Federal Executive Branch
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USU Tackles Battlefield Brain Injuries With Future-Focused Solutions
BETHESDA, Maryland, July 2 -- The Uniformed Services University issued the following research news:
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USU Tackles Battlefield Brain Injuries with Future-Focused Solutions
Experts at the Uniformed Services University are pioneering technologies and training to ensure service members with traumatic brain injuries can be treated on the future battlefield.
By Vivian Mason
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the most complex medical challenges faced on the battlefield. At the Uniformed Services University (USU), researchers are working to improve how TBIs are assessed and managed in operational
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BETHESDA, Maryland, July 2 -- The Uniformed Services University issued the following research news:
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USU Tackles Battlefield Brain Injuries with Future-Focused Solutions
Experts at the Uniformed Services University are pioneering technologies and training to ensure service members with traumatic brain injuries can be treated on the future battlefield.
By Vivian Mason
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the most complex medical challenges faced on the battlefield. At the Uniformed Services University (USU), researchers are working to improve how TBIs are assessed and managed in operationalenvironments through the Military Traumatic Brain Injury Initiative (MTBI2).
MTBI2, a joint federal research center headquartered at USU, is led by U.S. Army Lt. Col. (Dr.) Bradley Dengler. The center is focused on minimizing the impact of TBIs on service members through research and collaboration across agencies and Services. One of the challenges influencing this work is the projected decrease in availability of neurosurgeons in future conflicts.
"The shortage of neurosurgeons will directly impact the treatment of traumatic brain injuries, particularly intracranial mass lesions requiring neurosurgical evacuation," Dengler said. "So, what this translates to is that in the next near-peer conflict... we're not going to be able to transport injured service members back quickly. So, we have to come up with other ways to save lives that don't involve getting patients to a neurosurgeon."
The solution, according to Dengler, involves researching and developing new tools and training non-specialists to diagnose and treat life-threatening brain hemorrhages.
Advancing Diagnostics at the Point of Injury
A key step forward is a rapid blood test for TBI, recently cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Dengler calls it "one of the most significant steps forward in the care of TBI patients in the past 20 years."
* The test runs on a portable device and can determine if a person's blood contains protein markers for a mild TBI in just 15 minutes.
* It can be used up to 24 hours after an injury, a significant improvement over previous tests.
* Evidence suggests a future version could also triage more severe injuries, as biomarker levels correlate with the severity of intracranial damage, helping to get the most critical patients to neurosurgical intervention faster.
"Given the large numbers of expected casualties with all severities of traumatic brain injury in future, large-scale combat operations, this blood test can help maintain combat power far forward by helping to eliminate unnecessary evacuations," Dengler said.
Other diagnostic tools being explored include:
* Pupillometry: An ongoing study at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point with more than 2,000 cadets has demonstrated significant changes in eye pupil dynamics after a concussion. This technology provides a rapid screening tool that can also help predict recovery time, informing evacuation decisions on the battlefield.
* Sensor-Integrated Mouthguards: To improve early detection of head injuries in airborne personnel, mouthguards with integrated sensors are being explored to monitor impact forces. Data shows a correlation with blood biomarkers for brain injury, allowing medics or corpsmen to quickly identify personnel who need medical attention.
New Tools and Training for Treatment
Research is also focused on developing tools and techniques that general surgeons and even medics or corpsmen can use if there are limited neurosurgical capabilities.
Dengler is working with Dr. David Brody, a professor of Neurology and chief science officer for MTBI2 at USU, and the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab. Their team is developing optical imaging that uses near-infrared technology to diagnose the size and location of a hemorrhage. As part of this project, they are also developing a special burr hole device that can lock into the skull. This would allow a non-neurosurgeon to drill a sealed, sterile hole to remove some blood, stabilizing the patient until they can reach a neurosurgeon.
"It's difficult to remove an entire blood clot through a small burr hole, but some blood can be removed that can decrease intracranial pressure," Dengler explained. This temporizing measure is easier to teach than a full craniotomy and can be a life-saving intervention.
