Addressing Software-Based, Platform Interoperability Risks in Defense Systems by Using Distressed Debt Financial Strategies: A Technical Debt Mitigation Concept

This concept paper explores an innovative approach to detecting and managing software vulnerabilities in cyber-physical defense systems. Software-based vulnerabilities that hinder or preclude the maintainability and evolvability of combat systems are a pernicious form of technical debt that threaten all cyber-physical systems. The risks associated with technical debt across increasingly interdependent DoD cyber-physical systems will accelerate if left unchecked. Without changes in acquisition and maintenance practices, we can foresee cascading, potentially catastrophic cross-system failures. To illustrate the risk and possible solutions, we focus on the software embedded in combat systems that are subject to ongoing modernization efforts that extend their applicability to evolving operations. Our research revealed that software vulnerabilities in critical combat systems can threaten the reliability and readiness of those systems. These vulnerabilities provide an opportunity for the defense acquisition communities to create a new capability within their organizations, an Acquisition Technical Debt Team (ATDT) to help detect, manage, and mitigate technical debt. We explore risk classification by including interoperability into risk evaluation schemas. We then apply common distressed debt management models to suggest when and how the ATDT might help manage and mitigate technical debt to help rehabilitate an ailing system.Prepared for the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA 93943.Naval Postgraduate SchoolApproved for public release; distribution is unlimited.Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited

Assessing Navy Flag-Level Command Transitions: Commanders, Command Teams, and Effectiveness

NPS NRP Technical ReportAssessing Navy Flag-Level Command Transitions: Commanders, Command Teams, and EffectivenessCommander, Operational Test and Evaluation Force (COMOPTEVFOR)This research is supported by funding from the Naval Postgraduate School, Naval Research Program (PE 0605853N/2098). https://nps.edu/nrpChief of Naval Operations (CNO)Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.

Assessing Navy Flag-Level Command Transitions: Commanders, Command Teams, and Effectiveness

NPS NRP Project PosterAssessing Navy Flag-Level Command Transitions: Commanders, Command Teams, and EffectivenessCommander, Operational Test and Evaluation Force (COMOPTEVFOR)This research is supported by funding from the Naval Postgraduate School, Naval Research Program (PE 0605853N/2098). https://nps.edu/nrpChief of Naval Operations (CNO)Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.

Assessing Executive Leadership Development: Leaders, Leadership Teams, and Command Agility

NPS NRP Executive SummaryAssessing Executive Leadership Development: Leaders, Leadership Teams, and Command AgilityCommander, Operational Test and Evaluation Force (COMOPTEVFOR)This research is supported by funding from the Naval Postgraduate School, Naval Research Program (PE 0605853N/2098). https://nps.edu/nrpChief of Naval Operations (CNO)Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.

Enhance Warfighter Performance by Fostering Organizational Agility & Innovation in the Naval Research and Development Enterprise

NPS NRP Executive SummaryEnhance Warfighter Performance by Fostering Organizational Agility & Innovation in the Naval Research and Development EnterpriseASN (RDA) - Research, Development, and AcquisitionThis research is supported by funding from the Naval Postgraduate School, Naval Research Program (PE 0605853N/2098). https://nps.edu/nrpChief of Naval Operations (CNO)Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.

Implementing the DoN 30-Year R&D Plan: Creating and Sustaining a Culture That Values Learning, Strategic Agility, Collaboration and Innovation

NPS NRP Project PosterImplementing the DoN 30-Year R&D Plan: Creating and Sustaining a Culture That Values Learning, Strategic Agility, Collaboration and InnovationASN (RDA) - Research, Development, and AcquisitionThis research is supported by funding from the Naval Postgraduate School, Naval Research Program (PE 0605853N/2098). https://nps.edu/nrpChief of Naval Operations (CNO)Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.

Implementing the DoN 30-Year R&D Plan: Creating and Sustaining a Culture That Values Learning, Strategic Agility, Collaboration and Innovation

NPS NRP Executive SummaryImplementing the DoN 30-Year R&D Plan: Creating and Sustaining a Culture That Values Learning, Strategic Agility, Collaboration and InnovationASN (RDA) - Research, Development, and AcquisitionThis research is supported by funding from the Naval Postgraduate School, Naval Research Program (PE 0605853N/2098). https://nps.edu/nrpChief of Naval Operations (CNO)Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.

Enhance Warfighter Performance by Fostering Organizational Agility & Innovation in the Naval Research and Development Enterprise

NPS NRP Project PosterEnhance Warfighter Performance by Fostering Organizational Agility & Innovation in the Naval Research and Development EnterpriseASN (RDA) - Research, Development, and AcquisitionThis research is supported by funding from the Naval Postgraduate School, Naval Research Program (PE 0605853N/2098). https://nps.edu/nrpChief of Naval Operations (CNO)Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.

A Strategy for National Resilience – Common Sense for the Common Good

NOTE: This version was updated 2 March 2021 to include one of the five authors inadvertently omitted from the previously posted version.From a concept generated during the September 2020 Warfare Innovation Continuum (WIC) Workshop “Resurrecting War Plan Blue” at the Naval Postgraduate School by the Naval Warfare Studies Institute (NWSI), this policy pilot proposal seeks to inform a National Resilience Strategy through a design challenge for the nation to create greener products, more agile processes, and a skilled and capable citizenry to ensure national security and resilience in the face of future crisis or conflict. For more information on the Warfare Innovation Continuum, the WIC Workshop, and NWSI please visit the NWSI website at https://nps.edu/web/nwsi

A Study of Human Behavior & Operational Energy, Analysis and Recommendations for the Marine Corps to Increase Its Operational Reach

Prepared for: The United States Marine Corps Expeditionary Energy OfficeYears of combat have exposed operational vulnerabilities in the U.S. Marine Corps due to energy overuse and dependence. Reducing energy use in the expeditionary forces offers the opportunity to extend reach, save lives, and use money wisely. This research first describes a behavioral framework for how situational and personal factors impact the efficient use of energy. The framework explains how Marines’ personal knowledge, attitudes, values, and motivations vary by each scenario of use. It then outlines five areas where organizational interventions can be applied to increase energy efficiency: Revise operational procedures; initiate policies that improve overall efficiency; build individual energy awareness and knowledge; incorporate energy efficient technologies; and nurture a culture of energy awareness. The paper then takes a detailed look at how energy behaviors play out in an operational environment. Using ethnographic methods and Grounded Theory, this research uncovered opportunities to balance energy efficiency with mission effectiveness. These opportunities include revising the structure of the exercises, increasing accountability, strengthening the role of leadership, conducting more efficient operations, improving planning processes, developing information systems, increasing the usability of supporting systems, developing energy reducing technologies, and reducing the overall weight of vehicles, supplies, and armor