National Defense articles from May 2005

National Defense archives from May 2005

Successful net-centric operations require joint testing.(PRESIDENT'S PERSPECTIVE)
May 1, 2005... The wars U.S. forces are fighting today--and can be expected to fight in the foreseeable future--undoubtedly are shaping the military services' requirements for new and improved technology. The conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan,...

Role of civil affairs.(LETTERS)(Letter to the Editor)
May 1, 2005... With reference to your cover story of the February 2005 edition, it is remarkable that there is no mention of civil affairs or psychological operations--two of the three major components of Army special operations forces, representing nearly 40...

Dangers in technology.(LETTERS)(Letter to the Editor)
May 1, 2005... In reference to your January 2005 story, "Stryker Units get Instant Feedback from Troops at War," I need to comment about the statement that "Most importantly, the Stryker's high tech communications systems allow units on the front lines to...

Errata.(Correction Notice)
May 1, 2005... In the March 2005 story entitled "Researchers Cast Wary Eye On Atomic-Level Computing," a source was misidentified as David Yepez. His name is Jeffrey Yepez. The April 2005 story, "Aviation Force Gets Smaller, but New Aircraft Spending on...

Military scientists don't take names in vain.(Washington PULSE)(underwater surveillance system)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... In the world of military hardware projects, the right name--and acronym--can make a huge difference when seeking political and financial support on Capitol Hill. A case in point is an underwater surveillance system developed by the Office of...

Air force touts role in hunting insurgents.(Washington PULSE)(advanced sensors usage to target insurgents)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... The Air Force is finding new ways to target insurgents in Iraq Lt. Gen. Walter E. "Buck" Buchanan III, commander of the air component of the U.S. Central Command, told a seminar on Capitol Hill. Aircraft equipped with advanced sensors are being...

Coast guard aircraft unfit for duty? ...(Washington PULSE)(safety record)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... The safety record of the Coast Guard's aircraft fleet is nothing short of alarming, according to senior officials. Aging helicopters are the primary culprits. Although several programs already are under way to upgrade and replace out-dated...

... Revised wish list raises eyebrows.(Washington PULSE)(deepwater programs)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... The Coast Guard, meanwhile, recently submitted to Congress a much anticipated revised requirements document for its multibillion-dollar Deepwater program. Under Deepwater, the Coast Guard will spend between $19 billion to $24 billion during the...

Busy depots safe from BRAC.(Washington PULSE)(Base Realignment and Closure Commission)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... Army depots are working beyond capacity and show no signs of slowing down, says Army Secretary Francis J. Harvey. With these industrial facilities operating 24/7 to keep up with equipment repair workloads, the Army is not in a position to close...

Department of Energy moving on security initiatives.(SECURITY BEAT: Homeland Defense Brief)
May 1, 2005... Several programs meant to enhance national security are being developed and run by the Department of Energy, trying to reduce the chance of a nuclear or radiological attack within the United States. The proposed federal budget for 2006...

DHS seeking technology to protect food supply.(SECURITY BEAT: Homeland Defense Brief)(Department of Homeland Security)
May 1, 2005... The Homeland Security Advanced Research Projects Agency is seeking new laboratory detection technology to screen the food supply for hidden dangers. The system will need to quickly scan for biological pathogens or toxins that pose a threat to...

New wave of grants aimed at infrastructure security.(SECURITY BEAT: Homeland Defense Brief)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... The Department of Homeland Security announced it would distribute $91.3 million in grant funding to secure areas surrounding critical infrastructure sites, including chemical facilities, dams and nuclear plants. The Buffer Zone Protection...

Incoming DHS chief kicks off top-to-bottom review.(SECURITY BEAT: Homeland Defense Brief)(Department of Homeland Security)(Michael Chertoff)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... When Michael Chertoff, the new secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, took the helm of the new government agency in March, he wasted no time imposing a department-wide self-examination. "I have initiated a comprehensive review of...

Global health workers, police can't handle bioterror.(SECURITY BEAT: Homeland Defense Brief)
May 1, 2005... The world community is trying to prepare for a bioterrorism event, but planning for one is posing a major challenge to law enforcement and health professionals. Identifying a deliberate outbreak and catching those responsible will take...

Shipbuilding strategy makes sure bet on uncertain future.(DEFENSE WATCH)
May 1, 2005... Amidst a boisterous storm of criticism from lawmakers and shipbuilding industry advocates, Navy officials confirmed in recent weeks what had become increasingly obvious: The nation's naval force is drifting towards an unknown future. ...

