A guard architecture for improved coalition operations

Abstract

Current US military operations with coalition partners or allies are hampered by a lack of computer network interoperability. While this problem can probably be solved long-term for all computer services by new technology, centrally administered, secured, and widely available electronic mail (for authorized and registered users) with attachments between the US SECRET IP Routed Network (SIPRNET) and our foreign partner's classified networks lies within our grasp now. While email is not the ultimate answer, it is the 70% solution. The way to achieve this is to modify our existing mail guard policy and change how the mail guards are administered. The paper explains how the current system works, what the policy should be, and proposes a specific technical solution. Neither the technical solution nor the policy change can be effective without the other; both are required to make the whole work.