Overview
The J6, the Joint Services Detachment of the South Carolina Military Department, specializes in Command, Control, Communications, and Computers/Cyber (C4/Cyber) operations. It ensures seamless interoperability with other South Carolina state entities and provides expert guidance to the Adjutant General and Governor to shape the joint information environment.
Mission
Strategic Guidance and Expertise: The J6 provides strategic guidance and technical expertise to the South Carolina Adjutant General and Governor on Command, Control, Communications, and Computers/Cyber (C4/Cyber) operations. It advises on leveraging C4/Cyber capabilities to enhance the readiness, security, and resilience of the state's military and civilian networks, systems, and infrastructure.
Training and Collaboration: The J6 trains its members in C4/Cyber skills to strengthen the Joint Services Detachment’s (JSD) capabilities and readiness across various domains and scenarios. Additionally, the J6 collaborates with other JSD sections and external partners to develop Cyber Associates, sharing best practices, offering training, and fostering a culture of cyber awareness and resilience throughout the organization.
Cybersecurity Support for Underserved Entities: The J6 supports underserved and vulnerable organizations by providing cybersecurity briefings, industry best practices, and access to resources, training, and tools. This complements existing security infrastructure, helping protect critical data and systems from unauthorized access and threats while enhancing cyber resilience and mitigating risks.
Scope
The J6 provides direct support to Joint Services Detachment (JSD) members through the following services:
Internal Help Desk: JSD members can access technical assistance and guidance for JSD systems and applications via phone, email, or chat.
Training Sessions: JSD members can request one-on-one or group training on topics including JSD policies, procedures, tools, and best practices.
Technical Assistance: JSD members can receive remote or on-site support from J6 staff for troubleshooting, configuration, installation, and maintenance of JSD systems and devices.
Resource Alignment and Support: The J6 provides South Carolina small municipalities and critical infrastructure entities with self-assessment tools and guidance to align their resources with their needs. The J6 connects these entities to appropriate resources to support their requirements but does not conduct direct evaluations, remediation, or improvements.
LTC Dean E. White
J-6 C4/Cyber Directorate Lead
LTC TC White brings a diverse background of military, entrepreneurial, and government experience to his current role. He began his career in the US Navy as a Computer Peripheral Technician, serving on Spruance Class destroyers and deploying twice to the Persian Gulf. After founding a successful computer business in 1993, he returned to Federal Service at The Naval Information Warfare Center - Atlantic in 2007, working as an IT Project Manager and Contracting Officers Representative. In 2019, White was commissioned as a major in the Joint Services Detachment and became the first J6 Lead, making a significant impact by shaping, developing and enhancing the JSD's J6 capabilities. He was promoted to LTC on May 20, 2023.
LTC Brandon Sade
J-6 Directorate Deputy Lead
During the events of 9/11, Sade served as an active duty Sergeant in the Army. In the wake of this, he stepped forward to lead a rapid deployment team that would attach to Task Forces and provide secure communications while deployed. Following his distinguished military service, Sade transitioned into a civilian role with the Navy. Supporting the Navy and Joint Forces he has been at the helm of prominent IT projects, all aimed at augmenting the warfighter's capabilities. With a wealth of over 25 years of experience, Sade brings an extensive background in IT, fortified by multiple degrees and certifications in Cybersecurity, Cloud technologies, Project Management, and Systems Engineering. Sade was promoted to LTC on 17 August 2024.
CW4 LEE HORAN
CW4 LeRoy (Lee) F. Horan, Jr.
J-6 Section Chief
Chief Warrant Officer 4 (CW4) LeRoy (Lee) F. Horan, Jr., served with distinction in the United States Army from April 1965 until his retirement in June 2005. Over his 40-year career, he held critical assignments in electronics interception, communications, and warfare equipment repair within the Army Security Agency (ASA). He also served as a Communications Security (COMSEC) custodian and managed operations in various capacities. CW4 Horan's expertise spanned Military Intelligence and Ordnance theater operations, culminating in his role as the J6 Maintenance Chief for the 8th Army. His qualifications included Q5 certifications in both Military Occupational Specialties 353A (Technician) and 948D (Electronic Systems Maintenance). His leadership and technical proficiency were instrumental in ensuring operational readiness across complex military systems. Following his retirement, CW4 Horan continued to contribute to his community and share his knowledge. He taught high school courses in electronics and automotive technology, imparting practical skills to the next generation. He also served on his local town council, overseeing utility management, and demonstrated exceptional civic duty as a member of the First Aid Squad during Superstorm Sandy in 2012, providing critical support during a natural disaster.
In 2018, CW4 Horan joined the Joint Service Detachment, further extending his commitment to service. His career and post-retirement endeavors reflect a legacy of dedication, technical expertise, and community leadership.
CPT JOHN HART
Research Lead
CPT Hart hails from Bel Air, Maryland. He enlisted in the US Navy in 1975, and as a SONAR Technician left his home port in San Diego on a “seasoned” Guided Missile Frigate for deployments supporting many battlegroups in the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans. Returning to the home port, CPT Hart was assigned a rigorous battery of technical (engineering) schools to qualify him as a combat systems technician on Spruance class destroyers. Serving on 3 of them, he deployed to the Western Pacific/Indian Oceans, North Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Persian Gulf Theaters. In 1995, CPT Hart retired from the Navy as a Chief Petty Officer (CPO). Melding into the civilian sector as a US Army 841st TTB network engineer. He increased his knowledge and talents by earning his Degree in Information Technology and earning certifications in information systems security from single systems to “Big Iron” behemoth “Supercomputers” and “Data Centers”. He is currently a federal contractor with NIWC LANT as an Information Security Engineer and Navy Qualified Validator. He joined the JSD in May 2024.
CPT TREY STEVENS
Computer / Cyber Operations
CPT Stevens, a Blythewood, SC native, graduated from The Citadel’s Charlie Company in 2022 and completed his graduate studies in 2024. As a DoD Cyber Scholarship Recipient, he launched his federal career at the Naval Information Warfare Center, transitioning from Information Security Systems Engineering to Red Team Operations. He also served in Cyber Incident Response with the South Carolina State Guard (2022–2023) and helped establish The Citadel’s Security Operations Center, later joining the faculty as an adjunct professor. Commissioned into the JSD in August 2024, he brings a diverse cybersecurity background to the J6.