Securing America’s borders from land, sea and air is a critical national priority where technology plays a vital role. This was the focus of the Homeland Security & Defense Forum’s recent annual
Border Security Symposium, where I was honored to represent GDIT as a panelist during a session titled “Enhanced Situational Awareness for Improved Mission Outcomes.”
Alongside fellow panelists, Rear Admiral Jo-Ann Burdian, Senior Advisor to the Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard; Ryan Riccucci, Division Chief, Enforcement Technology & Operational Programs, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP); and David BeMiller, the former Deputy Chief of Border Patrol, we discussed how the current border security picture is complex and requires a layered coordinated approach from all parties involved. This is exponentially more important when considering the use of AI by agencies and adversaries alike or the threat of unmanned aerial systems and how to counter that threat. Achieving this will require a level of situational awareness that presents a clear opportunity for improvement today.
Layered Situational Awareness Can be Built
Whether talking about illegal trade, narcotics smuggling or human trafficking, securing our border involves complex, varied and dynamic datasets and undeniably significant consequences. It’s critical to have the kind of situational awareness that gives operators and decision-makers the information they need at the moment they need them. This includes strategic insights from domain experts and tactical, in-the-moment intelligence gleaned at the ground level. These efforts demand the ability to communicate, collaborate and share information jointly and effectively.
A layered approach incorporates air, water, surface and signals intelligence (SIGINT) with overlays at different operator levels alongside partners like local utilities, law enforcement agencies and international agencies.
It Takes Technology, Sustained Funding and Program Management
The need for layered situational awareness is clear and the technologies to deliver it already exist. What’s missing is sustained funding and sustained program management structures that, together, enable true progress.
Today’s technologies can dramatically strengthen awareness at our borders. Cameras, sensors on land and in the water, and airborne platforms can work together to give operators a clear, consistent picture of what’s happening. As an example, our autonomous tower capabilities are able to integrate additional sensors to support counter-UAS solutions and functionality. Through these kinds of integrations, capabilities can and should be enhanced with the latest in AI and full-spectrum cyber to securely automate and expand our monitoring abilities. Sustained funding and program management approaches can make this envisioned and attainable future a reality.
Industry Partners Stand Ready
Given the complexity and criticality of the mission, success will require more than small, isolated efforts. Experienced systems integrators with deep mission insight, advanced technologies, and proven scalability are uniquely positioned to take on this challenge.
From AI to Full-Spectrum Cyber to Mission Software Development, GDIT stands ready to partner with agencies in this endeavor. It’s doable, it’s important and it needs to start now. We are actively and constantly investing in the accelerated development of new technologies and solutions to meet the mission.
