Cyber Command’s global operational defense arm has reached a key staffing milestone known as full operational capability.

Joint Force Headquarter-DoD Information Networks, which is responsible for global synchronization and command and control of the the department’s information networks, reached the milestone three years after its creation, a Jan. 31 announcement from the Defense Department read.

The release also said that JFHQ-DoDIN participated in a variety of exercises “in support of mission outcomes and managed daily operations to address and counter significant cyber threats” to reach the milestone.

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The new designation is “a recognition that we’re able to perform the basic tasks that we’re laid out to perform as the Joint Force Headquarters,” Rear Adm. Kathleen Creighton, JFHQ-DoDIN’s deputy commander, said during a panel discussion at an AFCEA DC hosted lunch Jan. 11. “We’ve been able to show through exercises and other world events that we’ve been able to perform our mission of secure, operate and defend.”

Officials have explained the need for greater intelligence in the defensive mission going forward.

“As we’re becoming [fully operational], we really recognize that the intel piece on the defense side is not where it is on the offensive side,” Creighton said.

JFHQ-DoDIN will get a new commander Feb. 1 after its head, Lt. Gen. Alan Lynn who also serves as the director of DISA, retires. Vice Adm. Nancy Norton will replace him in the top job.

About Mark Pomerleau

Mark Pomerleau is a reporter for C4ISRNET, covering information warfare and cyberspace.

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