Even before the United States’ strike on Iran last weekend, the United States was operating in probably the most volatile global threat environment in several decades. With the war in Ukraine entering its fifth year, on-going instability in Gaza, and simmering tensions in the South China Sea and Taiwan Straits, it’s imperative that the United States’ military identify operational advantages.
In support of the mission, DSI Group is hosting a two-day Town Hall focused on how FutureG networks can support the warfighter during these turbulent times. We had the opportunity to pre-view the event with Nicole Barto of DSI Group and are pleased to share her insights on the future of commercial and military network technologies in support of the Warfighter.
Modern Integrated Warfare (MIW): What operational advantages matter most in the present global threat environment?
Nikole Barto (NB): Operational advantage increasingly comes from faster decision-making, better situational awareness, and tighter coordination across domains. Ultra-low latency and highly reliable connectivity enable commanders to push sensing, data fusion, and analytics closer to the tactical edge, shortening command cycles and improving outcomes in contested environments. These network-enabled advantages directly support initiatives like Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2), where decision and data superiority are mission-critical.
MIW: How are America’s armed forces testing or deploying these capabilities?
NB: Rather than broad enterprise rollouts, Department of War (DoW) agencies are focusing on mission-driven experimentation. Efforts include deploying tactical 5G at the edge to support expeditionary units and forward operating bases, integrating commercial wireless technologies into defense environments, and piloting secure, resilient architectures that bring decision-making closer to operators. These pilots demonstrate how next-generation connectivity can support real-time command and control, logistics tracking, and operations under stress.
MIW: How does the threat landscape change with software-defined, virtualized, edge-based networks?
NB: Software-defined, virtualized, and edge-centric networks expand the threat landscape and attack surface beyond traditional radios and spectrum. For example, new attack surfaces emerge in orchestration layers, APIs, supply chains, and distributed edge nodes. Ensuring mission assurance now requires embedding cybersecurity and privacy protections from the outset, especially as commercial and military networks converge and open architectures like Open Radio Access Network Architectures (Open-RAN) are adopted.
MIW: How can FutureG support interoperability with joint and coalition partners?
NB: FutureG can significantly improve joint and coalition interoperability by emphasizing open architectures, common standards, and shared protocols. Secure, interoperable wireless frameworks make it easier for different services and allied forces to exchange information while still enforcing national caveats and security policies. This approach strengthens trust, resilience, and operational effectiveness as networks evolve.
MIW: Steps defense and intelligence leaders should take now
NB: Defense and intelligence leaders are being urged to act now by developing a clear roadmap toward FutureG. Key steps include deepening collaboration with industry and academia, prioritizing R&D in secure and resilient network capabilities, codifying best practices for tactical deployments, and investing in workforce skills and doctrine that treat networks as a core warfighting capability.
With FutureG and secure wireless network capabilities being a critical capability for DoW, Defense Strategies Institute’s FutureG for Defense & Warfare Summit, taking place March 25-26, 2026, in Washington, DC, provides a timely forum where experts and leaders in the telecommunications community will outline the priorities, plans, and policies shaping the future fight.
To join the conversation, showcase your products and services, and learn more about the critical updates related to wireless networks across the defense and intelligence community, click here. There is no charge for active-duty US military and US government employees.
This article was originally published on Government Technology Insider and reproduced here with permission.