The Department of the Navy's Information Superiority Vision 2.0 aims high but faces challenges that could impede its success.

1. Absence of a Standard for Efficient Information Management

ISV 2.0 lacks a benchmark for information and knowledge management. This absence of a measuring standard may make it hard for commanders to assess progress and effectiveness, turning information superiority into more of a concept than an achievement.

2. Limited Practical Value for Commanders

The strategy's breadth does not effectively translate into priorities for commanders across levels. Commanders typically focus on areas where they can have an impact; however, ISV 2.0 does not offer guidance to bridge this gap, making it challenging for leaders to incorporate these principles into their strategies.

3. Insufficient Pipeline of Cyber Talent

The current cyber talent pipeline falls short of meeting the demands of ISV 2.0. Competition with the sector for cyber professionals exacerbates this challenge. A compensated civilian cyber workforce is essential to address turnover rates and inconsistencies in military personnel expertise, without which sustaining the vision becomes doubtful.

4. Challenging Procurement Process and Technology Implementation

The process of acquiring technologies faces obstacles due to its pace and risk-averse nature, making it difficult to swiftly adopt and validate innovations. Additionally, ensuring security throughout an organization without a system for comprehensive scanning and cyber resilience from the supply chain to deployment adds complexity. These challenges threaten keeping up with advancements and effectively securing the information environment.

5. Issues with System Integration

Introducing systems within ISV 2.0 requires integration with existing systems. There is no clear strategy for ensuring smooth interoperability. Security in contracts often relies on equipment, discouraging contractors from developing connectors that facilitate data sharing between systems. Without an integration plan, the effectiveness of the vision is likely to fall below 30%, essentially making it "dead on arrival."

Closing Thoughts

While ISV 2.0 aims to prepare the Navy and Marine Corps for success in the era, its achievement hinges on addressing these shortcomings. Without standards, strategies, a sustainable cyber workforce for commanders, streamlined technology adoption processes, and effective system integration plans, the vision may not fully realize its objectives, leaving both branches vulnerable in an increasingly competitive information landscape.