Keynote Address given by Wendy Noble, Executive Director, National Security Agency

Sponsored by Verizon

5G is a game changer that will require an over-arching overhaul of the way DoD and government modernize networks and transform operations. The move to ubiquitous connectivity where everything is wireless and autonomous, will require overarching policy and regulatory changes. Standards will play an integral role to ensure safety, quality, reliability of products and services, as well as their interoperability. To that end, the Pentagon has established a new team to engage 5G wireless standards bodies, as the DoD seeks more influence over the technologies underlying high-speed 5G networks. At the same time, the DoD will need to consider all spectrum options for 5G needs  build options to bring 5G infrastructure to base, camps, posts and stations, and work with industry to get the devices that can support 5G’s speed and bandwidth. In this session, DoD experts will offer insights on standards initiatives and why they are important and how to overcome technical challenges.

• Dr. Charles Clancy, SVP & GM , Mitre
• Lisa Carnahan, Associate Director for IT Standardization, NIST
• Dr. Keith Gremban, Program Manager, OUSD /R&E
• Vincent Sritapan, Section Chief for Cyber Quality Service Management Office, CISA

Sponsored by Commscope

The ongoing migration to 5G technologies creates opportunities, but also risks. Supply chain risks are a major concern because adversaries can weaken 5G networks by injecting counterfeit parts and malicious software and hardware into the supply chain. Poor designs, manufacturing processes, and maintenance procedures can also hamper deployment.  Moreover, 5G networks will transport massive amounts of sensitive personal, corporate, and government information, making them prime targets for cyberattack. At the same time, large amounts of data will be generated by sensors, cameras, foot patrols, maps, databases, drones, and other Internet of Things (IoT) devices. The DoD will have to leverage Big Data analytics and artificial intelligence engines to process analysis in real time on the massive bandwidth that will go through 5G networks. DoD officials say only a robust, in-depth approach to 5G security can address the full range of hardware, software, and human-factor risks.  In-depth protection requires adoption of compliance standards for 5G design, cybersecurity for 5G infrastructure, and implementation of a “zero-trust” security model.  Panel members will discuss solutions, security technologies and how the Zero Trust framework and associated solutions can help strengthen security.

• RADM David Simpson, USN (Ret.), Former Chief, Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau 
• Jeff Cichonski, Cybersecurity Engineer, National Institute of Standards and Technology
• Manuel Hermosilla, Executive Director and Chief Information Officer, US Fleet Cyber Command

Sponsored by Palo Alto Networks

DoD has selected military facilities that serve as testbeds for a series of 5G industry demonstrations from 5G-enabled smart warehouses to testing of dynamic spectrum access. The goal is to develop and test military and dual-use 5G technologies, concepts, and applications. As part of Tranche 1, the Army is looking to rapidly field a scalable and secure 5G network for experimentation with 5G-enabled Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality (AR/VR) capability for mission planning, distributed training, and operational use.  At another facility, officials will test 5G ultra-band technology, with pilots that focus on energy communications, connected vehicles, drones and the digital fortress, which replaces physical fortification.  Additionally, military leaders are looking to utilize the increased bandwidth of the 5G network to disaggregate and mobilize existing Command and Control, or C2, architectures in an agile combat employment scenario. Tranche 2 will extend use cases at more military facilities, including ship-wide to pier connectivity, AR support for maintenance and training, wireless connectivity for Forward Operating Bases (FOB) and Tactical Operations Centers (TOC), network security, and bi-directional spectrum sharing. Session speakers will explore how investments in these use cases will help the DoD leverage 5G for military readiness and force projection.

• James Beutel, Deputy Chief Technology Officer, US Air Force
• Jim Balocki, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Navy, DoN
• Tom Collins, Principal Investigator, Camp Pendleton
• MG Matt Easley, Director for Cybersecurity and CISO, Army G6

Sponsored by Dell Technologies

Keynote Address given by GEN John  Hyten, Vice Chair, Joint Chiefs of Staff

Sponsored by Verizon