National Defense articles from August 2006

National Defense archives from August 2006

Defense must sustain investment in basic research.(PRESIDENT'S PERSPECTIVE)
August 1, 2006... ONE OF THE MAINSTAY SOURCES OF strength of the U.S. military is its ability to continually generate new technologies, both for current and future battlefields. Key to this technological edge is the steady investment the Defense Department...

Hackers victimize transportation command.(Washington PULSE)
August 1, 2006... A series of cyber-attacks launched against the U.S. Transportation Command last year prompted the organization to tighten its security, says Air Force Brig. Gen. Michael Basla, director of command, control communications and computer systems....

National Guard: tired of crying 'wolf'.(Washington PULSE)(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... National Guard leaders for years have griped and groaned about insufficient equipment and about mostly getting by with hand-me-downs from the active-duty force. Generals and politicians got so used to the steady diatribes that the complaints...

Air Force: how much fuel can it save?(Washington PULSE)(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... As the largest consumer of petroleum products in the U.S. military, the Air Force has been contemplating whether replacing the engines of hundreds of aging airplanes could help curtail fuel costs. A study currently under way at the Air Force...

Worldwide military spending soars.(Washington PULSE)
August 1, 2006... The number of armed conflicts worldwide declined to 39 in 2005--the lowest figure since the peak (62 conflicts) in the early 1990s. Yet at the same time, global military expenditures hit $1.02 trillion, the highest spending since 1991, when...

Washington pulse.(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... "If I'm going to play football on a football team, it's nice to get called into a huddle if you're going to know what play you're supposed to run." Lt. Gen. H Steven Blum, chief of the National Guard Bureau, responding to lawmakers'...

The gadfly: former staffer becomes leading DHS critic.(SECURITY BEAT: Homeland Defense Briefs)(Clark Kent Ervin was inspector general of DHS)(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... Former Department of Homeland Security Inspector General Clark Kent Ervin has emerged in recent months as one of the department's leading critics, and one with some credibility. He's a self-described fiscal conservative, who came from Texas...

Investigative agencies portrayed as bitter rivals.(SECURITY BEAT: Homeland Defense Briefs)
August 1, 2006... "Rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic," is an expression heard often in Washington in recent months, usually in reference to plans to reorganize the Department of Homeland Security. Plans to remove the Federal Emergency Management...

TSA to create airport screening network.(SECURITY BEAT: Homeland Defense Briefs)
August 1, 2006... THE TRANSPORTATION SECURITY AGENCY is in the early stages of an effort to link the roughly 14,000 screening machines in airports throughout the nation. The goal of the security technology integration program is to send data to a central...

How big is big brother?(SECURITY BEAT: Homeland Defense Briefs)
August 1, 2006... AS THE NATION DEBATES how far the National Security Agency can or should go in the realm of domestic eavesdropping, two noted professors have cautioned against giving the secretive organization too much credit. Steven Bellovin, a computer...

Private sector lagging on security, says report.(SECURITY BEAT: Homeland Defense Briefs)
August 1, 2006... It was assumed after 9/11 that the private sector would spend its own money to beef up security to protect its assets against the threat of terrorist attacks. That assumption was wrong, according to a Council on Foreign Relations report,...

Global industrial trends spell doom for defense.(DEFENSE WATCH)
August 1, 2006... THE WELL-PUBLICIZED INTENT OF the U.S. military to remain on technology's cutting edge appears to overlook the predictions of the Pentagon's own soothsayers, who warn that the Defense Department soon may be unable to acquire critical...

Combat drills: training center simulates Army's digital battle command technology.(UPFRONT)
August 1, 2006... PORT POLK, La. -- A new high-tech facility scheduled to open in March 2007 will allow Army planners to concoct realistic training scenarios for units heading to Iraq. These advanced computer networks will connect real-world Army battle-command...

Disjointed defense simulation programs prompt reorganization.(UPFRONT)
August 1, 2006... The increasing demand for virtual training and war gaming has prompted the Defense Department to reorganize how it manages modeling and simulation. Ongoing efforts to integrate disparate modeling and simulation work reflect growing...

Jordanian facility to Train Regional and International Forces.(UPFRONT)
August 1, 2006... PARIS -- Ground has been broken in Jordan to begin construction on one of the world's most comprehensive anti-terrorism training facilities. The King Abdullah II Special Operations Training Center, based 20 kilometers northeast of Amman,...

Information miscues lead to bad targeting decisions.(UPFRONT)
August 1, 2006... The military services' inability to access and share data has led to some tactical mistakes on the battlefield that could have been prevented, an intelligence official told a recent industry conference. "We have bombed things we shouldn't...