Time on the ground in Iraq pays off for naval aviators.(UPFRONT)
May 1, 2005... The aviators of Carrier Air Wing Three--just back from the Persian Gulf--found that, when it comes to flying close-air support missions, there is no substitute to spending time on the ground. During a six-month deployment consumed by long...

Future Pentagon investments to reshape defense industry.(UPFRONT)
May 1, 2005... Despite being heavily committed in the Middle East, Defense Department officials argue that long-range investment decisions must begin now if the military is to have crucial capabilities 20 years down the road. Officials believe the...

Nuclear programs receive money for upgrades.(UPFRONT)
May 1, 2005... The Energy Department is allocating more money for monitoring and improving the nation's aging supply of nuclear weapons and concurrently is laying a foundation for the construction of new warheads. Two paramount issues face the National...

Army Guard, reserves confront long-term personnel problems.(UPFRONT)
May 1, 2005... Despite a strengthened recruitment effort, Army Guard and Reserve officials said many of their personnel shortages are unlikely to be resolved in the foreseeable future. Of particular concern is the development of new leaders. Lt. Gen....

Civil affairs: as demands for nation-building troops soar, leaders ponder reorganization.(SPECIAL OPERATIONS)
May 1, 2005... Army and U.S. Special Operations Command officials are studying proposals to reorganize the small but highly in-demand civil affairs force. Civil affairs troops, who specialize in nation building and civilian-military relations, possess...

Special Operations Command faces personnel shortages.(SPECIAL OPERATIONS)
May 1, 2005... The U.S. Special Operations Command, reeling from the demands of the global war on terrorism, is taking steps to replenish its dwindling stock of specialized operators, according to its commander. Some of the most skilled personnel slots...

Vying for defense dollars: China's arms makers expand international marketing efforts.
May 1, 2005... The People's Republic of China not only is producing a wide array of weapons systems for its own forces, but also is exporting versions of its military hardware to other nations under the wary eye of the United States. In the post Cold War...

Pakistan pushing military exports.(MARKET INTELLIGENCE)
May 1, 2005... Pakistan's intent to become self-reliant in weapons production has resulted in recent years in the development of homegrown capabilities to produce military equipment-ranging from lasers to complex air defense systems and ammunition. A...

Anti-terrorism focus: Federal Research Agency tackling improvised bombs.(DEFENSE RESEARCH)
May 1, 2005... A government research organization that traditionally has concentrated on homeland defense efforts is shifting its attention to the problem of improvised explosive devices, which are taking a heavy toll on U.S. and coalition forces in Iraq. ...

Group cites technology 'success stories'.(DEFENSE RESEARCH)
May 1, 2005... Technical support working group officials, in a recent briefing to industry representatives, pointed to a list of "2004 success stories," technologies developed during the previous year, including these: The Rapidscan Secure 1000, from...

Electronic tags: contractors urged to comply with smart-tag policy.(DEFENSE RESEARCH)
May 1, 2005... Companies that supply military equipment to the Defense Department should begin voluntarily to put electronic tags on shipments, advised Alan Estevez, assistant deputy undersecretary of defense for supply-chain integration. In January,...

Middle east defense: Emirates invest billions to stay on top in Persian Gulf.
May 1, 2005... Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates--Infusing billions of dollars into defense programs, this small Persian Gulf nation--in the shadow of Iran--is vastly increasing its military power. The United Arab Emirates not only is purchasing jet...

Local shipbuilder thrives, eyes expansion in gulf region.
May 1, 2005... Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates--As this Middle Eastern nation boosts the power of its sea service, business is booming for an indigenous company that not only is grabbing a large share of navy contracts, but also is planning to spread out in...

Gulf nation focuses on training, educating air crews.(MIDDLE-EAST DEFENSE)
May 1, 2005... Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates--Close to fielding one of the most advanced air forces in the Middle East, the United Arab Emirates is pushing to match the aircrews' proficiency with their sophisticated equipment. This need becomes even...

Jordan eyes expansion of domestic defense industry.(MIDDLE-EAST DEFENCE)(Industry Overview)
May 1, 2005... The Jordanian government is taking steps to boost its domestic defense industry. In particular, a research and development center is achieving tangible results in building sophisticated technology for internal and border security, VIP...

Casualties of war: robotic, biological research aiding military amputees.
May 1, 2005... Hugh Herr sits alongside a colleague, watching the man's extended right foot rotate in mid-air. Herr, a double amputee who lost his legs to frostbite when he was 17 years old, attempts to replicate the motion, but the brain's commands stop at...

