National Guard Bureau

Chief Information Officer / J6

500 Day Plan

February 2020

Mr. Kenneth C. McNeill, SES, National Guard Bureau CIO/J6

Director’s Comments

I am extremely proud to present the FY 2020-2021 Chief 

Information Officer (CIO) National Guard Bureau (NGB) 

500 Day Information Technology (IT) Plan. The NGB is 

continuing its transformational journey to better serve our 

nation in support of both domestic operations (DOMOPS)

and warfighting missions. 

We face an ever-changing and challenging IT 

environment. Our IT mission requirements span across 

our traditional Title 10 role as a critical warfighting 

component in support of the active Army and Air Force to 

the Title 32 role of domestic operations, in support of the 

50 States, 3 Territories and the District of Columbia and 

the 54 JFHQ-S. 

The NGB CIO/J6 Directorate is actively engaged every 

day to help shape IT activities and support the unique 

mission requirements of the National Guard. The directorate represents the National Guard 

command, control, communications, and computers/cyber (C4) requirements validation and 

capability development processes while ensuring interoperability. To further this effort, the NGB 

CIO/J6 promulgates policy/governance and provides functional expertise to the Chief, of the

National Guard Bureau (CNGB) in order to shape the Joint Information Environment (JIE) in 

support of the 54. 

This 500-Day Plan guides our NGB CIO/J6 Directorate leaders and workforce in making 

informed decisions by providing direct focus on the key NGB CIO/J6 IT initiatives while 

working to synchronize the efforts of the IT community across the National Guard. These key 

initiatives are directly aligned to specifically established Lines of Effort (LoEs) aimed at 

achieving specific goals over the next 500 days. 

We must continually assess our priorities to ensure that our NGB CIO/J6 IT initiatives align with 

the Department of Defense (DoD) strategic initiatives and IT reform programs. This plan is 

aligned to the DoD’s Digital Modernization Strategy which addresses four focus areas:

Cybersecurity (CS), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cloud Computing Environment (Cloud), and

Command, Control, and Communications (C3). 

We must be innovative in our approach to ensure that we manage IT investments efficiently to 

meet the desired effect across our mission requirements. Innovation is one of the CNGB’s top 

priorities, and we will use innovative IT solutions in close coordination with Air National Guard 

(ANG) and Army National Guard (ARNG) to effect change in a meaningful way by increasing 

efficiencies and strengthening productivity. 

Table of Contents

I. What Guides Us.................................................................................................................. 1

II. NGB CIO/J6 Mission, Vision, and Guiding Principles ........................................................... 5

III. NGB CIO/J6 IT 500 Day Plan - Lines of Effort...................................................................... 7

IV. NGB CIO/J6 Organizational Structure................................................................................ 9

V. Deputy CIO/J6 ................................................................................................................. 11

VI. J63, C4 Operations Division............................................................................................. 13

VII. J65, Strategy and Policy Division.................................................................................... 18

VIII. Closing Remarks........................................................................................................... 23

Appendix A. References..............................................................................................................................24

Appendix B. Acronyms................................................................................................................................25

Appendix C. NGB CIO/J6 Directorate Key 500 Day Goals ...........................................................................28
1

I. What Guides Us

As described in the President’s National Security Strategy (NSS), the Government’s fundamental 

responsibility is to protect the American people, the homeland, and the American way of life. A 

country that is strong and prosperous at home is a country capable of defending its interests and 

advancing its influence abroad. While America possesses enduring national strengths, we face 

an era of increased strategic competition, global challenges, and erosion of the U.S. comparative 

military advantage. In addition to the global challenges, NG Soldiers and Airmen support the 

needs of the Nation, the Army, and the Air Force as an operational warfighting force providing 

strategic depth. This support captures a balance of combat and enabling units that largely mirror

our active Army and Air Force. The current threat environment blurs the lines between domestic 

and overseas threats. Current examples of these challenges include the National Guard support 

at the Southwest border and Cybersecurity in support of the 54. The NG’s versatility enables

tailored responses to domestic emergencies, overseas combat missions, counterdrug efforts,

Cybersecurity protection at the state level, and more. In order to preserve peace through 

strength, we must continue to invest in combat credible military capabilities increasing our 

lethality in order to compete, deter, and if necessary, fight and win wars.

Figure 1: NG Strategic Road Map/Framework
2

Figure 1 provides a depiction of the national defense strategic framework and its relationship to 

foundational NGB strategic documents. As displayed, strategic planning begins at the Executive 

level and becomes more refined as it develops. The 2018 National Defense Strategy (NDS)

outlines the primary NDS LoEs – to build a more lethal force, strengthen alliances, attract new 

partners, and reform the Department of Defense for greater performance and affordability, 

and individual fundamentals. See Figure 2. The NDS informs the National Military Strategy

(NMS) however; given the unique mission set of the NG, the NMS is only applicable to NG 

Soldiers and Airmen while working in their Title 10 role as active duty Air Force and Army

personnel. The NGB is the focal point at the strategic level for non-federalized NG matters that 

are not the responsibility of the Secretary of the Army, the Secretary of the Air Force, or the 

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS), in law or DoD policy. 

