Young Bang, president at Two Six Technologies, has been named co-chair of the WashingtonExec Defense Council, bringing experience across government and industry and a focus on turning emerging technologies into capabilities warfighters can use.
At Two Six, Bang focuses on strengthening delivery and scaling growth. His career spans technology and product development dating to the early internet era, with an approach grounded in implementation: understanding the mission, challenging conventional thinking and getting capabilities into operational use.
Below, Bang shares his priorities for the council, including accelerating acquisitions, moving prototypes into production and delivering non-kinetic capabilities at scale. He also discusses how candid conversations between government decision-makers and industry leaders can help companies better understand where to invest, and what the warfighter needs.
Based on your extensive experience, what are some of the focus areas and hot topics you want to discuss with the Defense Council this year?
How can we build and deliver the offensive non-kinetic weapons systems for DoW with volume, speed, and scale?
What strategies can we use to accelerate acquisitions and emphasize production at scale given budget uncertainties?
How do we shift focus within the industry to scale initial proof- of-concepts and prototypes into production ready capabilities (LRIP and then FRIP)? And what does that require from an investment perspective?
In the context of the acceleration of digital technologies (AI, quantum, Cyber, EW), how should DoW and their industry partners understand the new risk posture and mechanisms to look at shared risk?
How will your personal and career experience and expertise within the defense community help lead the council in discussions on trending technology-related topics?
I have worked with cutting-edge technology and product development since the dotcom/early internet days, so I always look at technology from a product development and implementation perspective. It’s not tech for tech’s sake, and it’s not academic or theoretical. Where I can excel is in operationalizing and implementing technology for the mission. It is practical thinking to focus on benefits to the soldier and how to innovate and deliver the technology to drive mission success.
Also, going back and forth between government and industry throughout my career gives me a deep appreciation of the business of the Department of War and the military services.
Understanding the building dynamics, PPBE, acquisition, the Hill, and warfighting missions in depth helps me understand the process and how to positively disrupt the status quo to provide the council opportunities for more in-depth discussions.
What does it mean for you to be co-chairperson of this council?
I am passionate about the mission of the DOW. Being the co-chair and being able to have frank discussions between industry and DOW is something I am super excited to facilitate and provide value to both sides. People who already know me know that I am not shy about being candid, direct, and pushing the envelope to help people and organizations challenge conventional thought. I intend to bring this same perspective to accelerate capabilities for the warfighter!
Do you feel there is great value in connecting industry executives with government officials to discuss topics facing the Defense community?
There is absolutely value in connecting industry executives with government officials! I have always felt that increased communication and connecting industry and government officials is critical to ensure better success for both groups. Context is everything!!! I am adamant that industry needs to understand the context and intent of DOW requirements, priorities, RFPs and mission objectives. In turn, that enables the government to receive capabilities faster and drive to mission success.
Industry has great tech and capabilities that tend to be more general-purpose. Therefore, increasing the conversations with government leaders helps the industry players to extend and customize the tech to mission needs and the government’s desired outcome.
Do you have any unique plans yet for the council?
I love what JD Kathuria and Scott Goldstein have done with the DOW council, dinners and speaking events. I just want to build on that strong foundation and make it even better. We can potentially have some joint events with DOW like Shark Tanks, Capture the Flag/Hackathons, Reverse Pitches, or a venue for new co-investment/risk reduction opportunities, but I don’t want to get too ahead of things before talking to JD and WashingtonExec.
What do you hope to accomplish as co-chair of this council, and what do you hope councilmembers get out of your leadership?
I want to drive more frank, in-depth and insightful conversations between industry and the DOW. I’d prefer to build free-flowing dialogue versus more structured and static, one- way conversations from either side.
I also want to bring in great DOW speakers and leaders who directly control budgets and have authority to make decisions that impact where Industry invests, sells and works together with the DOW. From a business perspective, you should always follow the money, but to ensure success, industry really needs to fully understand the mission to ensure our government clients are successful!