Technologies rushed to war face an uncertain future.(UPFRONT)
August 1, 2006... In the scramble to deliver equipment requested by commanders in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Army often bypassed its own procurement bureaucracy. That is good news for troops in the field. The downside for the Army, however, has been a...

Loaded with aging planes, Air Force gears up for surge in repair work.(UPFRONT)(Gen. Bruce Carlson air force materiel commander)
August 1, 2006... Despite strict mandates to cut thousands of jobs, the Air Force Materiel Command has ambitious plans to modernize its maintenance depots and become less dependent on contractors to repair and upgrade aircraft. Gen. Bruce Carlson, AFMC...

Info-warfare: small steps taken in long quest for net-centric military.(TECHNOLOGY)
August 1, 2006... The vision has been out there for a long time: a network-centric world where information among military programs or branches can be accessed by commanders or decision makers in a timely manner. Every year, chief information officers,...

Homeland security mission creates more complications.(TECHNOLOGY)
August 1, 2006... While the Defense Department has struggled for years to create a net-centric world where information flows seamlessly to those who need it, communicating with federal, state and local agencies in times of domestic crisis is creating even bigger...

Pot of gold: overseas companies adapting to U.S. market needs.(GLOBAL DEFENSE)(Cover story)
August 1, 2006... PARIS -- With current commitments driving the high demand for military equipment, foreign companies perceive the U.S. defense market to be the proverbial pot of gold. Though breaking through American bureaucracy and politics to sell wares...

Combat search and rescue: whose chopper has the right stuff for the Air Force?(AVIATION)(Company overview)
August 1, 2006... SUFFOLK, Va.--Three industry teams are competing to produce the Air Force's next-generation combat search and rescue helicopter, dubbed the CSAR-X. The contractor teams--led by Lockheed Martin, Boeing and Sikorksy-- have widely different...

Combat drones: clouds on the horizon for pilot-less bombers.(UNMANNED VEHICLES)
August 1, 2006... After years of steady growth in funding, development and operational use, unmanned aerial vehicles have begun to rival--and, in some cases, exceed--the capability of manned aircraft. The rapid maturing of military UAVs into armed unmanned...

Combat drone project exposes pitfalls of joint-service programs.
August 1, 2006... WHEN THE PENTAGON quashed a multibillion-dollar Air Force-Navy combat drone program earlier this year, experts contended this was proof that joint service projects are doomed from the get-go. "Any time you try to design a joint aircraft,...

Air wars: Navy and Marine Corps fighter squadrons face shortfalls.(AVIATION)
August 1, 2006... Aging airplanes, a shortage of airframes and delays in the multi-service joint strike fighter are forcing the Navy to carefully manage its fleets of F/A-18 Hornets. Meanwhile, the Marine Corps, with an even older and less numerous Hornet fleet,...

Air defense: protecting skies over war zones gets tougher.(AIR WARFARE)
August 1, 2006... The airspace over Iraqi cities has become a traffic controller's nightmare. And it could get much worse, officials predict. The multitude of surveillance and cargo aircraft flying in war zones there continues to get larger--as it becomes more...

Unmanned surveillance balloon to hit the skies.
August 1, 2006... PARIS -- The next wave in unmanned aerial systems may hark back to the dawn of human flight more than a century ago. Aeronautics Defense Systems Ltd., based in Israel, which produces tactical UAVs with sophisticated navigation and control...

Sea wall: mesh of technologies to provide maritime safety net.(COAST GUARD)
August 1, 2006... TAMPA, Fla. -- While the Department of Homeland Security begins efforts to strengthen the nation's land borders, less publicized work continues on building a so-called virtual wall along U.S. coasts. As the defense communities and lawmakers...

Trouble coast guard cutter threatens deepwater.(COAST GUARD)
August 1, 2006... TAMPA, Fla. -- The Coast Guard is considering purchasing commercial vessels to serve as stopgaps after the development of its fast response cutter stalled this year. The new cutter program has been plagued by delays and the Coast Guard...

Shift in priorities: Office of Naval Research turns attention to 'irreqular' warfare.(NAVY)
August 1, 2006... More than three years of fighting in Iraq have yet to bring about a major shift in technology spending priorities at the Pentagon, a senior official says. The conflict, which in almost every measure has been a non-traditional "irregular" war,...

Navy deeds in West Africa aim to curb terrorism, secure access to oil.(NAVY)
August 1, 2006... Worries about the expansion of Islamic extremist groups in Western Africa and the growing influence of China have spurred U.S. military presence there, particularly along the coast of the Gulf of Guinea. One of the most recent initiatives...