Figure 2: National Defense Strategy LoEs

The NG Strategic Road Map in Figure 1 centers upon the understanding and realization that,

given a lack of control regarding resources, a traditional ends, ways and means approach is not 

suited for the National Guard. The CNGB approved a methodology and approach that 

compensated for this factor by not using the word “strategy” in the traditional sense. Instead, the 

strategic approach included the development of the National Guard Strategic Estimate (NGSE) 

and the National Guard Posture Statement, which define and explain the nature of National 

Guard support to current global and domestic challenges. These two documents precede the 

development of the National Guard, National Defense Strategy (NDS) Implementation 

Guidance, which outlines the strategic direction, guiding policy, and individual fundamentals 

that enable the success of the National Guard.
3

All of these documents constitute the strategic framework used to support the diagnosis, guiding 

policy and development of the National Guard Bureau Strategic Plan (NGBSP). The NGBSP is 

the culminating document, which essentially establishes how the National Guard will meet 

strategic objectives. It’s the final document developed to establish priorities across lines of effort

while synchronizing the timing of objectives. The 

CNGB is focused every day on accomplishing three 

core missions; fighting America’s wars, securing the 

homeland, and building enduring partnerships. 

Figure 3 portrays how the NGB’s core mission areas 

nest under the NDS’s LoEs. The NGB accomplishes 

its mission through a combined effort and directly 

supports the NDS’s LoEs: building a more lethal 

force, strengthening alliances and attracting new 

partners, reforming the DoD for greater performance 

and affordability, and individual fundamentals.

Figure 3: NDS’s LoEs and NGB Core Mission Areas

Nested under the NDS’s LoEs, the DoD CIO is currently pursuing alignment reform in 

accordance with the 2019 DoD Digital Modernization Strategy to include “Innovation for 

Advantage” and “Resilient Cybersecurity”, both key components of the NDS’s initiative for 

NGB Mission - The CNGB 

focuses every day on 

accomplishing three core 

missions – fighting America’s 

wars (Warfighting), securing 

the homeland (Homeland), and 

building enduring partnerships

(Partnerships)

2019 NGB Posture Statement Pg. 4
4

reform. In addition to the Strategic Framework outlined in Figure 1, the NGB CIO/J6 

Directorate is also aligning to the DoD strategic initiatives outlined in the DoD’s Digital 

Modernization Strategy. As we continually assess our priorities, we must ensure that our 

initiatives align with the DoD strategic initiatives. The DoD’s Digital Modernization Strategy

provides direction on the four core focus areas: Cybersecurity (CS), Artificial Intelligence (AI), 

Cloud Computing Environment (Cloud), and Command, Control, and Communications (C3). 

A National Guard Soldier watches a row of monitors in the 

communications department of the Yuma Sector Border Patrol 

Station in Arizona. The Soldier is assigned to the Wisconsin Army 

National Guard.
5

II. NGB CIO/J6 Mission, Vision, and Guiding Principles

In support of the NGB mission, the NGB CIO/J6 

establishes policies and procedures, provides advice, and 

makes recommendations on J6 matters to the CNGB,

ANG, and ARNG. We support the Combatant 

Commands, interagency, and JFHQ-S information sharing 

for the homeland security mission. The NGB CIO/J6 

vision serves as a guide for all of the NG CIO/J6 

priorities. These priorities directly align with the NDS. 

By meeting these priorities, the NGB will move closer to 

achieving the CNGB goals outlined in the 2020 Posture 

Statement.

The NGB CIO/J6 will also develop a NGB long term IT strategy, and plan in support of C4 

programs, portfolio management, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for example, all used in a 

trusted, shared environment across the ARNG and the ANG.

In order to achieve the NGB CIO/J6 vision and mission in a synchronized effort, three guiding 

principles were established: perform the mission, work as a team, and continually improve

were established. The term “guiding” refers to the fact that these principles and values are 

established to lead the organization in any situation it might face. These guiding principles are 

essential in the decision-making processes and crucial for the successful operation of the 

organization. Therefore, every member of the organization must have a clear understanding 

regarding the framework of these principles.

The NGB CIO/J6 Mission: Lead the NG Joint IT community’s Command, Control, 

Communications, and Computers (C4), and Cyber capability initiatives. Provide the NGB 

and the 54 with IT policy, plans, strategy, and guidance. Maintain effective IT 

capabilities across the NG’s joint, domestic, and mission partner domains.

CIO/J6 VISION

Provide secure and 

interoperable enterprise IT 

capabilities, both tactical

and strategic, in support of 

NGB’s Domestic and 

Warfighting Missions
6

These guiding principles will help our CIO/ J6 team members understand how to function as a 

successful team. They set the standards and expectations for our team members to meet. These 

Guiding Principles will facilitate the value of good teamwork, coordinated staff actions, enabling 

the delivery of the best IT capabilities and products possible.
7

III. NGB CIO/J6 IT 500 Day Plan - Lines of Effort

The NGB CIO/J6 IT 500 Day plan outlines key goals for the directorate in order to establish the 

process for managing the implementation of IT-related initiatives. This will help accelerate IT 

capability delivery, efficiency, and effectiveness in support of the National Guard mission and 

objectives. The 500-Day plan supports the NGB CIO/J6 leadership and staff in their ability to 

manage IT-related initiatives. It supports the development of an implementation plan, which will 

facilitate the management of key NGB CIO/J6 IT goals and projects. Given the complex nature 

of the NG and NGB CIO/J6 activities, the directorate created LoEs to clarify, synchronize, and 

focus CIO/J6 operational and strategic initiatives. Figure 4 identifies the six CIO/J6 LoEs, and a 

supporting effort, nested within the NDS’s LoEs and the CNGB’s core mission areas.

