figure out the standards - and you can have elements go out for 30 or 60 days. In most HA/DR - its getting there fast and handoff is likely to be under 60 days - and you can rotate a new element in. Its always been there - but the higher leadership always thinks in mobilizing Reserves instead of using a capability. If you have a fund code - and a plan - you can do far more than is possible right now. But no fund code - no orders. Additionally - we have long been shy of placing a CATF in charge - despite the very mission being CMO focused and combat is as advisors. We have lost so much in AFRICOM with out trying what could win the confidence of some nations for a much longer time. Long have we needed that focus on the camps in Syria as well... and it still aint there. https://lnkd.in/e3QPrKiY

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The Partnership for Public Service has released its "Best Places to Work 2023" top 10 rankings. Interesting that the Department of Defense dropped out of the top 10, and Department of Army is in. Not surprising to see the Army in the mix given the deliberate efforts to improve the experience that is underway there. Great to see VA in the top 5 and improvement from last year. Many agencies have moved the needle which is wonderful to see. Not surprising to see NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration at the top, although based on last year’s scores — there is opportunity for improvement there as well. The full report will be released by Partnership for Public Service next week. The challenge that leaders have is the “now what” - we have these scores, but now what do we do… This is where operationalizing employee experience is the special sauce to make it actionable. #BestPlacesToWork #WorkplaceExcellence #PublicService #Culture #EmployeeExperience #Operationalizing #Government

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📣 Attention ‼️ We are back at it, folks! Another amazing Industry Day is in the works, and the only thing missing is YOU! This is the premiere event for witnessing TYAD capabilities firsthand and having the opportunity to network with our strategic leadership! So follow the link below, get registered and get ready for another spectacular TYAD Industry Day! #strategicinitiatives | #shapethefuture | #toby2035

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Am in 🇺🇸 for a week of discussions and want to share some preliminary thoughts, beginning with the race for resilience: I am struck by how much further the United States are on increasing resilience throughout their systems, industries, and society by identifying & reducing potentially weaponisable dependencies, protecting critical infrastructure, increasing domestic capacities and designing alternative supply chains. Let me just pick out a few examples of concrete and ongoing activities that are making the US safer and definitely hold valuable lessons for the 🇪🇺 and its member states: 🛰️ Securing leadership in key technologies: The Biden Administrations „small yard, high fence“ policy has been highly effective in restricting foreign access to critical technologies. ⛓️Increasing supply chain resilience: The US recently set up a new Supply Chain Resilience Center at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security led by Robert Silvers. The center has moved quickly to identify potential targets of foreign disruption operations, incl. seemingly profane ones such as ship to shore cranes, and to reduce their attack surface. 🏗️ Securing critical infrastructure: The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency led by Jen Easterly is turning five this year. It has an impressive track record in reducing vulnerabilities, incl. by persuading companies to prioritize „security by design“ over speed to market. ⚔️ Securing a capable and competitive defence industrial base: Just check out the National Defence Industrial Strategy. ⛏️ Securing a reliable and affordable supply of critical minerals: In addition to impressive in-sourcing efforts, the US is skillfully activating its allies through instruments such as the Mineral Security Partnership led by the U.S. Department of State and supported by our partners at SAFE Robbie Diamond and Abigail Hunter. The question is: How can we Europeans learn from these efforts and adapt them to our particular circumstances? It is certainly true that we have seen some encouraging initiatives in Europe, too, not least the Energy Resilience Leadership Group launched by Breakthrough Energy and Siemens Energy at the Munich Security Conference 2023 or the commendable efforts of the 🇩🇪 government to reduce dependence on Russian oil, coal, and gas supply. BUT: It also seems true that we are far behind on many of the issues mentioned above. Why is that? What can we do to catch up? How can we do so in a way that doesn’t cause other/additional problems from market distortion to the escalation of tensions? P.S. Many thanks to Dmitri Alperovitch for the invitation to the Silverado Summit and congratulations on the launch of „World on the Brink: How America can Beat China in the Race for the 21st Century“. While I don’t agree with every single point, the book raises many important issues and uncomfortable questions we must pay more attention to. We at the MSC certainly will. P.P.S. Photo credit goes to Marc Raimondi.

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Excited to share that as the CEO of Q2 Impact and Head of the #Women, Peace and Security (WPS) committee at the #International Stability Operations Association (ISOA), I recently chaired a webinar on the Operationalization of WPS for contract success and national security. Our esteemed panelists included Jennifer K. Johnson, Foreign Affairs Officer in the Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations #DOS, Lieutenant General Mick Bednarek (U.S. Army, Retired), vice president of Strategic Outreach for Fluor's Mission Solutions Business Group #Fluor, Nino Nadiradze #USAID Country Representative to Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, Sharon Gouveia Feist, first Gender Advisor (#GENAD) to the Commander, United States Indo-Pacific Command (#USINDOPACOM), serving as the Director for Women, Peace and Security (#WPS) and principal U.S.  military WPS advisor within the Indo-Pacific from #IndoPacom, and Tiffani Phillips, Director of the Office of Human Security and Resilience, North American Aerospace Defense Command (#NORAD) and United States Northern Command (#USNORTHCOM); Strategy, Policy and Plans Directorate; Security Cooperation Division; and the USNORTHCOM Gender Advisor. The panel provided actionable insights for contractors and implementors about their experience with #WPS. The discussion focused on the inclusion of #gender considerations in all operations and the importance of #women so they are not be viewed as potential victims or survivors, but rather as valuable contributors and implementers in the #community and about importance of #localization. By incorporating gender perspectives in the design of operations we enhance #effectiveness in interacting with populations and understanding how gender can impact the way communities interact with our operations. At #Q2 Impact, we are passionate about promoting the integration of #WPS considerations in all operations, and we believe that it is critical for achieving national security objectives and sustainable outcomes. We invite you to engage in the WPS conversation and to consider the benefits of implementing WPS in your work. Let's collaborate towards a more inclusive and effective approach to security and development. #WPS #nationalsecurity #contractsuccess #Q2Impact #ISOA. Please find a recording of the panel here: https://lnkd.in/epCqPMMc

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Thanks Amos Fox for the opportunity to discuss civilian harm, the legal, policy, and practical approaches to mitigation, as well as use of emerging technologies and future of war.

