Open Government and Innovations Conference: Aftermath

The OGI conference presented a lot of information and showcased how the President and the Administration want to conduct the business of government. The DoD is already a leader in Government 2.0 and the use of new media, but there is still a long way to go.

So what does it all mean for IMCOM and CFIS?

It means that the way we work is going to change. We will become more responsive to our customers. We will collaborate and share more, be able to capture better ideas, make better policy and develop stronger partnerships. It will allow us make a positive difference in the lives of the Soldiers and their families.

IMCOM will still “Support and Defend”, but be more efficient and streamlined. Openness, transparency, and trust will help not only the transformation of IMCOM, but also the current transition within IMCOM.

It is an exciting time. It will require trust and willingness to try new things. People will have to be willing to try new tools and change how they work. We must be willing to fail on occasion and learn from that failure in order to succeed.

Here is one last quote that has a great deal of relevance to the IMCOM and the larger Army mission: “An era of persistent conflict, requires an era of persistent communication,” said Jim Young, Google Federal.

Thanks for letting me take the wheel for the last few days and being your guide for the Open Government and Innovations Conference.