 Figure 4: NGB CIO/J6 LoEs

After careful analysis and prioritization of key tasks and initiatives, the six LoEs became the

focus areas for the directorate. Each division is responsible for its corresponding LoEs. This 

helps to focus and coordinate the implementation of key IT activities across the directorate. 

Depicted vertically in the diagram, Human Capital Management is a supporting effort. It is not 

an identified LoE; however, its critical functions of manpower/personnel management, Planning, 

Programming and Budget Execution (PPBE) and contract management are critical to the success 

of all designated LoEs. 
8

As a result of the LoEs, each division created specific 500-Day key goals. These key goals are

benchmarks and enable the J6 to measure the progress and success of the NG and CIO/J6 

Directorate over the next 500 days.

Sgt. Chris A. Olson, with the South Dakota National Guard's Joint Force 

Headquarters, operates the Joint Incident Site Communications Capability 

(JISCC) system. The system allows Soldiers and Airmen to communicate 

with emergency responders on the ground.
9

IV. NGB CIO/J6 Organizational Structure

The CIO/J6 team consists of over 75 military, civilian, and industry partners operating across 

two divisions and six branches, led by a CIO/J6 Director (SES) and Deputy Director.

Figure 5: NGB CIO/J6 Directorate

The CIO/J6 Director

The Director is responsible for advising the CNGB on Command, Control, 

Communications, and Computers (C4), and Cyber capability initiatives. Additionally, the 

Director provides the NGB and the 54 with IT policy, plans, strategy, and guidance while 

maintaining effective IT capabilities across the NG’s joint, domestic, and mission partner 

domains.
10

The CIO/J6 Deputy Director

The Deputy Director is responsible for managing the daily operations of the directorate in 

coordination with the other NGB Joint Staff directorates. These daily operations consist of 

Manpower & Personnel, Budget Planning, and Contracts Execution. The Deputy’s focus

on internal areas, allows the CIO/J6 Director to focus on the strategic direction of the 

directorate as well as senior-level engagement requirements across the DoD.

J63 - Joint C4 Operations Division

The J63 (formally known as the C4 Division) has four branches. The Information Systems 

Branch, Information Management Branch, Joint C4 Coordination Center (JCCC), and 

Executive Communications Team (ECT). The J63, C4 Operations Division, provides

C4/IT/communications support to the National Guard by enabling integrated IT

capabilities for the National Guard JFHQ-S in support of the homeland security, homeland 

defense, and civil support missions. The J63 Division also provides deployable and 

interoperable communications technologies to the Army National Guard, Air National 

Guard, JFHQ-S, and its mission partners for use as a reliable and secure collaborative 

environment enabling interagency communications. Additionally, the J63 Division is 

responsible for the ECT that provides critical communications to the CNGB while outside 

of the National Capital Region (NCR).

J65 – Strategy and Policy Division

The J65 (formally known as the CIO Division) has two branches. The Capabilities / Risk 

Management Framework Branch (RMF), and the IT Strategy & Governance Branch. The 

J65 Division focuses on internal and external IT governance and compliance. 

Additionally, the J65 provides expert advice and direct assistance to the CIO/J6, the NGB 

Joint Staff, and the CNGB. This includes strategic planning, oversight of strategic 

initiatives, and analysis of emerging IT capabilities to ensure the synchronized acquisition

of IT resources. 
11

V. Deputy CIO/J6

Figure 6 Human Capital Management

Deputy CIO/J6 Key 500 Day Goals

1. Human Capital Management

a. Support the NGB CIO/J6 in managing the J6 team to excel. Support a positive command 

climate where all are respected and valued. Continue to grow as a team over the next 500 

days and foster a productive and professional culture. As we grow our team, we will hire 

the right people with the right skills and the right attitude for us to excel. We will always

treat our CIO/J6 personnel with dignity and respect, and challenge them to make the 

CIO/J6 and the NGB a better organization.

b. Hire a NGB Chief Technology Officer (CTO) by Q3FY20. 

c. Hire a NGB Chief Data Officer (CDO) by Q4FY20. 
12

d. Validate the NGB IT budget that includes input from NGB Joint Staff, ARNG, and ANG

NLT Q4FY20. The CIO/J6 will work in coordination with both the Army and Air 

National Guard to understand their IT capability needs and required resources. The goal 

is to ensure alignment to both NGB CIO/J6 and DoD CIO IT priorities while eliminating 

redundancies and leveraging successful IT initiatives in support of the National Guard.

e. Fill 95% of the CIO/J6 positions by Q1FY21. Work aggressively to fill our vacant 

positions while reviewing and rewriting our CIO/J6 Position Descriptions for the talent 

and skillsets needed. An additional goal is to train hiring managers on the processes, 

timelines, and proper interview techniques to bring the best and brightest into the National 

Guard.

f. Review, align, and manage our contract workforce for maximum synergy and

effectiveness by Q1FY21. CIO/J6 must continually review our contract requirements and 

synchronize them with our CIO/J6 and NGB workforce requirements. Over the next 500 

days, the staff will review contract requirements and deliverables to ensure we focus on 

priority tasks that support the NGB’s priority missions. 

g. Execute 100% of CIO/J6 authorized budget.

h. Align CIO/J6 with FY23-27 POM requirements in support of DoD and NGB IT reform 

initiatives.

i. Establish a monthly NGB CIO/J6 forum with our ARNG G6 and ANG A2/3/6/10 partners 

to discuss current and future IT requirements and initiatives.
13

VI. J63, C4 Operations Division

Figure 7: J63 LoEs

The J63 Division is directly responsible for two LoEs: LoE 1 (JCCSE) (JISCC, JIEE, and JCCC)

and LoE 2 Executive Communications Team Support. 

