Enabling mission success: CSLA at your CIR-vice

FORT HUACHUCA, Ariz. – In today’s complex operational environment, secure communications are essential. The CECOM Integrated Logistics Support Center Communications Security Logistics Activity provides comprehensive logistics and operational support for communications security equipment, cryptographic keys, and related technologies to safeguard national security. A key component of this support is CSLA’s network of COMSEC InfoSec Representatives – experienced security specialists who deliver both virtual and on-site expertise and training to Army units worldwide.

Since 1998, this team of CIRs has directly supported Soldiers and their Commands, both domestically and abroad, bringing over 100 years of combined expertise. They provide more than just equipment; they deliver understanding through training, technical guidance, and assistance with COMSEC-related policy, doctrine, maintenance, and logistics.

Comprehensive support: Meeting the warfighter at the point of need

Currently, 12 CIR locations are strategically positioned around the globe to support all three Army components. While most often aligned with Divisions, their support extends to all Army units within their regions. A recent realignment placed a CIR at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, directly supporting the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). “CSLA support has been an invaluable resource in maintaining the integrity and security of COMSEC assets and the communications infrastructure critical to the warfighter mission on Fort Campbell,” Maj. Gen. Brett G. Sylvia, commanding general of the 101st Airborne Division and Fort Campbell, stated.

CIR support is tailored to unit needs and encompasses a wide range of services. This includes assisting with deployments and redeployments, training new Key Management Infrastructure Operating Account Managers, aiding property book officers with COMSEC accountability, processing requests and turn-ins, and validating COMSEC readiness before major exercises and operations like warfighter scenarios.

“The CIR explains the specific instructions and changes that are required within the COMSEC accounts down to local elements in detail,” Norman Edwards, CIR for the US Gulf Coast Region, said. “We furnish the KOAM and commanders with recommendations which foster a proactive approach.”

CIRs act as regional COMSEC subject matter experts, collaborating with Army Materiel Command’s Field Support Brigades and Battalions to resolve complex issues spanning physical and cyber security, logistics, and functionality. They work directly with commanders, property book officers, KMI operation account managers and local supported elements of those accounts.

Supporting all missions including presidential directives, named operations, warfighting exercises, and beyond

CIRs are not static resources. They have deployed to support contingency operations in Europe, Southwest Asia, and the INDOPACOM AOR, and frequently travel – up to 60% of their time – to provide on-site assistance during exercises at all levels, including combatant command exercises.

The impact of CIR support is demonstrably significant. Maj. Jonathan Gomez, Oregon Army National Guard, highlighted the contributions of CIR Sherry Smith: “Ms. Smith has provided indispensable administrative, technical, and operational advocacy. This has contributed to our organization achieving and sustaining command and control and maintenance capabilities that yield marked improvements to operational readiness across echelons. Ms. Smith’s contributions were formative in our C2 Warfighting Function rating as the highest performing WFF during two CTC’s and our processes being included in JRTC’s ‘Gold Book’."

During the initial emergence of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, CSLA CIRs were at the table with joint and coalition leaders, helping to shape a comprehensive and sustainable plan for secure communications with allied partner nations. Lessons learned from this conflict and others continue to drive transformation of COMSEC operations across Army, joint, and multinational forces.

Most recently, CIRs are actively supporting the presidential directive and US Northern Command’s Joint Task Force – Southern Border, providing critical guidance on key management, communication plans, and equipment validation. “As the JTF-SB mission is shaped and changes, the headquarters is leveraging encrypted communications at all echelons,” Maj. Christopher Drescher, JTF-SB Cyber Network Defense Chief, said. “The CIRs have provided critically needed guidance in order to communicate securely across joint and interagency partners to ensure we can complete the mission.”

Other support includes the cyber domain. Adversarial attempts are operating at advanced speeds and scale that the United States has not seen before. The threats to COMSEC operations directly impact the Army’s capability to install, operate, maintain, extend, and defend our networks. The entire CIR branch is aware of the threats and are assisting the defense with ensuring warfighters know how to maintain, sustain, and update their equipment and processes to ensure compliance and readiness.

As the Department of Defense and Army embrace cyber transformation and zero-trust principles, the role of the CIR becomes even more critical. “I would like to reiterate our immense satisfaction with the support we have received from Ms. (Tiffany) Brown leading up to and through this audit! She has been an outstanding representative of the CSLA and incredibly helpful to our organization throughout my time here in the BDE,” Maj. Angelos Katsaitis, 2nd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, said.

A legacy of expertise

The CIR team brings a wealth of experience, collectively representing over 100 years of military service and 70 years as civil servants. Their expertise is highly valued at both tactical and strategic levels. “We understand the warfighter – we’ve been there, and we remain within our regions to provide direct support. The direct interaction between a CIR and the unit commander is critical to identifying and addressing requirements,” Milton Collins II, CIR for the Mid-Atlantic Region, said.

Jon de Bearn, CIR for the US Blue Grass Region, summarizes their core mission: "Bridging gaps in operational readiness to support the warfighter starts with solving complex challenges in COMSEC transmission and receipt. Utilizing tools from the NSA and Department of Defense, Army COMSEC managers play a critical role in enabling secure, mission-ready communications."

“Training is a primary focus for CIRs, and we provide updated training whenever policy or guidance changes,” Darryl Gettis, functional team lead and CIR for Hawaii and Korea, said. “We’ve provided recorded training sessions on primary topics and critical COMSEC operations. Warfighting is the Army’s priority, and the CIR program is prepared to support that effort wherever and whenever needed.”