Establishing a Standard of Care
Comprehensive guidelines are essential for standardizing TBI care in combat environments. The Guidelines for the Management of Penetrating Traumatic Brain Injury and the Guidelines for the Management of TBI in Combat and Austere Environments are vital resources for improving treatment and outcomes. Dengler and his team are also working with the Brain Trauma Foundation to update the fifth edition of the Guidelines for the Management of Severe Traumatic Brain Injury. These tools, along with the provider tools available for mild TBI, help providers deliver evidence-based diagnosis and treatment across the full spectrum of TBI severity.
"Improving battlefield care in anticipation of future conflicts will require a multifaceted approach that integrates advanced training, innovative technologies, and adaptive strategies, to include telemedicine and autonomous medical systems to ensure the readiness and effectiveness of our battlefield medical system," Dengler acknowledged. "I'm excited to be a part of it."
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Original text here: https://news.usuhs.edu/2025/07/usu-tackles-battlefield-brain-injuries.html
U.S. Office of Special Counsel: Whistleblowers Expose Lack of Mine Inspections Raising Serious Safety Concerns
WASHINGTON, July 2 -- The U.S. Office of Special Counsel issued the following news release on July 1, 2025:
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Whistleblowers Expose Lack of Mine Inspections Raising Serious Safety Concerns
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Today, the U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) alerted the President and Congress that a U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) investigation substantiated serious safety and inspection concerns with active mines in the U.S. Pacific Territories of Guam, American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Whistleblowers disclosed to OSC that the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)
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WASHINGTON, July 2 -- The U.S. Office of Special Counsel issued the following news release on July 1, 2025:
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Whistleblowers Expose Lack of Mine Inspections Raising Serious Safety Concerns
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Today, the U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) alerted the President and Congress that a U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) investigation substantiated serious safety and inspection concerns with active mines in the U.S. Pacific Territories of Guam, American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Whistleblowers disclosed to OSC that the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)repeatedly failed to inspect active underground and surface mines and falsely identified and reported them to Congress as "abandoned."
The DOL investigation substantiated the whistleblowers' allegations that 51 mines in the Pacific Territories had not been inspected since at least 2016, with inspections not scheduled until 2027. In connection, the DOL Office of Inspector General released an alert in 2024 during the investigation citing "urgent concerns for miner safety and health," while MSHA has been inaccurately reporting to Congress 100 percent inspection completion rates since at least 2023.
"OSC is thankful to the whistleblowers for bringing these disclosures to us, and we recommend that the DOL recognize their contributions to help ensure the safety of miners in the Pacific Territories," said Senior Counsel Charles Baldis.
A new OSC policy encourages agencies to provide monetary rewards in some whistleblower cases in line with agencies' existing statutory authority to grant whistleblowers rewards of up to $10,000, or more in some instances.
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Original text here: https://osc.gov/News/Pages/Whistleblowers%20Expose%20Lack%20of%20Mine%20Inspections%20Raising%20Serious%20Safety%20Concerns.aspx
Treasury Sanctions Global Bulletproof Hosting Service Enabling Cybercriminals and Technology Theft
WASHINGTON, July 2 -- The U.S. Department of the Treasury issued the following news release on July 1, 2025:
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Treasury Sanctions Global Bulletproof Hosting Service Enabling Cybercriminals and Technology Theft
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WASHINGTON -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is designating Aeza Group, a bulletproof hosting (BPH) services provider, for its role in supporting cybercriminal activity targeting victims in the United States and around the world. BPH service providers sell access to specialized servers and other computer infrastructure designed
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WASHINGTON, July 2 -- The U.S. Department of the Treasury issued the following news release on July 1, 2025:
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Treasury Sanctions Global Bulletproof Hosting Service Enabling Cybercriminals and Technology Theft
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WASHINGTON -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is designating Aeza Group, a bulletproof hosting (BPH) services provider, for its role in supporting cybercriminal activity targeting victims in the United States and around the world. BPH service providers sell access to specialized servers and other computer infrastructure designedto help cybercriminals like ransomware actors, personal information stealers, and drug vendors evade detection and resist law enforcement attempts to disrupt their malicious activities. OFAC is also designating two affiliated companies and four individuals who are Aeza Group leaders. Finally, in coordination with the United Kingdom's (UK) National Crime Agency (NCA), OFAC is designating an Aeza Group front company in the UK.
