By combining exoINSIGHT’s corpus of more than five billion structured records concerning major great power competition environments—including China, Russia, and Iran—with Janes validated intelligence into a single domain, analysts gain access to enriched data. This will enable them to uncover military capabilities and force posture in full operational context while eliminating the friction of disconnected workflows.

“For too long, analysts have had to connect the dots across tools that weren’t built to work together,” said SOSi CEO Julian Setian. “This synergistic relationship changes that—fusing Janes validated intelligence with exoINSIGHT’s curated data to provide a unified, real-time understanding of both military capability and intent.”

exoINSIGHT is an AI-powered SaaS platform with extensive data holdings and mapped interconnections concerning priority national security data environments, including media, scientific and technical research, Defense Industrial Base information, corporate and procurement records, and biographical data. Janes contributes an unmatched, independent repository of military intelligence, spanning orders of battle, equipment, facilities, defense companies, and market forecasts, grounded in millions of rigorously validated data points and analysis.

“Janes machine-readable data easily integrates into any system or workflow. Partnering with SOSi allows us to extend our validated military intelligence into a data-rich environment,” said Blake Bartlett, Janes CEO. “By combining Janes authoritative foundational intelligence with the real-time data in SOSi’s exoINSIGHT platform, we’re bringing deeper context and, ultimately, decision advantage to our customers’ critical missions.”

Leveraging exoINSIGHT’s advanced analytics—including translation, visualization, and narrative tracking—analysts can track how information evolves and spreads, identify hidden relationships between entities, and generate intelligence on adversary technologies, networks, and supply chains beyond what commercial aggregators provide., the companies said.

Source: SOSi

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Enhanced Domain Awareness is USSOUTHCOM’s enterprise unclassified information environment designed to aggregate, fuse, and visualize data from air, maritime, land, space, and cyber domains into a single operational picture. The platform integrates sensor feeds, intelligence reporting, partner nation data, and open-source information to provide commanders and analysts with real-time situational awareness across the Western Hemisphere. Under the $100 million indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract, SOSi will develop, integrate, and sustain the EDA platform that provides real‑time situational awareness and enhances interoperability across USSOUTHCOM, other Department of War components, interagency partners, and allied nations.

“Drawing on our team’s modern software delivery and data engineering experience, SOSi will help USSOUTHCOM accelerate the path from data to insight and enhance its information-sharing environment to deliver a unified, context-rich intelligence picture across mission domains,” said Steve Iwicki, SOSi senior vice president for mission cyber and intelligence. “SOSi will apply the same AI‑driven data integration capabilities that the company currently deploys within the Defense Intelligence Agency’s information environment to reduce search time across disparate data sets, enabling analysts to focus on higher-value tasks.”

Source: SOSi

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By Stephen Iwicki, Senior Vice President for Intelligence at SOSi, a private defense and government services firm

Imagine attempting to win a high-stakes chess match when your opponent leverages machine intelligence to make quick, astute moves, while you’re painstakingly weighing options and assuming your actions are effective. This stark contrast perfectly illustrates the advantage U.S. adversaries hold in cognitive warfare. Our country’s efforts are hampered by disjointed campaigns, outdated methodologies, manual processes, and a critical lack of a common operating picture for information operations. They are no match for the automated tactics adversaries deploy using sophisticated algorithms to instantly detect, amplify, suppress, or redirect information flows in real-time. We are not currently equipped to keep pace with threats or capitalize on emerging opportunities, which necessitates an urgent recalibration toward a more integrated, forward-looking, data-driven, and technology-enabled approach.

The power play

Cognitive warfare, which seeks to alter an adversary’s decision-making and protect against foreign influence and manipulation, is a powerful tool in modern conflict. Nations like China and Russia weaponize it to sow disinformation and division within Western societies, leveraging advanced technology to produce content at scale, reach target audiences, and maximize impact. In the era of great power competition, information operations are a fundamental aspect of the U.S. military operations in peacetime and in war. They are employed to counter misinformation, understand enemy intentions, maintain favor with key allies, and deter hostile actions that threaten global stability, such as a potential Chinese attack on Taiwan. Russia’s success in shaping perspectives on the Ukraine conflict, and Ukraine’s equally effective information campaigns that rallied global support, demonstrate the immense power of information operations.

Game evolved

The media landscape and information consumption habits have changed so profoundly and so quickly that what was practical and successful a decade, five years, or even one year ago may be obsolete today. People are shifting from traditional, passive forms of media, such as scheduled TV or daily newspapers, to on-demand, user-driven content that is more authentic and personalized. The shrinking attention span has driven the need for impactful messages in very brief, high-energy formats.