Guard and reserve wounded left behind.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... An Army Guard and Reserve program designed to support wounded soldiers is so overwhelmed by the pace of deployments that injured personnel lost medical care because of their change in status, according to a recent Government Accountability...

Trial by combat: delivering technology to troops requires learning 'in real time'.(government procurement)
May 1, 2005... Buyers and developers of military equipment readily admit that the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have thrown into question many of the traditional assumptions about the way the Defense Department acquires new technology. For the past two...

Military researchers launch war against hidden explosives.
May 1, 2005... At least 75 Navy scientists have been assigned to work full-time on technologies to detect and neutralize the improvised explosives devices that have killed and maimed hundreds of U.S. troops in Iraq. The Office of Naval Research also...

Soldiers teaching robots battlefield duties.
May 1, 2005... Sgt. 1st Class Ralph Brewer has an odd job that is at the intersection of past and future warfare--teaching a robot to be a combat reconnaissance scout. "An Army field manual can tell you how you should do it," he says. "When you get out...

Keeping Coast Guard cutters afloat a full-time chore.(AGING FLEET)
May 1, 2005... As the Coast Guard looks forward to the acquisition of its new national security cutters, the job of keeping their current, aged fleet operational requires a lot of the crews' attention. Scheduled to begin replacements in 2007, the fleet of...

Navy showcases experimental 'Sea Fighter'.(TECH TALK)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... The Navy has christened its new Littoral Surface Craft--Experimental, commonly referred to as "X-Craft." Developed by the Office of Naval Research, this high-speed, aluminum catamaran is designed to test a variety of technologies that could...

Black Hawk rehearsal simulator unveiled.(TECH TALK)(advanced combat-mission simulator )(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... Black Hawk pilots in the Army's 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment-Airborne will sharpen their skills on an advanced combat-mission simulator that is being developed by CAE USA. Scheduled for delivery next year, the mission-rehearsal...

French seek more realistic troop training.(TECH TALK)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... The French Army has agreed to purchase 4,300 laser-firing simulators, harness-worn sensors and head units for infantry training. The laser transmitters will be used on assault and sniper rifles and related weapons. RUAG Electronics'...

Portable ACs designed for harsh environments.(TECH TALK)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... United CoolAir Corporation, of York, Pa., has developed portable air conditioners to compete in the emergency/disaster relief and military markets. The company is adding 5-ton and 12-ton models to its existing line of 8-ton units. The devices...

Long-endurance aerial killer passes test.(TECH TALK)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... A 500-pound inert weapon has been dropped successfully from a medium-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. The test was conducted by Northrop Grumman Corporation, working in conjunction with Scaled...

Misconduct unrelated to federal contracts could lead to suspension or debarment.(ETHICS CORNER)
May 1, 2005... If companies are subject to debarment on a "general basis" for all perceived misconduct in all areas of activities--government or non-government--the question arises: What limits, if any, are there on the government's interpretation of a cause...

Aberdeen chapter sponsors Robotics Competition.(NDIA NEWS)(National Defender Investigator Association)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... NDIA's Aberdeen Proving Ground Chapter is providing financial assistance to science and engineering students. The chapter recently presented $500 checks to the Harford Technical High School Cobra Robotics Team and the Boys and Gifts Club of...

AMC deputy speaks to WID's Monmouth chapter.(NDIA NEWS)(Army Material Command)(Women In Defense)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... Kathryn T.H. Szymanski, deputy to the commanding general of the U.S. Army Material Command, spoke at a recent luncheon sponsored by the Fort Monmouth, N.J., Chapter of Women In Defense, sharing her perspective on what it takes to succeed as an...

NDIA events calendar.(National Defender Investigator Association )(Calendar)
May 1, 2005... MAY 16-19 International Infantry & Joint Services Small Arms Systems Annual Symposium, Exhibition & Firing Demonstration Atlantic City, N.J. POC: Veronica Allen @ (703) 247-2570 Exhibits: Karen Strange @ (703) 247-2573...

Affiliate events.(NDIA EVENTS CALENDAR)(Calendar)
May 1, 2005... MAY 10-11 Net-Centric Operations 2005 Broadening the Base of Net-Centric Operations Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center Washington, D.C. SEPTEMBER 13-15 Enterprise Integration 2005 Capturing the...

Chapter events.(NDIA EVENTS CALENDAR)(Calendar)
May 1, 2005... JUNE 13-14 Pittsburgh Chapter/SoSECE System of Systems Engineering Conference Johnstown, Penn. 13-16 Michigan Chapter Intelligent Vehicle Systems Symposium & Exhibition Acme, Mich. 16 Picatinny Chapter 30th...