DOD Releases Mobility Device Strategy

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON  – The Department of Defense announced the release of a mobile device strategy that identifies information technology goals to capitalize on the full potential of mobile devices.

The strategy focuses on improving three areas critical to mobility: wireless infrastructure, mobile devices, and mobile applications, and works to ensure these areas remain reliable, secure and flexible enough to keep up with fast-changing technology, according to a DOD news release.

"The Department of Defense is taking a leadership role in leveraging mobile device technology to improve information sharing, collaboration and efficiencies," Teri Takai, DOD’s chief information officer, said in the release. "As today's DOD personnel become increasingly mobile, a wide variety of devices offer unprecedented opportunities to advance the operational effectiveness of the DOD workforce. This strategy will allow mobile activities across the department to converge towards a common vision and approach."

The scope of the DOD mobile device user base is significant, according to the release, with more than 250,000 commercial mobile devices and several thousand Apple and Android operating systems, including pilots. The Mobile Device Strategy is intended to align the progress of these various mobile devices, pilots and initiatives across DOD under common objectives to ensure the warfighter benefits from these activities and aligns with efforts in the Joint Information Environment.

"The DOD Mobile Device Strategy takes advantage of existing technology, the ability to use or build custom apps, and a workforce increasingly comfortable with mobile devices," Takai said in the release. "This strategy is not simply about embracing the newest technology -- it is about keeping the DOD workforce relevant in an era when information and cyberspace play a critical role in mission success."