About the USO:
- A congressionally chartered, military support nonprofit organization founded in 1941
- Leading organization serving U.S. military personnel and their families throughout their time in uniform—from the moment they join, through their assignments and deployments, and as they transition back to their communities
- Operates in 260+ locations worldwide, including at or near military installations,in major airports, and in naval vessels at sea
- Dataminr customer since 2024
With a mission to support U.S. service members wherever they are, the USO faces the immense challenge of maintaining situational awareness across a vast and dynamic operational landscape. From airports to remote military bases, the organization must stay informed of emerging events and risks that could impact its people and the military communities it serves.
To meet this need, the USO adopted Dataminr’s product for the public sector, First Alert. We spoke with USO Chief Operating Officer Christopher Plamp to understand how Dataminr has helped improve the organization’s ability to detect and respond to critical events.
The Challenge: Monitoring Widely Dispersed and Dynamic Operations
Reactive Posture
Before implementing Dataminr, the USO’s risk monitoring process was largely manual. The team relied on news reports and direct communication from their centers, which often meant learning about events after they had already unfolded. “It was more reactionary in terms of how we were dealing with situations,” said Plamp.
Visibility Gaps
The USO operates 260 locations around the world providing a safe, comfortable space for service members to take in a moment or two of respite between missions or during travel. Monitoring this complex, global operating environment through traditional, manual methods was difficult and often left gaps in the USO’s awareness.
“Our operations are very dispersed. We are in military bases all over the world and airports all over the U.S.,” said Plamp. “It was very difficult to know what was going on at every location. For example, we did not have good visibility into when the state guards were being activated.”
The Solution: Proactive, Real-Time Information with Dataminr
Dataminr provides a centralized, automated solution that delivers early and relevant insights in real time, enabling the USO to shift from a reactive to a proactive operational posture.
A crucial advantage of First Alert is the ability to tailor its real-time alerts to match the USO’s specific needs and alert queries. This ensures that alerts delivered to senior leadership are both relevant and high-priority.
“What has been incredible is the fact that the Dataminr team has worked with us to get it to a point where the information we receive is relevant,” said Plamp. “We did multiple iterations to set the correct levels of alert, which really helped me. At my level, I only want the key, important information—and it has worked well.”
In addition, the USO has a domestic Mobile USO program that also leverages First Alert to identify natural disasters the Natural Guard is responding to in real time, allowing them to provide quick and effective support to the Guard units in their relief efforts.
Three Key Benefits of Using Dataminr
Since implementing First Alert, the USO has experienced transformative benefits that directly support its mission-critical operations.
No. 1. Early Warning for Rapid Response
Dataminr frequently provides the first notification of an incident, allowing the USO to get ahead of developing situations. This is particularly valuable for events at airports and military installations.
“When there are issues at specific airports, such as a car accident, a ground stop or an active shooter, we at headquarters learn about them very quickly,” said Plamp. This real-time warning enables the USO to proactively reach out to its personnel to confirm their safety, assess impacts on service members, and mobilize support—such as securing hotels for stranded troops—much faster than before.
“We are now routinely receiving information before it’s in the news or identified by our teams,” said Plamp. “For instance, during the January winter storm in the U.S. this year, we found out very quickly—in real time—that five National Guard units in five different states had been activated, and that we needed to start to prepare to support them.”
No. 2. Enhanced Global to Hyperlocal Situational Awareness
From airport disruptions to extreme weather, Dataminr provides a comprehensive operational picture for Plamp’s team at the global, regional and hyperlocal level. This heightened awareness empowers the USO to better anticipate needs and align its resources with the movements and requirements of its service members and communities.
No. 3. Streamlined Information Sharing
With multiple users—including USO senior leadership—having access to First Alert’s real-time data, information sharing is quick, timely, and seamless. When Plamp receives a critical alert, he notifies key stakeholders immediately so everyone is on the same page, enabling effective responses.
Read more: Delivering Information and Decision Advantage in the Defense Sector
Expanding Dataminr Usage Across the USO
As the USO has operations across the globe, it’s vital that the regional and local leaders have access to Dataminr’s real-time information so they can learn about events and risks faster—instead of waiting to hear from headquarters. According to Plamp, the USO is looking to expand its Dataminr integration.
“We need to empower those leading at the real point of service, especially in more remote places. We need to get them the same level of information—and with more details—about what’s going on in their location,” said Plamp. “As our mission expands and becomes more critical and dynamic, it’s even more important for our regional leaders to receive information quickly and early to stay ahead of what’s happening.”
By equipping its teams with Dataminr’s AI-powered information, the USO continues to strengthen its ability to support service members and their families with agility and foresight, no matter where their mission takes them.
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