"Cybercriminals continue to rely heavily on BPH service providers like Aeza Group to facilitate disruptive ransomware attacks, steal U.S. technology, and sell black-market drugs," said Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Bradley T. Smith. "Treasury, in close coordination with the UK and our other international partners, remains resolved to expose the critical nodes, infrastructure, and individuals that underpin this criminal ecosystem."
Today's action is being taken pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13694, as further amended, and builds on OFAC's February action targeting ZServers BPH. Today's action also reflects Treasury's continued work to combat cybercrime and degrade the support networks that enable malicious actors to target U.S. citizens, technology, and critical industries.
AEZA GROUP: KEY TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR RANSOMWARE GROUPS, CYBERCRIME, AND ILLICIT DRUGS
Aeza Group, headquartered in St. Petersburg, Russia, has provided BPH services to ransomware and malware groups such as the Meduza and Lumma infostealer operators, who have used the hosting service to target the U.S. defense industrial base and technology companies, among other victims globally. Infostealers are often used to harvest personal identifying information, passwords, and other sensitive credentials from compromised victims. These credentials are then often sold on darknet markets for profit, making infostealer operators a key piece of the cybercrime ecosystem.
Aeza Group has also hosted BianLian ransomware, RedLine infostealer panels, and BlackSprut, a Russian darknet marketplace for illicit drugs. Darknet drug marketplaces allow for the anonymous purchase and shipment of narcotics over the internet, making them a present and increasing contributor to drug trafficking to the United States and worldwide. According to Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) and its supplemental advisory on fentanyl, criminal organizations use darknet marketplaces to sell precursor chemicals and manufacturing equipment used for the synthesis of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids, as well as to traffic fentanyl and other narcotics into the United States.
OFAC is designating Aeza Group pursuant to E.O. 13694, as further amended by E.O. 14144 and E.O. 14306, for being responsible or complicit in, or having engaged in, directly or indirectly, cyber-enabled activities originating from, or directed by persons located, in whole or in part, outside the United States that are reasonably likely to result in, or have materially contributed to, a threat to the national security, foreign policy, or economic health or financial stability of the United States, and that have the purpose of or involve causing a misappropriation of funds or economic resources, intellectual property, proprietary or business confidential information, personal identifiers, or financial information for commercial or competitive advantage or private financial gain.
Aeza International Ltd. is the United Kingdom branch of Aeza Group. Aeza Group uses Aeza International to lease IP addresses to cybercriminals, including Meduza infostealer operators.
Aeza Logistic LLC and Cloud Solutions LLC are Russia-based subsidiaries that are 100% owned by Aeza Group.
OFAC is designating Aeza International Ltd., Aeza Logistic LLC and Cloud Solutions LLC pursuant to E.O. 13694, as further amended by E.O. 14144 and E.O. 14306, for being owned or controlled by, or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Aeza Group, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 13694, as further amended by E.O. 14144 and E.O. 14306.
KEY AEZA GROUp PERSONNEL
Arsenii Aleksandrovich Penzev (Penzev) is the CEO and 33% owner of Aeza Group. Penzev has been involved in multiple bulletproof hosting and illicit drug marketplace businesses and has been arrested by Russian law enforcement for his placement of illicit drug marketplace Blacksprut onto Aeza Group infrastructure.
Yurii Meruzhanovich Bozoyan (Bozoyan) is the general director and 33% owner of Aeza Group. Bozoyan helped manage the finances of Aeza Group and was similarly arrested for his involvement in Blacksprut.
Vladimir Vyacheslavovich Gast (Gast) is the technical director for Aeza Group and works closely with Penzev and Bozoyan. Gast manages Aeza Group's internal network and oversaw the technical details of placing Blacksprut on Aeza Group infrastructure.
Igor Anatolyevich Knyazev (Knyazev) is the 33% owner of Aeza Group and is managing the company during the absence of Penzev and Bozoyan.
