The implementation of Combat Air Force (CAF) Distributed Mission Operation (DMO) cross domain solutions (CDS) in the dynamic world of simulation training introduces new and significant management challenges. One key challenge is the maintenance of cross domain solution security assurance and the associated approvals to operate in an environment where changes to mission training centers (MTCs), network infrastructure, participant sites, security classification guides, and training requirements are the norm. The effects of these changes on the approvals to operate the CDS can range from a requirement for re-accreditation with significant impact to little or no impact.

This paper describes the development and practice of configuration management for CDS in the DMO training environment. It provides an overview of the initial plans for implementing a CDS configuration management process involving key stakeholders participating in a review board. This paper addresses early lessons learned and describes an evolutionary process which is still being worked to improve and streamline the overall approach to configuration management. The CDS configuration controls required for secure operations in a constantly changing environment are complex, but essential for protection level 3 accreditation maintenance. A major challenge described in this paper is how to achieve clear understandings with stakeholders to help balance the need for retesting cross domain solutions for security approval maintenance and still meet the warfighter needs for daily training. This paper presents some of the configuration control issues, resolutions, and remaining challenges for CDS in the mission training environment.