However, traditional media is far from obsolete, as what works for one demographic isn’t necessarily effective with another. A message that resonates with a younger, urban audience may not be received well by an older, rural demographic, and social media platforms with strong influence among Western populations may not have the same impact on a Chinese Communist Party leader who considers BBC News a trusted source. Consequently, information operations require a nuanced and targeted approach that leverages a mix of new and traditional channels and considers alternative and unconventional methods of reaching people. For instance, a subtle message on the menu of a popular local food vendor could prove surprisingly effective in engaging a specific community.

This entire process begins with a critical step: carefully listening to assess audience demographics, preferences, and behaviors, relying on data and local cultural knowledge rather than assumptions.

Know your competitor

In cognitive warfare, winning isn’t just about sending messages, but about influencing the logic that guides the target audience. A significant failure point in information operations is neglecting to grasp the subtleties of diverse population groups and comprehend what drives them. A basic sentiment analysis doesn’t provide sufficient insight into a cognitive environment; it just registers immediate emotional attitudes as positive, negative, or neutral. For instance, when a rival nation promotes stories about U.S. military mishaps, it’s easy to label them as negative coverage based on sentiment. Advanced narrative analysis, however, would uncover a far deeper strategy: the systematic reinforcement of perceptions that paint U.S. forces as a weak ally.

Adversaries adept at information operations don’t just aim to provoke temporary reactions; they persistently disseminate storylines to influence behaviors as a tactic to achieve strategic goals. While sentiment analysis indicates whether a target population is angry, narrative analysis reveals the underlying beliefs fueling that anger and what actions they’re likely to take next. The distinction between capturing fleeting emotions and tracking the factors that shape how people see the world and what drives their decisions represents a fundamental shift in how U.S. information operations must evolve so we can stay three moves ahead.

Tracking narratives is a part of the information operations cycle where artificial intelligence (AI) offers a transformative advantage. Autonomous narrative agents can detect and map intricate patterns across overwhelming and growing volumes of information streams, operating in real-time and spanning numerous languages and regions. Automating the discovery of narratives that are emerging, being amplified, or suppressed would arm U.S. forces with a granular understanding of how target audiences think to better assess which messages will align with their existing worldviews. Moreover, it would enable an accurate measurement of effectiveness based on actual shifts in belief, not just superficial metrics such as impressions or views.

Endgame assessment

The difficulty in collecting reliable and meaningful data to evaluate the outcomes of information operations is a major pain point. Manual assessments, which rely on surveys and interviews, require significant resources and are too slow for fast-moving missions. AI can track narratives over time to reveal changes in the information environment, providing a truly tangible measure of impact that extends beyond surface-level engagement data. A customizable dashboard that can be tailored to various stakeholder needs, incorporating features such as sentiment analysis, influence tracking, and visualization tools, would allow information operations teams to see the impact and adjust strategies in real time. It would also make it easier to connect campaign results to overarching strategic objectives and report back to leadership.

Ultimately, understanding whether an information campaign achieved its intended effect isn’t enough. Modern information operations need mechanisms for sustained engagement. If an initial message resonates and achieves its aim, the critical next step involves leveraging that success to build lasting influence, reinforce gains, and adapt future communications. Without this continuous follow-up and strategic progression, even the most effective efforts can simply dissipate into a vacuum.

Full view of the information environment

Information operations campaigns are too often deployed in mission-specific silos, narrowly focused on particular areas of responsibility and disconnected from each other and the Department of Defense’s broader strategy. This results in a lack of a common operational picture and cohesion in messaging between multiple fronts, creating a dangerous void that weakens the influence and can allow negative perceptions to take hold. Without an enterprise-wide view of the information landscape, it becomes exceedingly difficult to identify best practices or effectively coordinate initiatives. The result is costly duplication of effort, significant inefficiencies, missed opportunities, and severely compromised real-time situational awareness, which hinders rapid decision-making and increases the risk of unaddressed adversary influence.

This problem stems from an inability to share and integrate data across combatant commands and agencies. The challenges are multifaceted: disparate data standards persist, there’s an absence of a common data taxonomy or canonical model for integration, and labor-intensive manual data processing, such as hand-jamming reports from PDF documents and Excel spreadsheets, remains widespread. Compounding these technical and procedural hurdles is the inherent difficulty in sharing information due to varying sensitivity labels. The lack of integrated decision support tools and readily available onsite data teams further exacerbates these issues, creating dangerous blind spots.