OFAC is designating Penzev, Bozoyan, Gast, and Knyazev pursuant to E.O. 13694, as further amended by E.O. 14144 and E.O. 14306, for being or having been a leader, official, senior executive officer, or member of the board of directors of Aeza Group.
SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONS
As a result of today's action, all property and interests in property of the designated or blocked persons described above that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked. Unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC, or exempt, OFAC's regulations generally prohibit all transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of blocked persons.
Violations of U.S. sanctions may result in the imposition of civil or criminal penalties on U.S. and foreign persons. OFAC may impose civil penalties for sanctions violations on a strict liability basis. OFAC's Economic Sanctions Enforcement Guidelines provide more information regarding OFAC's enforcement of U.S. economic sanctions. In addition, financial institutions and other persons may risk exposure to sanctions for engaging in certain transactions or activities involving designated or otherwise blocked persons. The prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any designated or blocked person, or the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person.
The power and integrity of OFAC sanctions derive not only from OFAC's ability to designate and add persons to the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (SDN List), but also from its willingness to remove persons from the SDN List consistent with the law. The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior. For information concerning the process for seeking removal from an OFAC list, including the SDN List, or to submit a request, please refer to OFAC's guidance on Filing a Petition for Removal from an OFAC List.
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Original text here: https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sb0185
New Chapter After Six Decades
FORT BELVOIR, Virginia, July 2 -- The U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Contract Audit Agency issued the following news:
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A new chapter after six decades
This July 1, the Defense Contract Audit Agency celebrates 60 years of auditing and financial advisory excellence with the beginning of a new decade of service. Before DCAA was established, each military branch conducted its own contract audits, each using different standards and procedures. This resulted in a duplicative and inefficient system that needed change. The DoD conducted a comprehensive review and created a solution that promoted
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FORT BELVOIR, Virginia, July 2 -- The U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Contract Audit Agency issued the following news:
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A new chapter after six decades
This July 1, the Defense Contract Audit Agency celebrates 60 years of auditing and financial advisory excellence with the beginning of a new decade of service. Before DCAA was established, each military branch conducted its own contract audits, each using different standards and procedures. This resulted in a duplicative and inefficient system that needed change. The DoD conducted a comprehensive review and created a solution that promotedconsistency and efficiency. The solution was to consolidate all contract audit functions into one agency and on July 1, 1965, the Defense Contract Audit Agency officially opened its doors.
The earliest DCAA auditors worked with paper, pencils, calculators, and general ledgers to merge three distinct audit organizations into a single unified mission to support the DoD and the Warfighter. These pioneers were future focused and created flexible auditing principles that could adapt to the times. Thanks to their forward thinking, today's auditors are empowered to succeed in a dynamic and technology-driven environment.
DCAA has come a long way in 60 years and continues evolving to properly support the DoD and the Warfighter. This year marks another important part of that journey. This anniversary, DCAA retires the Corporate Audit Directorate (CAD) and regional structure and introduces a new model to better serve the mission. The Land, Sea and Air Directorates are aligned with the military's major buying commands and reflect DCAA's focus on excellence, efficiency and cost savings.
* The Land Directorate is mission focused on liaison with Army Buying Commands and the major corporations that manufacture land systems.
* The Sea Directorate is responsible for liaison with Naval Sea Systems Command and the major corporations operating shipyards.
* The Air Directorate works closely with Air Force Buying Commands and major corporations that manufacture Aircraft and space systems.
This strategic shift reflects DCAA's continuing commitment to best serve the mission both in the present and the future. It further strengthens the relationship between DCAA and the Warfighter the work directly supports. This anniversary is more than a new decade of contract auditing and advisory services; it's a reminder of DCAA's commitment to support the Warfighter and protect the taxpayer.
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Original text here: https://www.dcaa.mil/Agency-News/Article-View/Article/4225285/a-new-chapter-after-six-decades/
IDB and World Bank Launch New Amazonia Bond Issuance Program
WASHINGTON, July 2 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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IDB and World Bank Launch New Amazonia Bond Issuance Program
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SEVILLE -- The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the World Bank launched a new platform to help countries and institutions raise private capital for sustainable development in the Amazonia region - combining environmental protection with economic and social impact.
