In today's evolving security environment, decreased live training budgets are inevitably producing an increased need to connect their replacements: Classified and Unclassified training systems. Connection solutions have been limited because of specified, goal-driven requirements of achieving security certification and accreditation and protecting the cross-classified data. This paper defines five "easy" steps required to connect a Classified trainer or simulator to an Unclassified system. The five steps include certifying and accrediting the system, identifying the appropriate Multiple Security Level (MSL) and Cross Domain Solutions (CDS) solution, obtaining the memorandum of agreements for connectivity, validating and testing the solution, and operating the system securely throughout its lifecycle. We will also demonstrate the options used to accomplish this once rare and daunting connection.

For each identified issue, the discussion will include the security requirements for the connectivity of systems at different classification levels and recommend technical and procedural solutions. Critical to understanding how connectivity is achieved are the discussions of the meanings and detailed examples of MSL/CDS. The MSL and CDS solutions discussion will focus on "baking in" security into the initial design so that an approved solution can be implemented. Requirements to secure trainers from corruption by malicious code and to filter data traffic to ensure that only approved data types are passed will be examined, including the need to protect the Classified data from access by unauthorized persons. The processes, tools, and configurations required for such connectivity have not been used to their fullest extent.

The Department of Defense and industry team can achieve the Learn, Train, and Win objectives by maintaining a paramount principle, the required protection for Classified data, yet allowing Unclassified trainers to participate. All trainers, regardless of classification can, with the proper MSL/CDS solutions, provide the training our military can afford, requires, and deserves.