MAJ Cole Herring
“Accelerating Software Integration for Defense”
Sponsor Perspective
MAJ Cole Herring
Overview
Through Hacking for Defense® (H4D), a nationwide university program that leverages the brightest students to address national security problems, students are taught how to apply entrepreneurial methodologies to understand and offer pathways for addressing a specific government problem.
Each team is given a different problem and every problem has a government problem sponsor. Problem sponsors are members of the Department of Defense or Intelligence Community who possess the relevant technical or professional expertise to mentor their students. They act as both the client and liaison, owning the problem the students are trying to solve and facilitating their investigation into its root causes.
Sponsor Biography:
Cole Herring has over 19 years of experience leading in high-stakes environments. He has served as a Fire Direction Control Specialist, Special Forces Engineer Sergeant, Special Forces Intelligence Sergeant, Intelligence Officer, and Special Forces Officer. He has three combat rotations, two to Afghanistan and one during the Iraq surge in 2008. His education includes a Master of Science in Innovation from King’s College London; Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK; Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from Bethel University and a PMP certification. He holds a certificate in Artificial Intelligence: Business Strategies and Applications, University of California, Berkeley Haas School of Business; Leadership and Management, Wharton; Global Business, Harvard Business School; Amazon Braket and Quantum Computing; Well-Architected Proficient.
Sponsor Perspective:
Could you talk us through the problem you submitted?
I originally thought that the problem was the security around using artificial intelligence software and the large amount of coding that needed to be screened. As the problem developed, it turned into a disconnect between the defense acquisition process and getting the tools to the end user, especially with software acquisition. I realized that the bureaucratic hurdles and slow approval processes were significantly delaying the deployment of critical software tools. Over the semester, the team found a shortcut in the process and streamlined it, which greatly improved the efficiency of getting one of these tools to the end users.
What did your team do with this problem?
The team was able to connect me with a company that had recently won a defense contract. We were able to integrate practical solutions using LLM (Large Language Model) software at the tactical (ground) level. The lead to me meeting with the CEO, and him agreeing to send representatives from the company to our training event to fully integrate.
How did their findings impact the organization?
The student team connected the dots and navigated the various levels of bureaucracy found within the defense sector. They were able to then introduce the right people, at the right time, to move forward with practical solutions.
Why should other potential government sponsors get involved in the H4D program?
Why wouldn't you want a team of 3-4 students spending approximately 10 weeks working on a problem for you? Even if it's not fully solved, at a minimum you'll have a different viewpoint on the problem. There is huge value for a comparatively short-time investment. It's also giving back to academia and helping to bridge the gap with students on theory versus practical applications.
🌐 Take action now by submitting your challenge through our dedicated problem submission page. Together, let's pave the way for innovative defense solutions!