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Iran Confronts Sorrow and Uncertainty After Helicopter Crash Claims Leadership By Ryon C. Patterson, CFCS (Candidate) In a somber turn of events, Iran’s state media has confirmed the deaths of President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and other officials following a helicopter crash in the mountainous region near Varzaghan, northwestern Iran. The accident occurred around 1 p.m. local time, casting a shadow of mourning over the nation. The government aircraft, en route from the inauguration of a joint dam project with Azerbaijan, carried not only President Raisi and Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian but also the Governor of East Azerbaijan Malek Rahmati, alongside other officials and security personnel. The tragedy unfolded amidst heavy fog, which is believed to have been a contributing factor to the crash. In the wake of the disaster, Tehran mobilized aerial and ground rescue units to the crash site. Despite the initial uncertainty, it has been confirmed that there were no survivors. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei addressed the nation, ensuring that “no disruption in the country’s operation” would occur and that public affairs “will carry on smoothly and orderly.” In line with constitutional protocol, First Vice President Muhammad Mokhbar has stepped in as acting president, with elections to be held within the stipulated 50-day period. President Raisi, known for his hardline stance and notable conflicts with U.N. nuclear inspectors, his support for regional anti-Israel factions, and his role in quelling the pro-democracy movements following the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini, leaves behind a legacy of contention. At 63, he was often cited as a potential successor to Ayatollah Khamenei, a position now left uncertain by his untimely demise. As Iran navigates through this period of grief and transition, the international community watches closely, aware of the potential implications this event holds for the broader Middle East. https://lnkd.in/gRkk4VYq #iran

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Opportunity for change

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Across the complexities of U.S. national defense strategy, this panel of experts' shared, candid views and experiences offer one of the past year's most compelling international security events. Senior leaders' insight on the global security apparatus and impact of our Department of the Air Force, Airmen, and Guardians goes beyond the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia. https://lnkd.in/eF-GSi2h

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Great to see this recognition "based on the idea that leadership for public purpose is a public good that goes beyond personal gain and focuses on collective goals like justice, equity, diversity, and liberty." #ServeFirstLeadSecondBeHumble #nationalservice #publicservice #leaderhsip #dothehardthing #unityofeffort #wholeofgovernment

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A unique and useful essay from Dr. Lumpy Lumbaca. I thought the title meant "And/Or" as in irregular "and/or" conventional warfare. But on a more serious note, we need to use fiction and even pop culture more often to explain irregular warfare concepts. I wonder if the writers of Andor knew they were employing these concepts? Had they read irregular/unconventional warfare doctrine or was this by chance? Or is unconventional warfare doctrine merely common sense and based on historical actions in the real world. I can say for sure that unconventional warfare is a synthesis of of the history or revolution, resistance, and insurgency, Excerpt: QUOTE: Ultimately, the brilliance of Andor lies in its ability to translate the realities of insurgency and irregular warfare into a compelling narrative set in a galaxy far, far away. It embraces the moral complexities, the internal struggles, and the immense human cost of resistance. By grounding its story in these real-world themes, Andor transcends the genre of space opera fantasy and offers a thought-provoking exploration of the fight for self-determination against overwhelming odds. While entertaining and a Hollywood production, Andor nevertheless captures the real-world elements of modern insurgency and irregular warfare. END QUOTE https://lnkd.in/e_89xK7W

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Going to be interesting to see - did this reduce stovepipes or just create a lot more? How effective with this reform be in reducing competition for the resources amongst the services themselves - much less within the services? " So the SSF has been broken down into three components: the ISF, which provides information support; the CF, which conducts cyber operations; and the AF, which supports and conducts space operations. According to the 2019 Defense White Paper, the SSF was also supposed to be in charge of testing new technology and development of new-type combat forces; it is unclear where those functions now have been allocated. In any case, as a result of the reform, the PLA’s forces now consist of four services—the Army, Navy, Air Force and Rocket Force—and four branches—the ISF, AF, CF and Joint Logistics Support Force." https://lnkd.in/e_T6F-ZH

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It has been a professionally rewarding week for our U.S. Army School of Advanced Military Studies (SAMS) team. Thanks to Peter Im for sharing your IA Scholars that added an important element. Thanks also to The Army University Department of Simulations and Exercises led by the great James Sterrett that provided great support to us and the exceptional team from MSTP. More work to do this week and next in grappling with multi/all-domain challenges faced by the JTF. Key reflection from the Phase 1 hotwash I observed today: Convergence is about tempo not speed. The practioneer needs to modify the frequency and amplitude of operations in the domains to produce convergence. For instance, due to potential long lead times to realize cyber or space effects, you might have to "slow" activities in other domains and dimensions to synchronize all effects at the time you need it. U.S. Army Combined Arms Center | US Army TRADOC

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I totally agree, Ulf! In addition, or in support of this, we need a new layer of strategic standards writing methodology, in which all specifications in any physical material, component, product or system standard is machine readable and interpretable by the same semantics, to more quickly identify alternatives to production methodologies, supply chains or other solutions to any problem we may face in a crises.

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