The solution lies in deploying a data platform that standardizes metadata across systems and formats and automates the ingestion and processing of information from different sources. Replacing manual data entry with efficient, automated workflows would dramatically reduce errors and resource waste. Centralized dashboards, powered by AI, can visualize information, eliminating the need for traditional data crunching and making actionable insights accessible to all relevant stakeholders. Customizable to different mission requirements and readily scalable and adaptable to future demands and additional data sources, such a solution would offer real-time data feeds and updates, ensuring an up-to-date and relevant situational awareness.

Seamless data sharing and a common operational picture would significantly expedite planning and approval processes, which frequently delay the deployment of cognitive warfare campaigns. In fact, an interoperable, AI-enabled data system would transform the entire information operations lifecycle, including how commands monitor effectiveness, measure impact, and report results across all levels of leadership.

Outmaneuvering the rival

The stakes in the escalating global contest for cognitive influence are undeniable, and it’s clear the U.S. lags behind its competitors. Our rivals are already leveraging AI to mass-produce content, as evidenced by articles in Chinese media clearly showing chatbot-generated text, amplifying the messages that push their agenda. U.S. defense leaders must discard outdated methodologies and decisively embrace advanced capabilities that will deliver a common operational picture, accelerate execution of information operations, and align each campaign to strategic objectives.

While budget and talent are currently prioritized for kinetic missions, it is time to recognize that cognitive warfare is no longer a secondary concern. We cannot afford to be weak against adversaries who have mastered the art of information manipulation, pouring resources into advanced solutions and talent. The U.S. government has an opportunity to leverage technology as a powerful countermeasure to the sheer volume and velocity of adversarial activity. The first step is to find a partner who can deliver the necessary advanced capabilities and synchronize all elements of information operations, so our forces can anticipate, adapt, and secure a winning position against any opponent’s moves.

SOSi, a private defense and government services firm, has designed and delivered tailored information operations, strategic communications, public affairs, and open-source data monitoring and analysis solutions for U.S. military and federal government clients for over 25 years. The company provides linguistic and cultural expertise, intelligence analysis, and information operations planning and operations support to multiple U.S. Combatant Commands. SOSi’s AI-enabled data platform exoINSIGHT, powered by Exovera, delivers open-source collection and analysis to support complex defense, national security, and diplomatic missions, applying new forms of artificial intelligence classification to strategically map and analyze the global information environment.

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SOSi will support 241 offices across the United States, delivering the monitoring, transcription, translation, interpretation, validation, and analysis of lawfully intercepted communications.

“This contract expands SOSi’s partnership with DEA, allowing us to further support the agency’s critical mission of enforcing controlled substance laws and regulations,” said Steve Iwicki, SOSi senior vice president for intelligence solutions. “SOSi’s expertise bolsters DEA’s efforts to reduce the devastating impact illicit substances have on our nation.”

SOSi has been supporting the federal law enforcement agencies’ Title III programs since the company’s inception in 1989. Its first federal contract was with the DEA’s New York Field Office in 1989. In 2021, SOSi was awarded a similar contract to provide the same services to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). In 2023, the DEA awarded SOSi a contract to provide language analytic support to its Special Operations Division.

“We’re excited to continue our 35-year legacy of supporting the DEA’s mission through this nationwide Title III language services contract,” said Julian Setian, CEO of SOSi. “This award reflects not only our deep-rooted partnership with the DEA, but also our unmatched expertise in managing highly sensitive lawful intercept programs for the U.S. law enforcement community. Over the next year, we plan to introduce our proprietary Pandion system to the federal law enforcement agencies, which leverages AI to process and analyze intercepted communications and exemplifies our commitment to innovation in support of national security and law enforcement operations.”

Source: SOSi

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In the newly created role, Spellmon will cultivate business opportunities and help shape the company’s market strategies and capture plans for the defense and national security market. He will be responsible for strengthening relationships with customers and industry partners so the company can continue delivering solutions tailored to unique agency and mission requirements.

“This is a new chapter in my career, but my commitment to advancing our country’s interests remains steadfast. Joining SOSi allows me to continue the mission of delivering vital solutions to make the U.S. and our allies safer and stronger,” said Spellmon.

After 38 years in the military, Spellmon retired from the U.S. Army in 2024. He most recently served as the 55th Chief of Engineers and Commanding General of the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). He spent nine years at USACE in various roles, overseeing civil and military engineering programs to reduce disaster risk, stimulate economic growth, and protect national security.

Prior to USACE, Spellmon’s career spanned several command and staff assignments in the U.S. and Germany, and three deployments for operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom. He received numerous military decorations, including the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, two Bronze Stars, the Purple Heart, and the Combat Action Badge.

