While the DOD CIO has consistently stated a preference for managing cloud investments centrally, a preference backed up by large cloud projects like JEDI and DISA DEOS, the Army is nevertheless forging ahead with creating its own cloud program office.  The new operation is intended to be the focus point through which the Army accesses DOD cloud solutions, but will also accelerate its own network system modernization with a series of new cloud and enterprise-IT-as-a-service pilots coming this year.  Army CIO Lt. General Bruce Crawford states that this approach is in-line with DOD’s overall cloud strategy.  Crawford, speaking at an industry gathering last week, said that the idea is to start with small efforts to ensure sustained success in a cloud migration.  To that end, the Army is planning at least five cloud efforts this year focused on tactical intelligence data, financial management applications, global force integration systems, logistics and maintenance and tactical service and infrastructure.  These present good opportunities for companies with both proven cloud solutions and key Army relationships.  It is quite possible that these smaller initiatives may actually lead to more immediate business than the larger, enterprise wide DOD cloud projects.  The Armyalso has plans on a larger scale.  It is moving toward an Enterprise-IT-as-a-service model for its assets.