The Global Integrated Partnership for Communications Security (GIPC) is Back

By Kevin LagowskiJuly 6, 2023

During a breakout session entitled “Common Mistakes and Inquiries” on 10 May, CSLA addressed concerns from the audience regarding key management issues affecting COMSEC accounts and procedures within their units.
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – During a breakout session entitled “Common Mistakes and Inquiries” on 10 May, CSLA addressed concerns from the audience regarding key management issues affecting COMSEC accounts and procedures within their units. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Information Systems Security Program Team members were presented with three-star notes of appreciation during the GIPC.
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Information Systems Security Program Team members were presented with three-star notes of appreciation during the GIPC. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

From 8 – 11 May 2023 at Fort Huachuca, AZ, Communications Security Logistics Activity (CSLA) came together with many other representatives from across the communications security (COMSEC) community for the return of the Global Integrated Partnership for Communications Security (GIPC) forum. This marked the first time that this event had been held since May of 2019.

The GIPC had been sorely missed since that time, as it has long been a critical stage for information and training that affects the operation and maintenance of COMSEC products and services. Army wideband telephone networks, satellite terminals, and tactical platforms such as the Patriot and Blue Force Tracking systems rely heavily on these products and services to provide Soldiers with critical advantages that are necessary in the field. And with the GIPC now back on track, the COMSEC community is more confident than ever in its mission of ensuring secure and effective communications.

The GIPC Icebreaker was held in Sierra Vista, AZ on registration day, with a targeted goal of beginning the process to create synergy among members of the COMSEC community through socialization outside of an official setting. The following day, CSLA Director Mr. Tyler Edmonson delivered opening remarks, and he was followed by a warm welcome from Colonel John Ives, Commander, U.S. Army Garrison, Fort Huachuca, AZ. Guests were also engaged with presentations from Colonel Daniel Wood, Commander, Information Systems Engineering Command and Sergeant Major Brandon Dimick, U.S. Army Forces Command G6.

Realizing the importance of smaller conversations and audience targeting, the GIPC consisted mainly of workshop presentations and breakout sessions that focused on current concerns and future initiatives. Most importantly, these gatherings were conducted as soldier touchpoints that cover all products within the COMSEC portfolio.

The forum concluded with a capstone session on 11 May to highlight vital takeaways from the forum and to recognize COMSEC personnel for their outstanding work. Three-star notes of appreciation were presented to three members of the Information Systems Security Program Team, in recognition of their critical support to the Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon and Mid-Range Capability programs.

As a way for the global COMSEC community to identify Army stakeholders and learn with their peers how to alleviate issues, the GIPC forum came at just the right time for the workforce to target their energies in this essential area.

Contributor: Sandra Rosario