WOMEN IN TECH BLOG SERIES: TECH TALENTS WE NEED TO ACHIEVE THE ARMY'S MISSION
Written By: Ms. Jennifer Swanson, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army (Data, Engineering & Software)
Ms. Jennifer Swanson is the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Data, Engineering & Software (DASA(DES)), Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology (ASA(ALT)). In this position, Ms. Swanson leads implementation of modern software practices including agile software development and DevSecOps, data centricity, and digital engineering across ASA(ALT). Since standing up DASA(DES), she established a Unified Data Reference Architecture (UDRA) which will enable digital transformation by giving Program Managers and industry partners guidance on how to produce, share and consume data. At the direction of the VCSA, she co-led a Capability Portfolio Review securing senior leader endorsement to drive agile development and DevSecOps throughout the Army. And under her leadership, the Request for Proposal process is changing to require industry to deliver using modern software practices.
Prior to joining ASA(ALT), Ms. Swanson served as the Director of the U.S. Army Communications- Electronics Command (CECOM) Software Engineering Center (SEC) headquartered in Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD. As Director, she oversaw a global mission, running an organization of approximately 3,000 military, civilian and industry employees, with an annual budget in excess of $700 million. She provided state of the art software engineering products and services throughout the Army.
When I was asked to create a new team to serve as Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Data, Engineering & Software (DASA(DES)) in mid-2022, I was honored and excited. I was able to continue my passion for both working with technology and helping elevate Army capabilities for our Soldiers, who deserve the best as they fight to keep our Nation safe.
The request was in direct support of the Army’s mission to modernize, and we had already started on our journey through a digital transformation. And just like technology trends, we had to move fast to enable Army programs to move even faster. As a life-long techie who started off as the only woman in the room, I wasn’t afraid of change and had grown accustomed to driving it. Luckily, I have always been able to surround myself with smart and supportive people – and maybe it sounds counterintuitive, but…
People remain the heart of revolutionizing military operations with innovative tech – and that’s because of passion and purpose.
Those are the things that make a tangible difference in careers, and that’s what we look for when we’re looking for the brightest minds in tech. We look to align your professional endeavors with our overarching goals of effecting positive change, whether it’s closing critical gaps in Army operations or leveraging technology to enhance efficiency.
If it sounds like I’m making a hard sell to recruit, maybe I am 😊
As I look forward, I see a glaring challenge facing the Army in the scarcity of tech talent. We have immense opportunities for skilled individuals to contribute to program initiatives in everything from software development to data analytics, AI, digital engineering and cybersecurity. As the Army seeks to bolster its capabilities, there’s a resounding call for fresh perspectives and innovative solutions.
As we navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of technology and defense, we embrace the talents of forward-thinking individuals. Through a combination of technical expertise, soft skills, and a shared commitment to impact, tech professionals have the opportunity to shape the future of military operations. Our digital transformation continues to lead us through a journey that promises both challenges and rewards, as we collectively strive to safeguard the nation and advance the frontiers of innovation.
The views and opinions expressed in this guest blog post are solely those of the author and are not an endorsement of any organization or individual.