J63 LoE 1. Core Functions

The Joint CONUS Communications Shared Environment (JCCSE) is an umbrella term that 

represents the flow of reliable and timely communications support to state and federal military 

activities, routine and otherwise, required for homeland defense, civil support, and other mission 

needs.

• Joint Incident Site Communication Capability (JISCC) – The J63 Division is the system 

owner for deployable commercial off the shelf (COTS) capability in support of 

DOMOPS. 
14

• Joint Information Exchange Environment (JIEE) – The J63 Division is the system owner 

for JIEE, which is the NGB System of Record (SOR) for the dissemination of 

information, receiving, and processing Requests for Information (RFI), Requests for 

Assistance (RFA), personnel statistics, logistics statistics, and Commanders Critical 

Information Requirements (CCIRs).

• Joint Coordination Communication Center (JCCC) – The JCCC is the operational arm of 

the NGB CIO/J6. It assists in the design, planning, and employment of NGB 

communications assets in support of incident or natural disaster response 

communications requirements, participates in the planning and execution of national and 

regional DOMOPS exercises. It also coordinates with the JFHQ-S, Network Enterprise 

Center (NEC), Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), Federal Emergency 

Management Agency (FEMA) and other partners to refine DOMOPS mission reporting 

requirements.

J63 LoE 2. Core Functions

• Executive Communications Team (ECT) – The ECT provides critical communications to 

the CNGB while outside of the NCR including secure video, voice, and data, in support 

of CONUS and OCONUS missions. The team works closely with the J2 Technical 

Surveillance Counter Measure (TSCM) Team when planning and supporting the CNGB 

travel.

J63 Additional Responsibilities

• Spectrum Management – Coordinate spectrum management support with combatant 

commands to conduct operations in congested and contested environments. Serves as 

part of the Joint Spectrum Management Element, planning and supporting spectrum 

management activities during domestic operations. Reviews spectrum policy, 

collaborates with the ARNG, ANG and other organizations in support of the spectrum 

programs throughout the 54 states and territories.

• Knowledge Management – Member of NGB Joint Staff core team to implement 

knowledge management for the NGB Joint Staff directorates. Administers J6 GKO 

SharePoint site. Facilitates the collection of NGB-J6 Lessons Learned observations 

during NG operations and exercises for input into the Joint Lessons Learned Information 

System. Participate in Lessons Learned Manager Working Group to review strategic 

observations requiring further actions to resolve.
15

J63 Key 500 Day Goals 

1. JCCSE Execution

a. Complete JISCC Block 2E (B2E) fielding NLT Q4FY20. The JISCC B2E effort serves to 

modernize the JISCC Block 2 and configure it to use commercial SATCOM. The New 

Equipment Training rotations are underway at this time. Complete initial rotations by

Q3FY20. Schedule additional follow on rotations to complete the overall effort.

b. Establish 60 DOMOPS C4 platforms on the NGB Commercial SATCOM Integrated

Network (NGB-CSIN) NLT Q4FY20. Configuration of the JISCC B2Es and the Texas 

Interoperable Communications Package (TICPs) from the Texas National Guard to utilize

NGB-CSIN. The CIO/J6, in coordination with select State National Guard IT 

communities, will establish some State-owned platforms on the NGB-CSIN as well. The 

goal is to provide satellite bandwidth for DOMOPS C4 platforms through a centrally 

funded and managed contract that allows for economies of scale and improved situational 

awareness.

c. Begin JISCC Block 4 (B4) production NLT Q2FY21. Field the JISCC B4 capability so 

teams can meet the capability gap remaining once the fielding is complete for all the 

Disaster Incident Response Emergency Communication Terminal (DIRECT) systems. 

The JISCC B4 is currently undergoing requirements development. Naval Air Systems 

Command (NAVAIR) is designing a solution that supports B4 fielding by FY22.

d. Complete a new JIEE operations and maintenance contract NLT Q4FY20. The current 

JIEE O&M contract expires 14 SEP 2020.

e. Implement multi-factor authentication using Yubikey with JIEE NLT Q4FY20. This 

would allow emergency responders the ability to coordinate with their NG liaison officers 

and use JIEE to coordinate activities with JFHQ-S, State Emergency Management 

Authorities, and the National Guard Coordination Center (NGCC).

f. Following the establishment of the Cloud Migration Plan, support the operational 

management, and sustainment of JIEE capability to the cloud.

g. Develop and execute future JIEE acquisition strategy by Q2FY20. NGB CIO/J6 will 

work closely with the J3 team to identify and document current and future JIEE 

requirements. Once finalized we will work closely with the J8 and J3 to develop an 

acquisition strategy with multiple acquisition options to deliver the entire National Guard 

an Enterprise Information Exchange tool and environment. J63 will coordinate with J2, J3 

and J8 to achieve a cloud-based initial operational capability (IOC) by Q3FY21.
16

h. Implement the new SSA tool NLT Q3FY21. The CIO/J6 is pursuing multiple courses of 

action (COAs) for developing a future SSA tool that meets the National Guard's 

requirements. These efforts include engaging existing platforms while working on the 

acquisition process and coordinating with the Defense Innovation Unit.

