Streamlining DoD DevSecOps
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- The Dod Enterprise DevSecOps Initiative
- Platform One: The DevSecOps Managed Service Capability
- Cloud One: Bringing Access to Azure Government and Amazon GovCloud
- Key Foundational Aspects of the DevSecOps Initiative
5.1 Open Source Technologies
5.2 Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF)
5.3 Zero Trust Stack
- Continuous Authority to Operate (ATO)
- Training and Self-Learning Capabilities
- Agile Contracting Language
- Platform One Services
9.1 Reaper One: Source Code Repository
9.2 Iron Bank: Binary Repository
- Choosing the Right Kubernetes Distribution
- Managed Tools and Services
- Deployment Options: Party Bus and Dedicated Enclaves
- Cloud Native Access Point (CNAP)
- Training and Culture of DevSecOps
- DevSecOps Basic Ordering Agreements (BOAs)
- The DevSecOps Reference Design and CICD Pipelines
- Strangler Pattern for Legacy Application Migration
- Conclusion
Article: The Power of the Dod Enterprise DevSecOps Initiative and Platform One
Have You ever wondered how the Department of Defense (DoD) is leveraging cutting-edge technologies and agile practices to enhance software development and deployment? In this article, we will explore the Dod Enterprise DevSecOps Initiative and Platform One, a devsecops managed service capability, and their role in transforming the IT landscape within the DoD.
1. Introduction
As the Chief Software Officer for the Air Force and co-leader of the Dod Enterprise DevSecOps Initiative, I am excited to share with you the details of these groundbreaking initiatives. The DoD Enterprise DevSecOps Initiative is a joint team effort between the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), the DoD Chief Information Officer (CIO), and the different military services. Its primary aim is to bring enterprise-level capabilities to the DoD through Cloud One, which provides access to Azure Government and Amazon GovCloud, and Platform One, the devsecops managed service capability.
2. The Dod Enterprise DevSecOps Initiative
The Dod Enterprise DevSecOps Initiative is a collaborative effort between the OSD, the DoD CIO, and the various military services. This initiative focuses on bringing cloud-Based, secure, and scalable devsecops capabilities to the DoD. By leveraging the power of open-source technologies and following the principles of the Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF), the DoD is ensuring that it is not locked into any specific cloud provider or platform.
3. Platform One: The DevSecOps Managed Service Capability
At the heart of the Dod Enterprise DevSecOps Initiative is Platform One, the devsecops managed service capability. Platform One provides a host of services and tools that enable teams within the DoD to develop, test, and deploy software more efficiently. With Platform One, teams can leverage a CNCF-compliant Kubernetes cluster, a containerized CI/CD pipeline, and a service mesh for zero-trust networking.
One of the key aspects of Platform One is its emphasis on automation and repeatability. By using infrastructure as code (IaC) and GitOps principles, teams can ensure that their deployments are consistent across different environments and that changes are tracked and version-controlled. This not only improves the speed and efficiency of the development process but also reduces the risk of configuration drift and human error.
4. Cloud One: Bringing Access to Azure Government and Amazon GovCloud
Cloud One, another component of the Dod Enterprise DevSecOps Initiative, provides access to both Azure Government and Amazon GovCloud. This gives teams within the DoD the flexibility to choose the cloud provider that best suits their needs while ensuring compliance with government regulations. By leveraging Cloud One, teams can streamline their access to secure and scalable cloud resources, further enhancing their devsecops capabilities.
5. Key Foundational Aspects of the DevSecOps Initiative
The success of the Dod Enterprise DevSecOps Initiative relies on several key foundational aspects. First and foremost is the emphasis on open-source technologies. By leveraging open-source tools and frameworks, the DoD can avoid vendor lock-in and take AdVantage of the innovations and contributions from a global community of developers.
Another crucial aspect is the adherence to the principles of the Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF). The CNCF provides a set of best practices for building and orchestrating containerized applications. By following these principles, the DoD ensures that its devsecops infrastructure is scalable, resilient, and built on industry-standard technologies.
The initiative also places a strong emphasis on the concept of zero trust. This means that every component of the devsecops stack, from the containerized applications to the networking infrastructure, is designed with security in mind. Behavior detection and continuous monitoring are key components of the zero-trust stack, ensuring that any suspicious activities are quickly identified and remediated.
6. Continuous Authority to Operate (ATO)
One of the significant advantages of adopting the Dod Enterprise DevSecOps Initiative is the ability to obtain a Continuous Authority to Operate (ATO). Traditionally, the ATO process in the DoD is time-consuming and can significantly delay software deployments. By implementing the DevSecOps philosophy and leveraging automation, the DoD can streamline the ATO process and deliver software to end-users multiple times a day, as frequently as needed.
