Washington, March 25, (NationPress) The Pentagon has officially recognized cybersecurity and digital networks as vital elements of contemporary warfare, informing lawmakers that its "digital backbone" is now regarded as a "weapon system" essential for how U.S. forces engage, strategize, and achieve success in upcoming conflicts.

In a Senate Armed Services cyber subcommittee hearing, Department of Defense Chief Information Officer Kirsten Davies announced that the military is implementing a comprehensive reform of its enterprise IT and cybersecurity frameworks to secure a tactical advantage.

"Our priority is to establish data supremacy and decision superiority on the contested battlefields of both today and tomorrow at the speed and scale our warfighters deserve," stated Davies.

Chairman Mike Rounds emphasized the urgency of the situation, cautioning that outdated systems and sluggish processes now pose a strategic threat. He asserted that the capacity to "orient, decide, and respond more swiftly than adversaries will likely determine the outcome of the next significant conflict."

Davies presented a four-pillar transformation strategy designed to modernize networks, expedite software delivery, enhance cybersecurity measures, and cultivate a skilled workforce.

The first pillar involves upgrading core infrastructure, including undersea cables, fiber networks, and satellite communications, while also increasing the utilization of 5G technology and modernizing data centers. "This foundation supports all warfighting systems and our global operations," she remarked.

The second pillar emphasizes transitioning away from legacy software systems. Davies noted that the department is "moving from slow legacy software development to modern agile delivery" and is standardizing data architectures to facilitate quicker decision-making.

Regarding cybersecurity, she explained that the Pentagon is shifting from a "checklist-driven compliance" approach to a more dynamic, risk-based model that incorporates continuous monitoring and automation. "We will focus on reducing risk rather than burdening ourselves with excessive paperwork," she asserted.

Lt Gen Paul Stanton, head of the Defense Information Systems Agency and the Department of Defense Cyber Defense Command, remarked that the network itself must operate as a warfighting system.

"We need to ensure the right data reaches the right place at the right time, enabling our commanders to make faster and better decisions than our opponents," Stanton said.

He also pointed out that the military is already functioning under real-world stress conditions. "We are currently engaged in Operation Epic Fury," he explained, detailing how teams continuously monitor networks in real-time, redirect traffic, and swiftly deploy new solutions in case of disruptions.

He highlighted the importance of resilience in the system, noting, "We’re never reliant on a single capability as we enter combat," adding that the Pentagon utilizes a combination of terrestrial, undersea, and satellite communications.

Lawmakers expressed concerns regarding the Pentagon’s aging infrastructure and mounting technical debt. Rounds mentioned that years of underfunding have created "a technical debt issue of historic proportions" that adversaries are capitalizing on.

Davies acknowledged these challenges, stating that the reform aims to "reduce technical debt" and eliminate inefficiencies while accelerating modernization.

The hearing also brought to light tensions surrounding supply chain risks and artificial intelligence. Senator Jack Reed questioned the department about its decision to classify Anthropic as a supply chain risk and mandated its removal from DoD systems within 180 days.

Davies mentioned that the issue is currently under litigation and refrained from providing specifics during the open session but confirmed that the system remains operational throughout the transition. She stated that the Pentagon has designed its data architecture to interface with multiple AI systems to maintain flexibility.

Lawmakers also advocated for reforms in software approval processes and cloud computing. Davies indicated that the department is working to streamline its "authority to operate" framework and expand its Joint Warfighting Cloud Capability into a more integrated marketplace to enhance visibility and security.

For the Pentagon, this shift signifies a broader transformation in the conduct of warfare. Military leaders are increasingly recognizing networks, data, and software as critical instruments that connect sensors, commanders, and armaments across the battlefield.

Officials cautioned that delays in modernization could grant adversaries a significant advantage as they continue to exploit vulnerabilities in U.S. systems.