i. Develop and implement a JCCC cyber incident response framework for NGB.

j. Establish operational procedures to plan, monitor, coordinate, track, and report the 

availability and usage of NGB-CISN NLT Q3FY20. By establishing its own commercial 

capability, NGB J6 will perform the tasks previously accomplished by DISA’s Regional 

SATCOM Support Center (RSSC) and Contingency Exercise (CONEX) when utilizing 

Military Satellite (MILSAT). JCCC will test its procedures in the Q2FY2O 

communications exercise and will provide Joint Lessons Learned Information System 

(JLLIS) entries documenting any deficiencies.

k. Improve communication flow between the CIO/J6, J65 liaison, and JCCC in support of 

NGCC and NGB J33 daily operations. 

l. Continue to improve JCCC response efforts and procedures to the NGCC during exercises 

and domestic operations. 

m. Compile Defense Readiness Reporting System (DRRS) reports to highlight shortfalls in 

the JFHQ-S J6’s funding requests. Identify NGB CIO/J6 funding requests for the Joint 

Capability Assessment and Development Process (JCADP) for National Guard/Reserve 

Equipment Appropriation (NGREA) funding. This ensures the prioritization and 

packaging of communications appropriations for proper funding considerations.

n. Lead NGB efforts to support the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center (JAIC) to include 

coordinating personnel to support the national mission initiatives. The responsibilities for 

this effort will eventually transition to the CTO.

o. Coordinate NGB support to the Persistent Cyber Training Environment initiative ensuring 

an ATO is established and then transitioned to the J36 once operational.

2. Executive Communications

a. Establish Statement of Work with NAVAIR for program management of equipment 

solution NLT Q4FY20.

b. Migrate ECT equipment to NGB-CSIN NLT Q4FY20.

3. Additional Responsibilities

a. Support electromagnetic spectrum operations during domestic operations including 

support for the Joint Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations Cell.
17

b. Coordinate with JFHQ-S and the Services’ Spectrum Management Office to activate the 

NG Interoperability Field Operations Guide (IFOG) in support of domestic operations.

c. Shape DoD 5G strategy through the analysis and development of policies and 

procedures.

d. Develop a knowledge management strategy by Q3FY20 to improve processes for 

knowledge flow, shared understanding, learning, and decision-making. Key to the 

development of the KM strategy will be identifying knowledge and performance gaps 

with immediate and long-term priorities based upon KM components that rely upon 

People, Processes, Tools, and Organizational concepts. 
18

VII. J65, Strategy and Policy Division

Figure 8: J65 LoEs

The J65 Division is directly responsible for four of the LoEs: LoE 3 CIO/6 Strategy, Policy, and 

Governance, LoE 4 IT Portfolio Management, LoE 5 Cybersecurity Planning and Compliance, 

and LoE 6 Innovation.

J65 LoE 3 Core Functions

• IT Strategy and Governance – as the IT policy apparatus of the NGB, the J65 establishes

near term and long term strategic plans as well as ensures compliance with DoD IT 

directives and governance.

J65 LoE 4 Core Functions
19

• IT Portfolio Management – The systematic management of investments, projects and 

activities involving enterprise IT to include planned initiatives, projects, and ongoing IT 

services. 

J65 LoE 5 Core Functions

• Cybersecurity – The division ensures that systems/networks are compliant by mitigating 

vulnerabilities through the Risk Management Framework (RMF) process, the Command 

Cyber Readiness Inspection (CCRI) and Staff Assist Visits (SAV) in support of ATO 

requirements.

J65 LoE 6 Core Functions

• Innovation – As one of the CNGB’s top priorities, innovation includes the consistent 

pursuit of ways to become more efficient, productive, and lethal. One current example of 

innovation is the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) initiative aimed at increasing 

efficiency and ease of network access across the NG. New IT expanses that challenge the 

NG include Information Management (IM) that will provide Cloud Technology,

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) technologies. The CNGB is 

dedicated to support the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center (JAIC) to include 

coordinating personnel to support the national mission initiatives of this newly 

established Department of Defense organization. While the J8 Directorate is the primary

lead in the NGB for innovation, the CIO/J6 will work closely with the J8 and provide 

assistance as requested. 

J65 Key 500 Day Goals

1. CIO/J6 Strategy, Policy, and Governance

a. Develop a long term NGB IT 5-10 year Strategic Plan. This plan will be forward thinking 

and integrate IT initiatives from DoD, Army, Air Force, and partner ARNG and ANG 

organizations. It will guide us in properly fielding the latest IT technologies efficiently 

and effectively. IT is a critical enabler and requires forward-thinking, planning, and 

synchronized execution. It will make our force more lethal and capable while wisely 

expending our limited IT budgets. The primary objective of this plan is to develop and 

recommend to the NGB CIO/J6 Senior Leadership a 5-10 year strategic plan that outlines 

where the NG should be in the future. This future state would garner IT efficiencies, 

enhance interoperability, improve geospatial information sharing, and increase mission 

effectiveness between the NGB, the 54 JFHQ-S, and our mission partners.