The platform is grounded on the Amazonia Bond Issuance Guidelines, just issued jointly by the IDB and the World Bank. These guidelines provide a comprehensive
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WASHINGTON, July 2 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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IDB and World Bank Launch New Amazonia Bond Issuance Program
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SEVILLE -- The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the World Bank launched a new platform to help countries and institutions raise private capital for sustainable development in the Amazonia region - combining environmental protection with economic and social impact.
The platform is grounded on the Amazonia Bond Issuance Guidelines, just issued jointly by the IDB and the World Bank. These guidelines provide a comprehensiveframework for structuring bonds with clear criteria for use of proceeds, impact measurement, and transparency.
As a first move under the new program, the IDB plans to issue up to $1 billion in Amazonia Bonds - targeting projects that curb deforestation, protect biodiversity, and support local livelihoods and economic resilience.
"This program provides a clear framework for channeling private capital into sustainable development in Amazonia. With standards for how proceeds are used and reported, it gives investors the confidence that their financing will drive real impact - supporting projects that protect forests and biodiversity, offering concrete economic alternatives, strengthen local economies, and improve living conditions for communities across the region," said Ilan Goldfajn, president of the IDB.
"We are proud to support the launch of the Amazonia Bonds Issuance program - an important step toward mobilizing sustainable finance for one of the world's most vital regions. Through the Amazonia Viva framework, we are helping countries design credible, high-impact instruments that can attract private capital at scale - turning sustainable finance into real, lasting impact. This builds on technical assistance from the World Bank Group, which has helped emerging market public sector borrowers and commercial banks raise significant resources through labeled green, social, and sustainability bonds," said Carlos Felipe Jaramillo, World Bank vice-president for Latin America and the Caribbean.
Spain contributed $2 million through AECID to support the development of the guidelines and technical assistance for future issuers. The Green Climate Fund also provided key support.
All bond issuances under the program will be tracked on the Green Bond Transparency Platform - a public website launched and maintained by the IDB with technical assistance funding from the German government.
The initiative is part of the IDB's Amazonia Forever platform and complements the World Bank's Amazonia Viva program - reflecting deeper multilateral coordination ahead of COP30 in Brazil.
Home to over 47 million people and more than 20% of the world's freshwater, the Amazon region is vital to global climate stability. The new program offers a blueprint for mobilizing finance that supports both environmental protection and inclusive economic development.
About the IDB
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is devoted to improving lives across Latin America and the Caribbean. Founded in 1959, the IDB works with the region's public sector to design and enable impactful, innovative solutions for sustainable and inclusive development. Leveraging financing, technical expertise and knowledge, it promotes growth and well-being in 26 countries.
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Original text here: https://www.iadb.org/en/news/idb-and-world-bank-launch-new-amazonia-bond-issuance-program
IDB Launches Disaster Risk Instruments and Expands Coverage by $2 Billion
WASHINGTON, July 2 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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IDB Launches Disaster Risk Instruments and Expands Coverage by $2 Billion
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SEVILLE -- The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and IDB Invest are scaling up financial solutions to help countries and companies manage disaster-related risks and strengthen long-term resilience. This expansion includes an increase in disaster risk coverage and new instruments for both sovereign and private clients:
* Expanded Protection for Countries for disaster risk coverage by an additional $2 billion, through
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WASHINGTON, July 2 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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IDB Launches Disaster Risk Instruments and Expands Coverage by $2 Billion
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SEVILLE -- The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and IDB Invest are scaling up financial solutions to help countries and companies manage disaster-related risks and strengthen long-term resilience. This expansion includes an increase in disaster risk coverage and new instruments for both sovereign and private clients:
* Expanded Protection for Countries for disaster risk coverage by an additional $2 billion, throughthe Contingent Credit Facility and Climate Resilience Debt Clauses, responding to rising demand across the region.
* A pioneering Regional Disaster-Risk Transfer Program, led by the IDB, to help countries transfer extreme event risk to insurance and capital markets.
* A new private-sector Business Resilience Program from IDB Invest, introducing next-generation debt clauses that protect investments from a wider range of shocks.
