Smack Technologies Inc.

Looking for the next big things in situational awareness and decision-making or predictive maintenance and supply? These 5 vendors are changing DoD abilities. Find out more 👉 https://lnkd.in/ebcbWGzN 1️⃣ Red Hat - Improving situational awareness and decision-making Learn more at www.redhat.com/en 2️⃣ Systecon North America - Implementing predictive maintenance and supply Uncover this solution at https://lnkd.in/eeR33vE 3️⃣ Smack Technologies Inc. - Improving situational awareness and decision-making Find out more at smacktechnologies.com 4️⃣ Binoloop - Streamlining business processes Explore this solution at www.binoloop.com 5️⃣ Deep Media Inc - Improving situational awareness and decision-making Discover this solution at https://deepmedia.ai/ Covering AI processes and assurance, decision-making, and assessment and compliance, these solutions are remodeling DoD tech capabilities. Find your next innovation: https://buff.ly/4eMIytx #tradewinds #defensetech #AIinnovation #companyshoutout | Vince "Swath" Pecoraro | Keith W. Gibson, CFCM, SCPM | Bonnie Evangelista | Anne Laurent | Sana U. Hoda | Tattiana Peters | Lori-Ann Rissler | Dr. Dolores Kuchina-Musina | Ryan Connell | Savon Thomas | DoD Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office | John Ferry | BENJAMIN MCMARTIN | Karen Krause-Bencal | AcqBot | Kevin Kostka | Jason R. Preisser | Benjamin Griffin | Jess Resig | Garrett Wright

I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as Strategic Planning Consultant at Smack Technologies Inc.! Officially on the retired rolls as of the beginning of the month. Still adhering in spirit to the advice offered by senior mentors to not become deceisvely engaged for a period of time post transition. More importantly still focused on giving back to those closest to me that enabled my adventure. That said, the opportunity to work part time with Smack allows me to leverage expertise gained over the past several years and assignments to assist a bold start up in their pursuit of solutions for the toughest problems I faced. Moreover what they are doing with technology is, in my experience, unique. Specifically leveraging the potential of AI-with the sober realization that many say AI but its applications in the military arena are often more desire than substance. The specific problems we’re jumping into, in my words, solve the challenge I had looking at the JTF commander when working on behalf of the US Pacific Fleet for how the campaign was unfolding, and how soon would we culminate across various domains. Regardless of time epoch and classification level, the math is challenging and future planning tools to allow for rapid iteration were sorely lacking. I’m excited to bring time spent in the Pacific, aside others like Clint Alanis, to bear in the life after active duty. As a snippet of what I’ve been working on-because everything is better with a picture-here’s an update to what we used to call the volcano and the waterfall. Initially done in the pursuit of a Commandant directed brief to explore the primary pacing threat’s center of gravity(ties), this updates it for the new joint vernacular. Beyond just deterrence. Likewise it highlights informinance as a precursor. So much more to unpack, but a taste of taking context and applying it. More to follow!

Brace for impact Quote: “Change is the law of life.  And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.”  -President John F Kennedy I don’t remember the tipping point exactly. It wasn’t Officer Candidate School, The Basic School, or even Infantry Officer Course. Each of those was hard in its unique way, but I don’t recall a moment that suddenly transformed me into someone who could not only deal with uncomfortable situations but was actually comfortable with discomfort. The same is probably true for many of you reading this today. Many have gone through life’s vagaries and emerged stronger. With enough repetition, the callouses built up through those life lessons, and now you are more resilient, or antifragile, than before. Why, then, do groups—whether military units or civilian organizations—struggle so much with change? Why are we collectively resistant to allowing our organizations to experience discomfort? Instead of accepting the possibility of discomfort, organizations often embrace inefficient or ineffective systems and procedures. Change is not just an option; it’s a necessity. Warfare constantly evolves, and our approach must evolve with it. The comfortable routines and strategies of the past may no longer serve us in future conflicts. Organizations must sometimes admit that the lessons they learned were the wrong lessons. I don’t mean learning through negative experiences, which can be beneficial. The stove is hot—don’t touch it. Don’t check in early to a new duty station—you’ll get duty. Life lessons like these are valuable. But sometimes we learn counterfactuals or we incorrectly correlate lessons from one area to another completely different area. Every lesson must be thoroughly examined, not for appropriateness in the context it was learned, but for applicability moving forward. We are a nation with some of the most combat experience in the world. The hard question to ask is whether the lessons learned in those 20+ years are relevant for the next fight. In one way or another, change is coming. Embracing discomfort is crucial to not only navigating but excelling in that environment. It forces us to think creatively, innovate, and prepare for the unexpected. We must look beyond recent history and adopt strategies that have stood the test of time while remaining open to new, uncharted methods. Resisting change can have severe consequences. In an era of rapid technological advancements and shifting geopolitical landscapes, those who cling to outdated practices may find themselves at a significant disadvantage. Let’s challenge ourselves to step out of our comfort zones, question old assumptions, and forge new paths. Our ability to adapt and innovate will determine our success in future conflicts. #Innovation #Change #MilitaryStrategy #Warfare #Leadership #Adaptability

From Silos to Synergy: The Future of Military Cooperation “Individually, we are one drop.  Together, we are an ocean.” - Ryunosuke Satoro SEAT AT THE TABLE!! As a nation, we often struggle with partnerships. Sometimes we put in the effort to be good partners; other times, not so much. We may treat our partners as equals, but we often prioritize our goals over true collaboration. Despite the lip service paid to working with international partners for national security, the reality is often more complex. We build coalitions of like-minded nations with a promise of equality and shared national security objectives, but in reality we force relationships to operate in silos. Information sharing is limited by bureaucratic, political, or technological barriers, hindering our ability to respond effectively to threats. Fragmented communication and isolated intelligence are significant drawbacks in fast-paced, high-stakes environments. “OH, YEAH!!!” - KOOL-AID MAN The future of national security requires breaking down these silos. As we face potential high-intensity conflicts, success hinges on a robust coalition of nations working seamlessly to the same effect. Today's threats, and their potential escalation into conflict, demand coordination and cooperation that go beyond traditional alliances. To achieve seamless operation, we must invest in interoperable systems and foster a culture of mutual trust. This means not only sharing intelligence but also integrating operational strategies and capabilities. Transparency and a willingness to adapt together are crucial. In an era of rapid technological advancement, our ability to integrate and collaborate will determine our collective security. IT’S ALL ABOUT TRUST Additionally, the strength of our partnerships lies not just in military might but in the depth of our relationships and how much we value our partners' perspectives. Building stronger alliances involves continuous dialogue, understanding cultural differences, and aligning goals in both crisis and routine practice. We have seen the benefits of such cooperation in operations and exercises, where combined efforts led to success. But these instances must become the norm, not the exception. The future demands a proactive approach to partnership and technological integration, constantly seeking ways to enhance interoperability and effectiveness. As we look ahead, let us commit to strengthening our alliances, breaking down silos with technology and innovation, and working together more cohesively. The challenges we face are too great for any one nation to tackle alone. By embracing a truly collaborative approach, we can better ensure the safety and security of our global community. Teamwork makes the dream work, and in national security, this couldn’t be more true. #NationalSecurity #Partnerships #Alliances #Teamwork #GlobalSecurity #FutureWarfare #Interoperability #Coalitions