To stay ahead of national threats, the Department of Defense (DoD) must turn data into a strategic weapon. A Data Operations driven approach provides the agility, trust, and scale needed to deliver decision advantage at the speed missions require. Through alignment with DoD’s Zero Trust Strategy and Data Strategy along with initiatives like Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2), Data Operations (DataOps) helps transform raw information into a trusted asset that is available across land, air, sea, space, and cyber domains.
The DoD’s capacity for rapid, informed decisions underpins its operational strength. Army ground units need to share intelligence with Air Force support operations, U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) teams require instant access to multi-source data for special operations, and the U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) must coordinate complex logistics across global theaters. Delays, siloes, or limited data access compromise mission outcomes and warfighter readiness. At the same time, the department must secure its data across multiple domains without restricting its use for critical operations.
Moving to a data-centric model that prioritizes DataOps connects data governance, modern infrastructure, and mission needs. It aligns with the DoD’s vision of “data as a strategic asset,” supporting both current requirements and future applications of artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and decision intelligence.
The value of a dataops strategy
DataOps combines tools, processes, and expertise to bring modular infrastructure to manage data across its full lifecycle. By borrowing from DevSecOps and agile software principles, it supports interoperability, auditability, and mission-aligned data use, which are key pillars in both the DoD Software Modernization Strategy and the AI hierarchy of needs outlined by the Chief Digital and AI Office (CDAO).
Platforms like Advana, the DoD’s enterprise data environment managed by the CDAO, are already applying these principles to unify data across services and support enterprise-level analytics, audit readiness, and mission planning. DataOps strengthens the foundation beneath these platforms by supporting governed, scalable, and mission-aligned data pipelines across all domains.
DataOps also supports the development of a modern data fabric, giving combatant commands and components the tools to discover, access, and apply data in real time, across domains, platforms, and classification levels.
For commanders and analysts at the tactical edge, DataOps delivers three key capabilities:
1. Decentralized data management
DataOps gives each domain ownership of its data, aligned with data mesh principles, while supporting federation, discoverability, and integration. Units can manage their data end-to-end, from collection through operational use, while contributing to enterprise-wide interoperability under JADC2. For example, a SOCOM team can manage mission-specific data while maintaining secure connectivity with joint data environments.
2. Secure data handling
DataOps automates key security and governance functions, helping enforce the tenets of the DoD Zero Trust Strategy. Role-based access controls (RBAC), data encryption, tokenization, and attribute-based access policies help protect sensitive data while keeping it usable for those with mission need-to-know. Automated policy enforcement reduces risk and supports compliance with federal mandates like FedRAMP. These safeguards also ensure classified data is handled properly before it is integrated into automated systems.
3. Self-service data tools
Self-service infrastructure gives teams direct access to the data pipelines they depend on. Tools for data ingestion, transformation, and storage reduce reliance on centralized IT support while maintaining enterprise-wide standards. As AI-based frameworks become more integrated into operations, structured data management will help systems generate accurate and reliable insights.
Implementing dataops for operational success
A successful DataOps implementation addresses the specific demands of military operations. Architecture should support modular, scalable components that can flex from small-unit tactical operations to theater-wide joint campaigns. Alignment with the DoD Data Strategy and Software Modernization Strategy can build adaptable infrastructure that supports a range of mission outcomes.
DoD organizations looking to strengthen their decision advantage should prioritize the following in their DataOps strategy:
- Security architecture: Apply Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) principles outlined in the DoD Zero Trust Strategy and meet FedRAMP-moderate protocols to protect data while keeping it accessible to authorized users.
- Operational flexibility: Adopt workflows aligned with the DoD Software Modernization Strategy and DevSecOps principles to support daily operations and the increased demands of surge or rapid-response missions. Modular, API-driven data services support systems as they scale and adapt.
- Scalable infrastructure: Ensure solutions work equally well for small unit operations and larger deployments.
- Mission integration: Deploy data tools that complement existing workflows and fit naturally into operational routines.
- Edge capability: Provide reliable access at the tactical edge to maintain decision advantage in all locations.
- Interoperability: Allow secure, standards-based data sharing across domains without compromising data integrity.
Strategic partnerships for operational impact
Defense leaders are at a pivotal moment to reassess how data is managed, shared, and secured. By adopting a DataOps strategy and aligning with an experienced partner like Maximus, who brings deep expertise in federal data ecosystems, defense agencies can unlock smarter, faster, and more secure decision-making. The right partnership doesn’t just support compliance; it accelerates mission success and ensures data becomes a true operational asset.
For more information, visit maximus.com/defense.