The Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) has recently established a new intelligence department to enhance its ability to protect and operate the Department of Defense Information Network. This initiative is part of a broader reorganization effort by DISA to better align its operations with the Joint Staff and the combatant commands it supports. The new intelligence department, known as J-2, is the first of its kind within DISA and is crucial for safeguarding the agency’s assets.
Lt. Gen. Robert Skinner, the director of DISA and DoDIN commander, identified the need for a dedicated intelligence unit to address the agency’s unique requirements. The existing DoDIN J2 unit lacked the resources and capabilities to effectively support DISA’s needs. As a result, the decision was made to establish a new J-2 unit within DISA, led by Army Col. Richard Leach.
The process of creating the J-2 office involves reallocating resources, including personnel and funding, from within DISA. Since DISA has never had a dedicated intelligence unit before, existing positions within the agency primarily focus on signals operations or IT functions rather than intelligence. Leach’s primary focus is on building out the J-2 unit and acquiring the necessary resources to make it fully operational.
The new intelligence department will initially be staffed by approximately 30 personnel, making it relatively small compared to other J-2 units. However, Leach aims to start with a more agile team and expand it over time. It is expected that it will take at least two years to fully establish the J-2 unit and bring on all 30 staff members.
Due to budget constraints, the unit is currently operating on a limited budget as the agency reorganizes its resources to support the new department. Leach plans to leverage funding from other Defense Department intelligence agencies to meet the unit’s requirements. Despite the initial small size of the team, Leach believes that they can tap into the capabilities of other defense intelligence units, such as the NSA, Defense Intelligence Agency, and National Reconnaissance Office, to bolster their efforts.
In conclusion, the establishment of the J-2 intelligence department within DISA is a crucial step towards enhancing the agency’s ability to protect and operate the Department of Defense Information Network. By focusing on DISA’s unique requirements and integrating intelligence across the defense and industrial enterprise, the J-2 unit will play a vital role in safeguarding the agency’s assets and countering malicious cyber threats.
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https://federalnewsnetwork.com/defense-main/2024/07/disas-intel-director-laying-the-foundation-for-new-j-2-shop/