Hybrid respirator now offered commercially.(Life Support)(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... A multi-mode respirator, called the PATRIOT hybrid life support system, that is being sold commercially by Wilcox Industries Corp. of Newington, N.H., can be operated as either a powered or non-powered air purifying respirator, an open-circuit...

Diagnostic technology applied to marine vehicles.(TECH TALK)
August 1, 2006... State of the art automotive diagnostic systems are being adapted by Delphi engineers, of Troy, Mich., for the Marine Corps' light armored vehicles (LAVs). This technology is commonplace in new cars, but no so for combat vehicles. Testing...

Now hear this: convoys gain warning system.(TECH TALK)(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... Convoys in Iraq will be equipped with systems that transmit a loud, penetrating beam message to a range of 500 meters. Tagged LRADs, or long range acoustic devices, they are being produced by the American Technology Corp., of San Diego, Calif.,...

This bomb squad travels in style.(TECH TALK)(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... Cops in Tempe, Ariz., have just received a customized explosive ordnance disposal truck that matches up with recently acquired mobile command and special weapons and tactics vehicles. The vehicles are made by LDV Inc. of Burlington, Wis. ...

Improved military weather station unveiled.(TECH TALK)
August 1, 2006... AN ADVANCED version of the TACMET II weather station is being offered by Climatronics Corp. of Bohemia, N.Y. The system, which comes in two rugged cases, operates on extremely low AC or DC power and provides weather information in real-time....

Clean water no problem for expeditionary purifier.(TECH TALK)(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... THE EXPEDITIONARY unit water purifier, or EUWP, is a lightweight, transportable system capable of purifying, storing and dispensing potable water in any austere environment, from virtually any water source, including seawater and sources...

Mini device pinpoints nuclear threats.(TECH TALK)(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... A pager-sized device that has been introduced by Thermo Electron of Waltham, Mass., not only detects and identifies specific nuclear threats, but also transmits this information in real time to command centers. The device produces both a...

Portable power offered in small package.(TECH TALK)(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... Global Star of Tucson, Ariz., has just introduced a 25-watt, 12-volt flexible, foldable solar panel that is water resistant and friendly to the environment, say company officials. The SUNLINQ 25W joins a family of lightweight solar panels...

Trousers remain up in confrontation.(TECH TALK)(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... Combat Suspenders, by Spec.-Ops. Brand, of Monahans, Texas, takes the weight off belt-mounted equipment worn by soldiers and first responders-thus, literally keeping their pants on in tense situations. The nylon, side mount attachment...

Anti-bribery enforcement on the increase overseas.(ETHICS CORNER)
August 1, 2006... U.S. government contractors involved in overseas sales have long recognized the need to comply with the anti-bribery provisions of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the law barring bribery of foreign government officials in order to...

Industry and government share common goals.(MANUFACTURING DIVISION)
August 1, 2006... NDIA's Manufacturing Division continues to move forward. During a quarterly meeting on May 31 and June 1, approximately 30 senior manufacturing leaders met and agreed upon a committee structure and objectives. The division is organized...

Missile Defense Agency's teams chosen for NDIA awards.(NDIA NEWS)
August 1, 2006... NDIA's Missile Defense Division in June held its third annual awards dinner. The event honored teams from the Missile Defense Agency. Shown here (from the left) are Barry Bates, NDIA's vice president for operations; Army Col. Bill Lamb, from...

NDIA welcomes new Chapter in Florida's Tampa Bay.(NDIA NEWS)
August 1, 2006... NDIA's Greater Tampa Bay Chapter--recently established in Florida--is seeking new members. The chapter held its first breakfast meeting in May at Tampa's University Club. Presiding over the event was the organization's board of directors,...

NDIA events calendar.(National Defense Industrial Association)(Calendar)
August 1, 2006... AUGUST 28-30 Land and Maritime Supply Chain Business Conference and Exhibition Columbus, Ohio POC: Meredith Geary @ (703) 247-9476 Exhibits: Dennis Sharland @ (703) 247-2573 28-31 Warheads & Ballistics Classified...

Affiliate events.(Calendar)
August 1, 2006... SEPTEMBER 21 Information Sharing Hyatt, Crystal City Arlington, Va. SEPTEMBER 14 Open Source Hyatt Hotel, Crystal City Arlington, VA NOVEMBER 30-DECEMBER 1, 2006 2010 Research Directions for Information...

Chapter events.(Brief article)(Calendar)
August 1, 2006... AUGUST 8 San Diego Chapter 2006 Gold Coast Conference Town & Country Resort San Diego, Calif. 8-10 Michigan Chapter 2nd Annual Ground-Automotive Power & Energy Symposium Troy...