b. Manage the CIO Executive Council (CEC). The J65 will continue to manage the CEC 

using it as both an information forum and decision body for NGB wide IT initiatives. The 

goal is to conduct a minimum of two 06/GS15 level meetings and two flag officer/SES 
20

level sessions annually. The CIO/J6 briefs the CNGB after each flag officer session. The 

goal is to continue maturing this governing process over the next 500 days into the NGB

forum for IT-related information updates and decisions.

c. Establish a monthly NGB CIO/J6 Synchronization Board with our ARNG G6 and ANG

A2/3/6/10 partners to discuss and synchronize current and future IT requirements and 

initiatives. The CIO/J6 staff also participates in many DoD level IT forums to ensure 

representation of NG equities. By leveraging these relationships, the NGB CIO/J6 will 

maintain good rapport with the DoD CIO, and the leadership of the Army G6 and Air 

Force ANG A2/3/6/10. 

d. Maintain and sustain full partnership in the DoD Mission Partner Environment (MPE) 

forums to ensure National Guard equities are fully considered and included in MPE 

planning and execution. MPE applies to a broad spectrum of missions including, but not 

limited to, Major Combat Operations (MCO), Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster 

Relief (HA/DR), Military Force Assistance and Stability Operations, Joint All Domain 

Command and Control (JADC2) and Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA). MPE 

is flexible and scalable to accommodate all levels of warfare (strategic, operational, or 

tactical). Selective Cross-Domain Services (CDS) voice, video, chat, and email services 

will be required to ensure access and information flow between security domains.

2. IT Portfolio Management

a. Manage IT Investment Reviews (Annually). The J65 CIO team will work with each 

directorate to review all IT investments on an annual basis after approval of the Resource 

Validation Board (RVB). The goal for this activity over the next 500 days is to ensure 

that beginning in FY21 the CIO/J6 will have set the conditions to include NGREA and 

Program Objective Memorandum (POM) IT requirements. This will synchronize NGB IT 

investments and provide for transparent IT budget execution. NGB J65 team will work 

closely with the NGB Joint Staff, ARNG G6, and ANG A2/3/6/10 to review NGB IT 

investments. This process will also help the CIO/J6 align IT efforts with the DoD, Army, 

and Air Force CIO communities.

b. Manage NGB Joint Service Provider (JSP) Migration for IT reform and efficiency. 

During Q2FY20 the NGB primary staff in the Pentagon will transition to JSP provided IT 

services from their current DoD Information Networks (DoDIN-A) service. The IT 

services provided include Non-Secure Internet Protocol Routing (NIPR), Secure Internet 

Protocol Routing (SIPR), Phone, Video, and Cellphone services. 

c. Synchronize CIO/J6 future contract efforts in partnership with the J63 and the CIO/J6 

Deputy. The team will review current and future contract requirements and modify them 

as required to maximize the synergy in support of the NGB mission requirements.
21

d. Develop and implement a NGB Cloud Migration Plan as part of the DoD strategy. 

Continue analyzing and assessing cloud migration services including Joint Enterprise 

Defense Infrastructure (JEDI), milCloud, and other Commercial/Government-Cloud 

alternatives for viability across the National Guard. The J65 will work with NGB, ARNG, 

ANG, and the 54 to identify and prioritize opportunities for accelerating cloud adoption. 

The ongoing goal for this initiative is to continue coordinating with the NGB Joint Staff 

investments to plan and execute cloud migration activities. The J65 is developing cloud 

migration outreach services to assist the 54 with identifying, planning, and executing 

cloud migration as appropriate. 

e. Leverage DoD Enterprise contract initiatives such as Joint Enterprise Defense 

Infrastructure (JEDI), Enterprise Collaborations and Productivity Services (ECAPS) and 

Defense Enterprise Office Solution (DEOS) across the entire National Guard to include 

ARNG G-6 and ANG A2/3/6/10 initiatives. The goal is to ensure that the CIO/J6 

capitalizes on efficient contract vehicles to deliver effective enterprise IT capabilities 

across the National Guard.

f. Work in cooperation with J3 and J8 to facilitate an SSA Working group to field a future 

SSA capability NLT Q3FY21. The working group will identify, prioritize, and implement 

doctrine, organization, training, materiel, leadership and education, personnel, and 

facilities (DOTMLPF) recommendations for SSA gap closure. J65 has developed an 

initial capability requirements document (CRD) that CIO/J6 will utilize for acquiring 

modernized capabilities in support of SSA information sharing between NGB, the 54, 

NORTHCOM, and all other mission partners. 

3. Cybersecurity Planning and Compliance

a. Continue to develop NGB RMF/CCRI/SAV in support of the Cybersecurity framework to 

ensure 100% compliance with DoD regulatory guidance. The goal for this activity over 

the next 500 days is to develop a synchronized NGB RMF/ CCRI/ Staff Assist Visit 

(SAV), inspection and remediation program as part of the NGB Cybersecurity Manual. 

J65 will fully support the CIO/J6 in his role as Authorizing Official (AO) to accredit key 

NG IT systems.

4. Innovation

a. Identify and align NGB technology requirements in synchronization with the DoD CIO, 

Army, and Air Force communications communities. The CTO will closely align with the 
22

newly hired CDO to develop NGB’s data and technical frameworks to leverage both AI

and ML.

b. Establish a data management framework throughout the entire National Guard in FY21. 