"We are scaling up financial protection to help countries and companies manage disaster risks more effectively," said IDB President Ilan Goldfajn. "With these new tools and coverage, we are strengthening resilience, accelerating recovery, and making sure that financing is available when it's needed most."
This expansion builds on the IDB's regional program "Ready and Resilient Americas," launched in March to improve collaboration, readiness, and financial protection against disasters across Latin America and the Caribbean.
Expanded Protection for Countries
The IDB is expanding its disaster risk coverage by $2 billion - $1 billion for its Contingent Credit Facility for Natural Disasters, and another $1 billion through Climate Resilience Debt Clauses. Under the Contingent Credit Facility, the IDB is increasing the number of eligible countries and raising coverage by $1 billion to reach $5 billion in total protection in 2026. The facility provides quick-disbursing liquidity to help deliver humanitarian relief, restore basic services to the population, and enact other response measures in the wake of severe disasters or health crises.
Additionally, the Bank is also scaling up its Climate Resilience Debt Clauses, which allow eligible countries to pause debt payments in the event of a qualifying disaster. By 2026, the IDB will provide $4.2 billion in total coverage, including $1 billion in new protection. These clauses allow for a temporary pause on debt service payments in the event of qualifying natural disasters, freeing up critical fiscal space for emergency response and recovery efforts.
Regional Disaster-Risk Transfer Program
The new IDB-led program will support countries - particularly small and vulnerable economies with limited market access - in transferring disaster risk from events such as hurricanes, floods, droughts, earthquakes, and wildfires to the reinsurance and capital markets. In response to strong demand, initial support will be provided to Belize, Honduras, and Panama, with expansion planned for other countries and through regional risk-pooling mechanisms. Spain and France have expressed interest in supporting the initiative.
Private-Sector Business Resilience Program
IDB Invest is launching a first-of-its-kind MDB mechanism to protect private investments from a broad range of external shocks that affect business continuity. These debt clauses allow for principal deferrals and tenor extensions of up to two years, helping de-risk transactions and unlock greater private investment in sectors such as agribusiness, infrastructure, energy, and tourism.
While some commercial lenders have introduced similar tools for climate-related risks, IDB Invest is the first multilateral institution to design and deploy a resilience mechanism covering a wider spectrum of shocks - setting a benchmark for innovation in development finance.
About the IDB
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is devoted to improving lives across Latin America and the Caribbean. Founded in 1959, the IDB works with the region's public sector to design and enable impactful, innovative solutions for sustainable and inclusive development. Leveraging financing, technical expertise and knowledge, it promotes growth and well-being in 26 countries.
About IDB Invest
IDB Invest is a multilateral development bank committed to promoting the economic development of its member countries in Latin America and the Caribbean through the private sector. IDB Invest finances sustainable companies and projects to achieve financial results and maximize economic, social, and environmental development in the region. With a portfolio of $21 billion in assets under management and over 394 clients in 25 countries, IDB Invest provides innovative financial solutions and advisory services that meet the needs of its clients in a variety of industries. Visit our website: idbinvest.org/en.
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Original text here: https://www.iadb.org/en/news/idb-launches-disaster-risk-instruments-and-expands-coverage-2-billion
DISA Director Urges Cyber Professionals to Embrace Warfighting Mindset at HammerCon 2025
FORT MEADE, Maryland, July 2 -- The U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Information Systems Agency issued the following news:
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DISA director urges cyber professionals to embrace warfighting mindset at HammerCon 2025
By Marco A. Villasana Jr., DISA Public Affairs
Defense Information Systems Agency Director and Department of Defense Cyber Defense Command Commander Army Lt. Gen. Paul T. Stanton addressed a diverse audience of cyber professionals at HammerCon 2025, emphasizing the critical need to view cybersecurity through a warfighting lens.
