REDSTONE ARSENAL, Alabama -- One U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command employee shared her thoughts on how she, along with her team, supports the organization.
Torri Johnson, USASMDC/ARSTRAT G-6 Cyber Security Policy and Accreditation Branch chief, is originally from Virginia Beach, Virginia, and now calls Madison home. She provides cyber security expertise as it relates to the SMDC portfolio of information systems in Alabama, Colorado and other outlying areas.
"I really enjoy helping people and it comes from the heart," Johnson said about why she wanted to work for the Army. "Anytime I provide a solution for anyone, I think about if it could be that person's father or mother or son or daughter and try to assist them as much as possible."
Johnson talked about what she enjoys about her job and working at the command.
"It is truly an honor to work with talented engineers and scientists devoted to the success of the SMDC mission while consistently pushing the envelope with regard to providing critical capabilities to the Warfighter," Johnson said.
She also talked about her favorite thing about working for the Army and supporting Soldiers.
"I have the unique opportunity to discuss emerging technology requirements with directorates and staff elements within the command," Johnson said. "I provide guidance on how to best incorporate cybersecurity regulations and policies into the given project as a means to protect SMDC data and assets. The services my office provides for the command can only enhance our cybersecurity posture.
"Every day, to me, is a challenge," Johnson said. "I want to know how I can help the command and how I can best provide a cyber-based solution that meets the needs of the mission and makes an impact. Whether it is short-term or long-term, I want to leave a legacy for the command."
Johnson took a moment to discuss how her office, in conjunction with others throughout the command, supports the mission of defending the nation.
"I hope to improve SMDC's cybersecurity posture by using resources we already have, while also identifying resources we will need," Johnson said. "This will help protect us against our adversaries. When we all work together as a command, including our outlying units across the globe, we can attack the mission together. Because cyber has been so popular recently, it is getting the attention it deserves."
She then told how she would like to change some perceptions about the cyber team across the Army.
"I would change the stigma associated with the terms information assurance and cybersecurity," Johnson said. "The cybersecurity team is inspired by men and women in uniform and their daily contributions to this country, and, with this in mind, it is our duty to provide the best cyber solution possible for any mission requirement."
Johnson took a moment and gave advice to new employees who want to improve themselves and hope to be a leader one day.
"Become extremely familiar with all of the regulations and policies that encompass your particular field so you are able to give that type of guidance that all of the staff elements and directorates need," Johnson said. "Become the subject matter expert in your work environment so that you understand what people do.
"Do not give up," she added. "Avoid setting limits and blueprint your dreams. Courage is something that people sometimes struggle with and that is so fundamental because sometimes the right thing isn't the most popular thing. You also have to understand how to base Army policy and regulation against what the mission needs are. Sometimes it is the ability to synthesize both of those together to meet the goal of the mission and to deliver that in a nice, pretty package."
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