Defense department acquisition directory.(2006 MEGA DIRECTORY)(Directory)
August 1, 2006... The 2006 edition of National Defense Magazine's directory of military acquisition agencies and programs provides a comprehensive guide to the complex world of Pentagon procurement organizations, It begins with the top leadership of the Defense...

NDIA corporate index of capabilities.(2006 MEGA DIRECTORY)(Directory)
August 1, 2006... This edition of National Defense Magazine an annual directory of the corporate members of the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA)--is designed to be a useful and long-term business reference. It includes three sections: * First,...

Defense industry.(21ST CENTURY SYSTEMS INC.-NI INDUSTRIES INC.)(Directory)
August 1, 2006... 21ST CENTURY SYSTEMS INC. 4250 Pacific Highway Suite 226 San Diego, CA 92110 (619) 222-2046 (phone) Home Page: www.21csi.com/ 3D RESEARCH CORPORATION 7057 Old Madison Pike Huntsville, AL 35806 (256)...

Defense industry.(NIGHT VISION EQUIPMENT CO. INC.-ZODIAC OF NORTH AMERICA INC.)(Directory)
August 1, 2006... NIGHT VISION EQUIPMENT CO. INC. PO Box 219 Fogelsville, PP, 18051 (610) 391-9101 (phone) Home Page: www.nvec-night-vision.com NISH 8401 Old Courthouse Road Vienna, VA 22182 (571) 226-4660 (phone) Home...

A word from NDIA's vice president of operations.(2006 MEGA DIRECTORY)
August 1, 2006... Dear NDIA Members: As this year's Mega Directory arrives at your mailbox, I am pleased to report that NDIA is enjoying another successful year. This success is largely attributable to the member volunteers from industry and government who...

NDIA schedule of events.(2006 MEGA DIRECTORY)(National Defense Industrial Association)(Calendar)
August 1, 2006... July 2006 July 31-August 3 2006 Naval Science & Technology Partnership Conference & Exhibition Washington, D.C. POC: Angie DeKleine @ (703) 247-2599 Exhibits: Dennis Sharland @ (703) 247-2573 Highlights will include: ...

NDIA points of contact.(2006 MEGA DIRECTORY)(Directory)
August 1, 2006... PROFESSIONAL STAFF CONTACTS Maj. Gen. Barry Bates, USA (Ret.), Vice President of Operations. General Bates brings more than 32 years of experience in a broad array of Army and joint logistics, training and business operations assignments...

NDIA committees & divisions.(2006 MEGA DIRECTORY)
August 1, 2006... Division Review Council Members: Joseph S. Bravman Satelink Technologies, Inc. Dale W. Church Mechanical Technologies Inc. Timothy B. Fleischer Radian, Inc. Nathaniel Friends AT&T Corporation ...

Government Policy.(2006 MEGA DIRECTORY)
August 1, 2006... The following divisions are overseen by NDIA's Vice President for Government Policy, Peter M. Steffes. Government Policy Advisory Division The Government Policy Advisory Division is responsible for developing and implementing the...

2006 NDIA chapter locations.(2006 MEGA DIRECTORY)(Directory)
August 1, 2006... NDIA's 52 chapters, many located near major military commands, corporate business areas, research centers and defense agencies, focus on educating its communities on current and local issues relating to our national security and industrial...

Association for Enterprise Integration: people--process--technology--information.(AFFILIATES)
August 1, 2006... The Association for Enterprise Integration (AFEI) is the industry association contributing to understanding the challenges, opportunities and benefits associated with information sharing across and within the extended enterprise. ...

National Correlation Working Group.(AFFILIATES)(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... The National Correlation Working Group (NCWG) became an affiliate of NDIA on February 28, 2002. The mission of NCWG is to promote systems, processes and procedures leading to the correlation, dissemination and presentation of assured,...

National Training and Simulation Association.(AFFILIATES)
August 1, 2006... Companies in the simulation, training, mission planning/rehearsal and support services industry are represented through membership in the National Training and Simulation Association (NTSA), an affiliate of NDIA since 1992. NTSA provides...

Precision Strike Association.(AFFILIATES)(Calendar)
August 1, 2006... The Precision Strike Association is the premier professional organization dedicated to advancing the art and science of precision engagement concepts and technologies. The Association promotes the development of systems and procedures in order...

Women In Defense, A National Security Organization.(AFFILIATES)
August 1, 2006... Cultivating and supporting the advancement and recognition of women in all aspects of national security is the mission of Women In Defense, A National Security Organization (WID). A nonprofit organization, WID was established to provide women a...