The CDO will help the National Guard understand where our data resides across our 

environment and how to implement a governance structure using the innovative 

technologies of AI and ML capabilities in support of senior leader decision making. 

c. Participate in DISN’s and ARNG G6’s BYOD initiatives in Q3FY20. The J6 and ARNG 

G6 are collaborating to examine the possibilities for establishing BYOD capabilities in the 

National Guard. Leveraging this BYOD capability will provide NG members with greater 

ease of network access and online resources. It will also significantly assist NG Soldiers 

and Airman with obtaining access to .mil resources on personnel devices.
23

VIII. Closing Remarks

The NGB CIO/J6 Directorate is committed to the mission of supporting the homeland and

winning future wars abroad. Every Soldier and Airman across our National Guard IT 

community is vital to the success of the team. 

This 500-Day Plan serves as the basis for the 500-Day Implementation Plan and the long term 5 

to 10-year strategic plan development. It guides our NGB CIO/J6 Directorate leaders and 

workforce in making informed decisions. 

We will continue to grow as a team over the next 500 days and foster a positive climate and 

professional culture to execute key NGB CIO/J6 IT initiatives. This is a challenging time, but

also an exciting time to serve in the National Guard IT community. I believe this 500-Day Plan 

will guide us to meet the challenges of tomorrow. 

As we meet the challenges, supporting both our non-Federal and Federal requirements, we will 

rise to the occasion. Using this 500-Day IT plan as a guide, the NG will continue on its 

transformational journey through innovation and increased readiness so that when it’s time to 

answer the nation’s call, the NG will stand ready.
24

Appendix A. References

1. Army National Guard Vision and Strategy 2017

2. DoD CIO Capability Programming Guidance FY 2022-2026

3. DoD Digital Modernization Strategy July 12, 2019

4. DoD Directive 51011.77 30 October 2015

5. National Defense Strategy 2018

6. National Guard Bureau Posture Statement 2019

7. National Guard National Defense Strategy Implementation Guidance 

8. National Military Strategy 2018

9. National Security Strategy December 2017 

10. Joint Doctrine Note 2-19 10 December 2019
25

Appendix B. Acronyms 

Acronym Definition

AI Artificial Intelligence

ANG Air National Guard

ARCYBER Army Cyber Command

ARNG Army National Guard

ASAP as soon as possible

ATO Authority To Operate

BYOD Bring Your Own Device

CCB Configuration Control Board

CCRI Command Cyber Readiness Inspection

CDO Chief Data Officer

CDS Selective Cross-Domain Services

CEC Chief Executive Council

CIO Chief Information Officer

CNGB Chief of the National Guard Bureau

CONUS Continental United States

COP Common Operational Picture

CONEX Contingency Exercise

COTS Commercial Off The Shelf

CPIC Capital Planning and Investment Control

CRD Capability Requirements Document

CS Cybersecurity

CSIN Commercial SATCOM Integrated Network

CTO Chief Technical Officer

DA Department of the Army

DAART Domestic Operations Awareness and Assessment Response Tool

DAF Department of the Air Force

DCIO Department of Defense Chief Information Officer

DEOS Defense Enterprise Office Solution

DIRECT Disaster Incident Response Emergency Communication Terminal

DISA Defense Information Systems Agency

DSCA Defense Support of Civil Authorities

DOIM Directorate Of Information Management 

DoDIN Department of Defense Information Networks

DOMOPS Domestic Operations

DOTMLPF

Doctrine, Organization, Training, Materiel, Leadership and Education, 

Personnel, and Facilities

DRRS Defense Readiness Reporting System
26

ECAPS Enterprise Collaborations and Productivity Services

ECT Executive Communications Team

FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency

FY Fiscal Year

IFOG Interoperability Field Operations Guide 

IM Information Management

HA/DR Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief

IOC Initial Operational Capability

IT Information Technology

JADC2 Joint All Domain Command and Control

JAIC Joint Artificial Intelligence Center

JCADP Joint Capability Assessment and Development Process

JCCC Joint Communications Control Center

JCCSE Joint CONUS Communications Shared Environment 

JEDI Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure

JFHQ Joint Force Headquarters

JIE Joint Information Environment 

JIEE Joint Information Exchange Environment

JLLIS Joint Lessons Learned Information System

JISCC Joint Incident Site Communications Capability

JS Joint Staff

JSP Joint Service Provider

LoE Line of Effort

MILDEP Military Department

MILSAT Military Satellite

ML Machine Learning

MPE Mission Partner Environment 

NAVAIR Naval Air Systems Command

NCR National Capital Region

NDS National Defense Strategy

NG National Guard

NGB National Guard Bureau

NGCC National Guard Coordination Center

NGBSP National Guard Bureau Strategic Plan

NGREA National Guard/Reserve Equipment Appropriation

NGSE National Guard Strategic Estimate

NIPR Non Secure Internet Protocol Routing

NLT No Later Than

NMS National Military Strategy
27

NORTHCOM United States Northern Command

NSS National Security Strategy

OCONUS Outside Continental United States

POM Program Objective Memorandum

PPBE Planning Programming and Budget Execution 

RFA Request for Assistance 

RFI Request for Information

RMF Risk Management Framework

RSSC Regional SATCOM Support Center

RVB Resource Validation Board

SATCOM Satellite Communications

SAV Staff Assist Visit

SES Senior Executive Service

SIPR Secret Internet Protocol Routing

SSA Shared Situational Awareness

SOR System Of Record

TICP Texas Interoperable Communications Package

TSCM Technical Surveillance Counter Measure

USCYBERCOM United States Cyber Command
28

Appendix C. NGB CIO/J6 Directorate Key 500 Day Goals

Goal Statement Ref Pg.

