Joint Task Force - Global Network Operations

Commander
Lieutenant General Carroll F. Pollett

Website:
https://www.jtfgno.mil/

Mission
The Joint Task Force-Global Network Operations (JTF-GNO) directs the operation and defense of the Global Information Grid to assure timely and secure Net-Centric capabilities across strategic, operational, and tactical boundaries in support of DoD's full spectrum of war fighting, intelligence, and business missions.

Background
In 1998 the Department of Defense recognized a growing cyber threat and in response created the Joint Task Force—Computer Network Defense (JTF-CND), which achieved initial operational capability on 30 December 1998 and full operational capability by June 1999.

In the fall of 2000, in accordance with DoD doctrine, JTF-CND became the Joint Task Force—Computer Network Operations (JTF-CNO). In October 2002, the new Unified Command Plan, Change 2, re-aligned JTF-CNO under the United States Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM).

The JTF-CNO began its largest and most comprehensive transformation in April 2004 when the Commander of US Strategic Command approved the Joint Concept of Operations for Global Information Grid Network Operations. This “NetOps CONOPS” provided the common framework and command and control structure to conduct the USSTRATCOM Unified Command Plan-assigned mission of Global Network Operations, combining the disciplines of enterprise systems and network management, network defense, and information decision management.

The Secretary of Defense signed a delegation of authority letter on 18 June 2004, designating the Director, Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) as the new Commander of the JTF-GNO. With this designation, the new command assumed the responsibility for directing the operation and defense of the GIG.

This transformation enhanced the JTF-GNO’s mission and objectives in achieving the Joint Vision 2020 Objective Force and the evolving concept of Net-Centricity.

Current Operations
The JTF-GNO functions in accordance with Unified Command Plan 2002 (Change 2) and the Joint Concept of Operations for GIG NetOps, assuring Global Information Superiority by achieving the three assurances outlined in the Joint Concept of Operations for GIG NetOps: Assured System and Network Availability, Assured Information Protection, and Assured Information Delivery.

Within each theater of operation, the JTF-GNO operates through Theater NetOps Centers (TNCs), established through the functional merger of DISA's Regional Network Operations and Security Centers (RNOSCs), Regional Computer Emergency Response Teams (RCERTs), and Regional SATCOM Support Centers (RSSC). The TNCs establish, maintain, and provide theater-level GIG SA.

The GNC is responsible for directing the response to Global NetOps issues and overseeing compliance in accordance with GIG operational policies. The GNC exercises Operational Control (OPCON) of the Theater NetOps Centers (TNC) for Global NetOps issues.

The TNCs provide technical support and execution and are Tactical Control (TACON) for Theater NetOps issues to CCs for those parts of the GIG under their control. The TNCs act as the theater focal point to maintain NetOps SA, support the CCs in executing their GIG responsibilities, and serve as liaison between a Theater C4 Control Center (TCCC) or Global C4 Control Center (GCCC) and the JTF-GNO.

For Theater NetOps issues, the GNC supports the CCs by ensuring availability of the GIG through coordination with the TCCC or GCCC, TNCs, Services and Agencies. The Services and Agencies operate and maintain the systems and networks they provide as part of the GIG, in compliance with GIG operations policy and direction of the GNC and appropriate TCCC or GCCC.

JTF GNO is authorized 136 billets.

(Current as of January 2009)