The Continuous ATO process follows a different set of guidelines compared to traditional ATOs. It focuses on accrediting the devsecops factory itself, ensuring that the software development and deployment processes are well-defined and adhere to established security controls. This allows teams to operate at a faster pace while maintaining the required level of security and compliance.
7. Training and Culture of DevSecOps
As the Dod Enterprise DevSecOps Initiative expands, it becomes essential to train personnel to embrace and adopt the new practices and principles. The initiative includes comprehensive training options, both self-learning and instructor-led, to educate over 100,000 individuals within a year. These training resources are curated from industry-leading organizations such as O'Reilly, Linux Foundation, and CNCF and provide real-time commercial access to content and cloud sandboxes for hands-on experience.
Building a culture of DevSecOps within the DoD is equally crucial. By fostering a collaborative environment and emphasizing the shared responsibility of security and operations, teams can work together more effectively and deliver high-quality software at a faster pace. The adoption of Agile contracting language further supports this cultural shift, allowing for more flexibility and agility in the procurement process.
8. Strangler Pattern for Legacy Application Migration
One common challenge faced by organizations when adopting DevSecOps is migrating legacy applications to the new infrastructure and practices. The Strangler Pattern is a highly effective approach for gradually migrating legacy applications to a microservices architecture. Instead of attempting to refactor the entire legacy codebase at once, the Strangler Pattern involves extracting different domains or functionalities into microservices and gradually replacing the legacy components.
By following the Strangler Pattern, teams can prioritize work based on user demand and continuously improve the legacy application while building new microservices. This approach ensures that user feedback and business needs drive the migration process, resulting in a smoother transition and superior user experience.
9. Conclusion
The Dod Enterprise DevSecOps Initiative and Platform One are revolutionizing software development and deployment within the Department of Defense. By adopting devsecops principles, leveraging open-source technologies, and embracing automation, the DoD can drive innovation, enhance security, and improve the agility of its software development processes.
Through continuous training, the creation of managed service capabilities, and the adoption of modern software development practices, the DoD is transforming the way it delivers software. This not only benefits the DoD itself but also extends to other agencies and the defense industrial base, enabling collaboration and innovation across the entire ecosystem.
As the initiative continues to evolve, it is essential to keep pace with the latest developments, build a culture of DevSecOps, and leverage the resources and support provided by Platform One. With the Dod Enterprise DevSecOps Initiative, the DoD is well-positioned to meet the challenges of modern warfare and deliver software at the speed of relevance.
Highlights:
- The Dod Enterprise DevSecOps Initiative and Platform One are transforming software development within the Department of Defense.
- The initiative emphasizes open-source technologies, adherence to the Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) principles, and the implementation of zero trust.
- Continuous Authority to Operate (ATO) enables faster software deployment by streamlining the accreditation process.
- Training and cultural transformation are crucial components of the DevSecOps initiative.
- The Strangler Pattern allows for the gradual migration of legacy applications to a microservices architecture.
FAQ:
Q: What is the Dod Enterprise DevSecOps Initiative?
A: The Dod Enterprise DevSecOps Initiative is a joint team effort between the OSD, the DoD CIO, and the various military services to bring enterprise-level devsecops capabilities to the DoD.
Q: What is Platform One?
A: Platform One is the devsecops managed service capability of the Dod Enterprise DevSecOps Initiative, providing a host of services and tools for efficient software development and deployment.
Q: How does the Dod Enterprise DevSecOps Initiative ensure security?
A: The initiative incorporates the principles of zero trust, behavior detection, and continuous monitoring to ensure the security of the devsecops stack.
Q: What is the Continuous Authority to Operate (ATO)?
A: The Continuous ATO process allows for faster software deployment by streamlining the accreditation process and ensuring security and compliance through automation.
Q: How can teams migrate legacy applications to a devsecops environment?
A: The Strangler Pattern is a recommended approach for gradually migrating legacy applications to a microservices architecture, prioritizing work based on user demand and continuously improving the system.
Q: What training resources are available for personnel under the initiative?
A: The initiative offers comprehensive training options, including self-learning resources and instructor-led courses provided by industry-leading organizations.
Q: Can other agencies and the defense industrial base benefit from the initiative?
A: Yes, the initiative aims to enable collaboration and innovation across the entire ecosystem, extending its benefits to other agencies and the defense industrial base.
