DISA enables remote audience participation for PACOM Town Hall

CAMP H.M. SMITH, HI, UNITED STATES

11.07.2016

Courtesy Story

Defense Information Systems Agency

CAMP H.M. SMITH, Hawaii — Personnel assigned to U.S. Pacific Command gathered in the Pollock Theater Nov. 7-8 to hear an assessment of the organization’s latest command climate survey, and to take a broad look at U.S. PACOM’s current lines of effort in a town hall format.
The Defense Information Systems Agency provided Defense Collaboration Service for the U.S. Pacific Command Town Hall meetings, which made it possible for those unable to physically attend the event to watch and listen over streamed video.
“We’ve got cameras up here at the front for our folks in the JIOC; they’re watching this through VTC,” Adm. Harry Harris, Commander, U.S. PACOM said in greeting the remote audience during opening remarks.
Defense Collaboration Services (DCS) enables synchronous communication among the Non-secure Internet Protocol Router Network (NIPRNet) and Secure Internet Protocol Routing Network (SIPRNet). The capability includes Web Conferencing (session management, text messaging, application sharing/broadcasting, audio, presence and awareness, voting/polling, video, multiple sessions, and recording) and Instant Messaging (IM).
DCS can scale to handle 10,000 concurrent users with a maximum of 250 participants per web conference. Mission partners requiring collaboration above 250 participants can leverage DISA's Global Content Delivery Service (GCDS) in lieu of DCS. The DCS Chat service is scalable to support 100,000 concurrent users.
All of this capability brought to bear had the benefit of sharing the most important takeaways from the town hall meeting. Issues of concern ranging from the lack of parking, to suggestions for pedestrian safety were addressed.
Also among these were discussions on organizational effectiveness – not only in areas that were favorable, but identifying workplace issues with burnout, job satisfaction and commitment.
Though unable to attend, Defense Intelligence Agency expressed concern over personnel turnover rates. A benefit of DCS is that the remote audience could participate by texting in questions or remarks.
“This was an excellent team effort between (Marine Forces Pacific), USPACOM staff and DISA,” said Gail Merritts, a liaison officer for DISA products and services assigned to PACOM.
“Our field office provided support with DCS functions and best practices for several dry runs and the actual meetings. Since all our organizations worked so well as a team I’m looking forward to coordinating future efforts,” Merritts added.

• Date Taken: 11.07.2016
• Date Posted: 12.15.2016 13:31
• Story ID: 217868
• Location: CAMP H.M. SMITH, HI, US