War on the Rocks Moving Fast and Breaking Things
9 snips
Jun 3, 2025 Justin Fanelli, Chief Technology Officer of the Department of the Navy, dives into the dynamic intersection of innovation and military needs. He discusses how the Navy is integrating commercial technology to enhance mission effectiveness while balancing operational demands. Fanelli highlights the push for better enterprise services that improve sailors' lives and the critical role of 'Mavericks' in fostering innovation. The conversation also touches on the urgent need for improved AI education and training to bolster human-machine collaboration in the defense sector.
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Balancing Commercial and Mission Needs
- The Navy treats commercial off-the-shelf solutions and mission-specific systems as an optimized portfolio, not a seesaw.
- Speed to outcome and impact is the key measure, not just whether a company is new or old.
Prioritize Based on Impact Metrics
- Shift focus from quantity of meetings with companies to prioritizing solutions with the best measurable impact.
- Use outcome-driven metrics that reflect real effectiveness, not just inputs like schedule or cost.
Enterprise Services Reduce Stress
- A naval carrier chief systems officer used enterprise services to video chat with family during a Red Sea operation.
- This reduced stress for crew and families and improved quality of life and work.