AKO/DKO Upgraded to Project Management, Gains New Leader Amidst

In a significant organizational shift on June 27, 2008, **Army Knowledge Online (AKO)** and **Defense Knowledge Online (DKO)** were elevated from a project directorship to a board-selected project management structure. This upgrade came with new leadership, as **Col. Earl Noble** took the helm from **Col. James Barrineau**. The move, overseen by **Program Executive Officer Gary Winkler**, signifies the growing importance of these platforms in the DoD's pursuit of a [[network-centric|network-centric]] force and aims to create a unified enterprise portal for enhanced situational awareness and operational security. While users won't see immediate functional changes, the new charter is designed to propel AKO/DKO's mission to transform the Army and Department of Defense into a knowledge-based entity. The platform traces its origins back to a 1996 communication project initiated by then-Chief of Staff **Gen. Dennis J. Reimer** for general officer collaboration.

• AKO/DKO underwent a significant structural upgrade to project management in June 2008.
• Col. Earl Noble assumed leadership, succeeding Col. James Barrineau.
• The move aimed to advance the development of a defense-wide enterprise portal.
• The initiative is tied to the broader goal of creating a network-centric, knowledge-based military force.
• AKO's origins trace back to a 1996 communication project for senior officers.

On June 27, 2008, AKO/DKO transitioned from a project directorship to a board-selected project management model. **Col. James Barrineau** handed leadership to **Col. Earl Noble**, with **Gary Winkler** officiating. The article states this change is a testament to the program's importance and aims to facilitate a defense-wide enterprise portal. No immediate functional changes for users were anticipated, but the new charter is intended to support the transformation into a network-centric, knowledge-based force. The origins of AKO are noted as a 1996 communication project for general officer collaboration.

This upgrade to project management signals a strategic commitment to bolstering AKO/DKO's capabilities, positioning it as a cornerstone for achieving 'knowledge dominance' across the DoD. The appointment of **Col. Earl Noble** injects fresh leadership focused on a unified enterprise portal, promising enhanced synchronization of resources and operational security. This structural change is a critical step towards realizing the vision of a truly [[network-centric|network-centric]] and knowledge-based military force, potentially extending collaboration to vital mission partners.

While framed as an upgrade, the elevation of AKO/DKO to project management and the change in leadership raise questions about the platform's actual impact and future direction. The emphasis on 'knowledge dominance' and a 'single entry point' could lead to increased bureaucracy and a less agile system, especially if user functionality remains unchanged. The historical context of its origin as a simple communication tool for general officers might suggest a struggle to scale effectively to a defense-wide enterprise portal, potentially leaving critical mission partners behind.

Originally reported by Army.mil