The JFHQ-DODIN Information Series seeks to establish a common understanding of
terms, concepts, frameworks, and operations that are core factors to this command's efforts
to improve DoD's ability to effectively manage cyber risk to all DoD missions.

This issue of the JFHQ-DODIN Information Series provides an overview of the command’s history, current approach to operations, and a glimpse into future aspirations for the headquarters and mission area that strengthen strategic advantage for DoD.

In September 2024, U.S. Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM) released a DoDIN Command Operational Framework (DCOF) execution order (EXORD) affirming the DoDIN Areas of Operation (DAOs) and sector construct to manage risk to the Department of Defense Information Network (DoDIN) and cyber risk to DoD missions. The DCOF mirrors the same chain-of-command concept as in the other warfighting domains, but with a unique difference given the DoDIN’s federated environment.

This issue aims to portrait JFHQ-DODIN’s importance in all areas of DoD’s operations kinetic, non-kinetic, conventional, and non-conventional through the use of an action vignette. The vignette illustrates the DoDIN’s role in a non-conventional operation, and the role our headquarters plays in protecting such valuable interconnecting asset. The vignette then sets the stage for a brief description of JFHQ-DODIN’s role and the way it plays into our nation’s conflicts.

Foundational concepts to the larger DoDIN Command Operational Framework (DCOF) include DoDIN areas of operations (DAOs) and DoDIN sectors. Understanding these two concepts are essential to understanding the larger DCOF framework used to organize the DoDIN battlespace.

To better understand JFHQ-DODIN’s role in network operations, security, and defense, it is important to first understand exactly what the DoDIN is because it is the heart of building and synchronizing the DoD’s capacity to achieve National Defense Strategy goals.

You may often hear the term “DACO” being thrown around when it comes to DoDIN operations and defense, but what does DACO really mean and how is it used? This article explains the foundational elements of DACO.

Joint Force Headquarters-Department of Defense Information Network (JFHQ-DODIN) reports directly to U.S. Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM). It bridges the gap between tactical level organizations and strategic goals, as a command and control (C2) headquarters that operates at the operational level of warfare.