Navy's Deputy for Warfare Integration for Information Dominance Gets Firsthand Look at Training

By Thom Seith, Center for Information Dominance Public Affairs

PENSACOLA, Fla. (NNS) -- The deputy director of Warfare Integration for Information Dominance for the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV N2/N6FA) met with the experts who train the fleet Information Dominance Corps (IDC) during a visit June 12.

During her visit to the Center for Information Dominance (CID), Rear Adm. Linnea Sommer-Weddington was briefed on the Digital Tutor (DT) program and the Navy's Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (Navy COOL) program.

"The visit has been amazing," said Sommer-Weddington. "I look forward to the future of Digital Tutor and seeing it implemented into other course curriculum."

DT is an artificial-intelligence-based training method designed for the next generation of cyber warriors. The program was developed by studying how the best instructors teach and adapt to individual students. This information is incorporated into the DT process, enabling the program to teach each student one-on-one in a computer-based environment.

Navy COOL is a Web-based hub that consolidates information from numerous sources at the federal, state and local levels on certifications, licenses, apprenticeships and growth opportunities that correspond with each Navy rating as well as enlisted jobs and occupations.

CID Commanding Officer Capt. Maureen Fox noted that this was a good opportunity for Rear Adm. Sommer-Weddington to gain insight into the collaborative efforts in place to develop and deliver training to future IDC warriors.

"We welcome the opportunity to discuss with Navy leadership the topic of building IDC warriors," said Fox. "CID appreciates the resource sponsorship and support in delivering training of the highest quality to meet the challenges of performing in today's ever-changing information dominance operational environment."

Sommer-Weddington's visit concluded with a visit to the Navy Credentialing Program Office before meeting with reserve senior enlisted IDC Sailors for a working lunch to discuss the Navy Reserve role in the Information Dominance Corps.

Based at Corry Station in Pensacola, Fla., CID is the Navy's learning center that leads, manages and delivers Navy and joint forces training in information operations, information warfare, information technology, cryptology and intelligence.

With nearly 1,300 military, civilian and contracted staff members, CID provides training for approximately 24,000 members of the U.S. Armed Services and allied forces each year. CID oversees the development and administration of 226 courses at four commands, two detachments and 12 learning sites throughout the United States and Japan.