DISA, or the Defense Information Systems Agency, is an agency of the United States Department of Defense (DoD). It was established in 1960 and serves as a combat support agency responsible for providing information technology (IT) and communications support to the military services, combatant commands, and other DoD components.
The primary mission of DISA is to plan, develop, deliver, and operate reliable and secure command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence (C4I) capabilities and enterprise infrastructure for the DoD. DISA plays a vital role in supporting the information needs of the military, ensuring that critical information flows seamlessly across the various branches of the armed forces.
Some of the key responsibilities of DISA include:
1. Network Operations and Defense: DISA operates and defends the DoD Information Network (DoDIN), ensuring its availability, integrity, and confidentiality. They monitor network activities, respond to threats, and maintain a secure communications infrastructure.
2. Enterprise Services: DISA provides a range of enterprise-level IT services to the DoD, such as email, data storage, cloud computing, collaboration tools, and enterprise applications. These services help streamline operations, improve efficiency, and enhance interoperability across the DoD.
3. Command and Control Systems: DISA develops and manages command and control systems that support military operations. These systems facilitate the exchange of critical information and enable situational awareness, decision-making, and coordination among military forces.
4. Information Assurance: DISA ensures the security of DoD information systems and networks by implementing cybersecurity measures, conducting risk assessments, and providing guidance on best practices for information assurance.
5. Satellite Communications: DISA manages and operates a global satellite communications infrastructure that supports military communications and connectivity worldwide. This includes satellite constellations, ground terminals, and associated control systems.
DISA collaborates with various government agencies, industry partners, and international allies to fulfill its mission. Its efforts contribute to maintaining the information advantage, command and control capabilities, and cybersecurity posture of the United States military.