During a fireside chat, Stanton shared his insights
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FORT MEADE, Maryland, July 2 -- The U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Information Systems Agency issued the following news:
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DISA director urges cyber professionals to embrace warfighting mindset at HammerCon 2025
By Marco A. Villasana Jr., DISA Public Affairs
Defense Information Systems Agency Director and Department of Defense Cyber Defense Command Commander Army Lt. Gen. Paul T. Stanton addressed a diverse audience of cyber professionals at HammerCon 2025, emphasizing the critical need to view cybersecurity through a warfighting lens.
During a fireside chat, Stanton shared his insightson the evolution of cyber operations and insisted on a coordinated, proactive approach to defending the Department of Defense Information Network.
He began by explaining that cyber as a profession is a combination of technical competency and the application of values. "You have your technical capabilities and then you apply, allocate and execute them through values." He lauded the assembled professionals, including junior enlisted service members, senior officers, civilians and industry experts, for their dedication to a common mission.
Stanton, who transitioned to the cyber field mid-career after serving as an infantry officer, including leading Soldiers in combat during the initial invasion of Iraq, highlighted the foundational nature of his early experiences. "It helped shape how I think, think like a maneuverist, think like gaining and maintaining contact with the enemy."
A key theme of his remarks was shifting from reactive incident response to a proactive mindset that imposes costs on adversaries. "Don't randomly chase incidents. Don't chase events. Think in context. Think about what the enemy is attempting to accomplish. Think about what missions are relevant to us. Think about where our missions and the enemy's intent and capabilities overlap, and in the center of that Venn diagram, build your engagement area, and then beat the enemy."
Photo of Lt. Gen. Stanton on stage with moderator Chris Cleary, near the lower right corner, facing to the left. The audience is in the lower left corner foreground facing away from the camera. Behind Stanton and Cleary is the national ensign, the flags of the services and the state flag of Maryland.
Stanton indicated that successful cyber warfare hinges on access to timely and accurate data. "Getting the right data to the right place at the right time to make a better and faster decision than the enemy is central to how we fight." He urged leaders at all levels to consider their data needs in the context of warfighting, drawing an analogy to the fuel for tanks in armor warfare. "You don't plan an armor mission without thinking about where your refuel point is. You simply don't, because a tank without fuel is useless."
He then cautioned the audience of how data transmission can expose warfighters to enemy electronic warfare capabilities. "It is critically important in today's day and age that we think about what data we need at what point in the battle, and then making sure it's available when it's needed. If you're continuously pushing data, you're not going to survive long."
Stanton declared that the network used to move data is a weapon system that requires rigorous training and a certain level of understanding. He referred to DISA's zero-trust architecture, Thunderdome, as a combination of weapon systems, saying, "if we're not trained and ready to use it, it's not effective. Anybody ever actually try to configure a zero-trust environment? It's complex. If you don't understand the tools that are inherent to it, then you're not going to configure it right. If you don't configure it right, then you've wrapped yourself in a false blanket of confidence that you have security."
Readiness remains a top priority for Stanton. He recommended integrating cyber awareness into all aspects of military training. He cited an example of the Army partnering with the Maneuver Center of Excellence to introduce electronic warfare capabilities into infantry training, disrupting communications and forcing Soldiers to adapt.
He stressed the importance of applying warfighting principles to cyber defense, prioritizing missions, identifying enemy intent, and focusing resources on defending what matters most.
"Attempting to defend everything effectively defends nothing, because you spread yourself too thin," said Stanton.
Stanton encouraged a campaigning approach to cyber defense, advocating for coordinated action against technological vulnerabilities and threat actors. "We need to campaign when we have a technological weakness in the DODIN. The execution against the enemy that's attacking that vulnerability needs to be coordinated."
Looking ahead, he underlined the need to modernize the architecture to be truly data-centric and to develop a workforce with the skills to operate successfully in this environment.
He challenged cyber professionals to communicate their domain to the broader warfighting community. "If you don't get gas, you don't move. If you don't have data, then you can't call for fire," he said, advocating for simple, relatable terms.
Stanton concluded by reiterating the professionalism and dedication of the cyber workforce. He emphasized the significance of technical competence aligned with strong values, inviting those dedicated to this mission to join the agency: "I am recruiting."
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Original text here: https://disa.mil/NewsandEvents/2025/0701-DISA-director-at-HammerCon