“Scott is a distinguished veteran who brings a unique blend of character, leadership, and engineering experience to SOSi. He will support our teams as we help the U.S. government tackle the toughest IT, security, communications, emergency response, and daily operational challenges,” said Jim Edwards, SOSi chief growth officer.

Source: SOSi

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Colclough brings 30 years of IC experience through previous roles at CACI, Noblis ESI, SAIC, and Leidos, where he developed new business strategies, prospected and assessed opportunities, and led the capture of high-value pursuits. He also served over two decades in the U.S. Air Force on various operational and technical assignments supporting intelligence activities within the Air Force Electronic Security Group, Air Force Space Command, and U.S. Space Command.

“SOSi provides multi-disciplined intelligence services, delivering insights that help safeguard critical infrastructure, protect our borders, and save lives,” said Jim Edwards, SOSi chief growth officer. “Jeff’s vast experience and understanding of requirements across the IC will help us deliver data-driven solutions to address a wide range of threats to our national security”

SOSi provides intelligence analysis and operational support to defense, intelligence, and federal law enforcement agencies. Capabilities include full-spectrum intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), hyperspectral and multispectral image analysis, cyber intelligence, linguistic and cultural expertise for military information operations, and foreign language communications processing.

Source: SOSi

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Prior to joining SOSi, Wilkinson spent nearly 17 years in the aerospace and defense industry, most recently as vice president, people and culture at SES Space and Defense. She served as an executive lead for the company’s successful acquisition and integration of DRG GES, where she held the senior director, human resources position. A member of SES Space and Defense’s leadership team, she created a people-centric culture that accelerated performance, dramatically reduced voluntary turnover, and drove organizational value.

“Lisa will assume responsibility for SOSi’s most valuable asset: our people,” said Julian Setian, SOSi chief executive officer. “Her experience and demonstrated successes give me full confidence in her ability to grow, nurture, and empower SOSi’s global workforce to deliver innovation and tangible results for our government clients.”

“SOSi’s view of human resources as a strategic function aligns with my belief that a people-centered workplace is key to building high-performing, engaged teams that fuel business growth,” said Wilkinson. “My goal is to extend SOSi’s strongly defined, inclusive culture to every corner of the organization to ensure each employee feels included, valued, and empowered.”

Source: SOSi

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The new RCC-E work expands SOSi’s rapidly growing footprint in Europe. Additionally, it extends the company’s long legacy of securing and sustaining the Army’s global cyber defenses under separate contracts with the U.S. Army Network Enterprise Technology Command (NETCOM) to support Regional Cyber Center-Pacific (RCC-P) and Regional Cyber Center-Continental United States (RCC-C).

“SOSi has had a 20-year partnership with U.S. Army NETCOM,” said Julian Setian, SOSi chief executive officer. “We offer an unmatched ability to ensure the integrity of the Army’s networks and are proud to partner with Peraton on this critically important program.”

The RCC-E is responsible for monitoring, operating, maintaining, and defending the vital components of the Department of Defense Information Network (DoDIN) within the United States Army Europe-Africa (USAREUR-AF) area of responsibility. SOSi will provide a range of IT and cybersecurity services to support the RCC-E’s networks, servers, and systems, including virtualization, service desk administration, engineering, incident response and handling, threat analysis, signature development, sensor management, and penetration testing.

Source: SOSi

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The SOSi subcontract includes a one-year base period with four additional option years, extending SOSi’s 30+ year history of delivering operations support services to defense and national intelligence agency clients around the world.

Source: SOSi

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As the prime awardee on this contract, SOSi will provide technical, analytical, and database-related support for the modernization and cloud migration of the Army Records Information Management System (ARIMS) and its family of applications. The services include application programming and lifecycle management, systems and network administration, cybersecurity, and infrastructure sustainment to ensure interoperability of the ARIMS applications and IT systems. SOSi will develop and secure these essential Army applications, and will plan, create, implement, and maintain major databases in compliance with Department of Defense (DoD), Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), and Army regulations.

“We recognize the crucial role of the Army Records Information Management System in ensuring the proper stewardship of records. SOSi’s extensive expertise leading modernization efforts to include application development and cloud migration uniquely positions us to effectively support the Enterprise Services Agency’s objective of revitalizing this vital system,” said Josh Zloba, SOSi vice president for technology and engineering.

ARIMS is a web-based records management system used by the U.S. Army to maintain classified and unclassified information in electronic and hard copy format. It provides a centralized and standardized approach to collecting, classifying, and retaining records across the service branch.

Source: SOSi

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