1. NGB CIO/J6 Directorate will continue to grow as a team over the next 

500 days and foster a positive climate and professional culture. 11 – 1a

2. Hire a NGB Chief Technology Officer (CTO) by Q3FY20. 11 – 1b

3. Hire a NGB Chief Data Officer (CDO) by Q4FY20. 11 – 1c

4. Validate the NGB IT budget that includes input from NGB Joint Staff, 

ARNG, and ANG NLT Q4FY20. 12 – 1d

5. Fill 95% of the CIO/J6 positions by Q1FY21. 12 – 1e

6. Review, align, and manage our contract workforce for maximum 

synergy and effectiveness by Q1FY21. 12 – 1f

7. Execute 100% of CIO/J6 authorized budget. 12 – 1g

8. Align CIO/J6 with FY23-27 POM requirements in support of DoD and 

NGB IT reform initiatives. 12 – 1h

9. Establish a Monthly NGB CIO/J6 Forum with our ARNG G6 and 

ANG A2/3/6/10 partners to discuss current and future IT requirements 

and initiatives. 12 – 1i

10. Complete JISCC Block 2E (B2E) fielding NLT Q4FY20. 15 – 1a

11. Establish 60 DOMOPS C4 platforms on the NGB Commercial 

SATCOM Integrated Network (NGB-CSIN) NLT Q4FY20. 15– 1b

12. Begin JISCC Block 4 (B4) production NLT Q2FY21. 15 – 1c

13. Complete a new JIEE operations and maintenance contract NLT 

Q4FY20. 15 – 1d

14. Implement multi-factor authentication using Yubikey with JIEE NLT 

Q4FY20. 15 – 1e

15. Following the establishment of the Cloud Migration Plan, support the 

operational management, and sustainment of JIEE capability to the 

cloud. 15 – 1f

16. Develop and execute future JIEE acquisition strategy by Q2FY20. 15 – 1g

17. Implement the new SSA tool NLT Q3FY21. 16 – 1h

18. Develop and implement a JCCC cyber incident response framework for 

NGB. 16 – 1i

19. Establish operational procedures to plan, monitor, coordinate, track, 

and report the availability and usage of NGB-CISN NLT Q3FY20. 16 – 1j

20. Improve communication flow between the CIO/J6, J65 liaison, and 

JCCC in support of NGCC and NGB J33 daily operations. 16 – 1k

21. Continue to improve JCCC response efforts and procedures to the 

NGCC during exercises and domestic operations. 16 – 1l

22. Compile Defense Readiness Reporting System (DRRS) reports. 16 – 1m

23. Lead NGB efforts to integrate with the Joint Artificial Intelligence 

Center (JAIC). 16 – 1n

Goal Statement Ref Pg.
29

24. Coordinate NGB support to the Persistent Cyber Training Environment 

initiative ensuring an ATO is established and then transitioned to the 

J36 once operational. 16 – 1o

25. Establish Statement of Work with NAVAIR for program management 

of equipment solution NLT Q4FY20.

16 – 2a

26. Migrate ECT equipment to NGB-CSIN NLT Q4FY20. 16 – 2b

27. Support electromagnetic spectrum operations during domestic 

operations including support for the Joint Electromagnetic Spectrum 

Operations Cell. 16 – 3a

28. Coordinate with JFHQ-S and the Services’ Spectrum Management 

Office to activate the NG Interoperability Field Operations Guide 

(IFOG) in support of domestic operations. 17 – 3b

29. Shape DoD 5G strategy through the analysis and development of 

policies and procedures. 17 – 3c

30. Develop a knowledge management strategy by Q3FY20. 17 – 3d

31. Develop a long term NGB IT 5-10 year Strategic Plan. 19 – 1a

32. Manage the CIO Executive Council (CEC). 19 – 1b

33. Establish a monthly NGB CIO/J6 Synchronization Board with our 

ARNG G6 and ANG A2/3/6/10 partners. 20 – 1c

34. Maintain and sustain full partnership in the DoD Mission Partner 

Environment (MPE) forums. 20– 1d

35. Manage IT Investment Reviews (Annually). 20 – 2a

36. Manage NGB Joint Service Provider (JSP) Migration for IT reform and 

efficiency. 20 – 2b

37. Synchronize CIO/J6 future contract efforts. 20 – 2c

38. Develop and implement a NGB Cloud Migration Plan as part of the 

DoD strategy. 21 – 2d

39. Leverage DoD Enterprise contract initiatives across the entire National 

Guard. 21 – 2e

40. Work in cooperation with J3 and J8 to facilitate an SSA Working 

group to field a future SSA capability NLT Q3FY21. 21 – 2f

41. Continue to develop NGB RMF/CCRI/SAV in support of the 

Cybersecurity framework to ensure 100% compliance with DoD

regulatory guidance. 21 – 3a

42. Identify and align NGB technology requirements in synchronization 

with the DoD CIO, Army, and Air Force communications 

communities. 21 – 4a

43. Establish a data management framework throughout the entire National 

Guard by FY21. 22 – 4b

44. Participate in DISN’s and ARNG G6’s BYOD initiatives in Q3FY20. 22 – 4c