AKMS update: army key management system

Army Communicator, Spring, 2005 by Al Walton

The Army Key Management System is a fielded system composed of three sub-systems, Local Communications Security Management Software, Automated Communications Engineering Software, and the Data Transfer Device with Common Tier 3 software. Fielded to the Army under the umbrella of the objective National Security Agency Electronic Key Management System, AKMS provides tactical units and sustaining bases with an organic key generation capability and an efficient secure electronic key distribution means. AKMS provides a means for distribution of Communications Security, Electronic Protection, and Signal Operating Instructions information from the planning level to the point of use in support of current and future forces.

The Updated AKMS Operational Requirements Document was JROC approved on Jan. 25, 2005. The Updated ORD documents requirements and capabilities needed to support the Army's Transformation and Modular Force Structure. One initiative to support this effort is the migration of EKMS to the Department of Defense Key Management Infrastructure. KMI will support requirements for all cryptographic material needed to achieve information superiority. KMI will provide the capability to "web enable" applications that support logistics, personnel, administrative, and other enterprise information systems.

The Product Manager for Network Operations-Current Force revised the AKMS Acquisition Strategy June 7, 2002 to upgrade the fielded Data Transfer Device AN/ CYZ-10A. The new version DTD developed by PdM NETOPS-CF is called the Simple Key Loader. The SKL has enhanced performance capabilities consistent with current technology and is compatible with CT3 software, older version DTDs, and fill devices. Secondary to augmenting the current DTD will be the ability to manage the new device to ensure it is fielded to the users that have the greatest requirements for the enhanced capabilities. SKLs will initially be fielded (fiscal year 2005) to active UExs with priority of fielding to 101st (AA), 10th Mountain, 4th Infantry Division, and SBCT4. These priorities are based on HQDA/G3 Priority Bands and are adjusted as Army needs dictate.

Total fielding to the entire Army is scheduled over a six-year period FY05-FY10.

The Signal Center began Local COMSEC Management SOHCMS Phase 4 training January 2004. Courses are two weeks in length with a total of 16 classes taught during the calendar year 2004. ACES and LCMS courses are available via the Army Training Requirements and Resources System. The ACES stand alone course is two weeks.

In November 2004 the Joint Automates Communications Software was approved as the Joint CEOI tool standard replacing Revised Battlefield Electronic CEOI System. JACS training is incorporated into the Signal Centers Battle Spectrum Managers Course. Currently ACES workstations are primarily fielded to the force with the exception of 1st Corps and U.S. Army Europe. Fielding for those units is scheduled for CY 2005. LCMS workstation warranties will expire in FY05. The new workstations are currently being tested and accredited to accommodate Phase 5 software and future key management requirements.

With the emergence of KMI and the ability to management, distribute, and account for COMSEC via a networking environment, AKMS will remain a viable key management capability supporting Current and Modular Force information systems until fully migrated to KMI. TSM WIN-T's point of contact for all AKMS questions is Al Walton. He can be reached by telephone at (706) 791-2316/DSN 780-2316 or by email at waltona@gordon.army.mil

ACRONYM QUICKSCAN

ACES--Automated Communications Engineering Software

AKMS--Army Key Management System

CEOI--Communications-Electronics Operating Instructions

COMSEC--Communications Security

CT3--Common Tier 3

CY--calendar year

DTD--Data Transfer Device

EKMS--Electronic Key Management System

EP--Electronic Protection

FY--fiscal year

HQDA--Headquarters Department of the Army

JACS--Joint Automated Communications Software

KMI--Key Management Infrastructure

LCMS--Local COMSEC Management Software

NSA--National Security Agency

ORD--Operational Requirements Document

PdM NETOPS-CF--Product Manager for Network Operations-Current Force

SKL--Simple Key Loader

SOI--Signal Operating Instructions

TSM WIN-T--TRADOC Systems Manager Warfighter Information Network-Tactical

USAREUR--US Army European Command

Mr. Walton is a retired Signal Corps sergeant major who served in the U.S. Army for 30 years. He is currently employed by Engineering Solutions and Products, Inc. providing contractor support to the TRADOC System Manager for the Warfighter Information Network--Tactical. Walton is the TSM Project Leader for the Army Key Management System, a sub-element of the DoD Electronic Key Management System. He has worked extensively in developing and documenting key management requirements in support of current and future DoD Information Systems.