July 31, 2025
Presented by AFCEA International
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Mike Black, retired U.S. Air Force Colonel and Vice President for Defense at AFCEA International, shares what he’s hearing and seeing across the Department of Defense’s evolving priorities—particularly in the non-kinetic battlespace. He notes a recurring theme at every AFCEA event he attends: artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and cybersecurity are dominating
conversations—regardless of service branch or region. Whether at events focused on the Army like TechNet Augusta, or in joint environments like INDOPACOM, leaders consistently emphasize the need to secure networks and understand both offensive and defensive cyber capabilities. AI and large language models are not just futuristic concepts—they’re tools actively shaping how the military operates, both at the edge of the battlefield and in support roles behind the scenes.
TechNet Augusta, one of AFCEA’s flagship events, serves as a microcosm of this trend. Black explains that the event brings together military leaders, industry innovators, and academia to address current and future challenges. Attendees can expect to hear from key Army leaders such as Lieutenant General Maria Barrett from Army Cyber Command, and Major General Paul Stanton from the Cyber Center of Excellence. High-level keynote sessions are complemented by more tactical discussions in theater sessions and the Innovation Showcase—where problem statements from the military are answered with real-world solutions from industry.
One standout feature this year is the presence of Colonel Zizza, J6 Director for the Security Assistance Group–Ukraine. Black calls this a “chance of a lifetime” to hear firsthand how technology is being used in an ongoing conflict. Zizza’s insights offer a direct line from the battlefield to those developing the tools of modern warfare. It’s especially critical for industry partners who may already have technologies in the field and are eager to hear feedback from operators on the ground.
For Black, the theme of this year’s event—non-kinetic dominance in multi-domain operations—captures the direction of modern conflict. “Non-kinetic” refers to operations that don’t involve physical force, such as cyber operations or electronic warfare, while “multi-domain” encompasses land, air, sea, space, and cyberspace. He emphasizes that adversaries are active in these domains as well, and the U.S. must be ready to both protect and leverage them. Importantly, success in this space requires interoperability among services and
Black reinforces the idea that success in today’s military environment requires early engagement between government, industry, and academia. He sees AFCEA’s role as a convener that helps break down silos, foster collaboration, and ensure that innovation is aligned with real-world needs.
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