Archive for August, 2011

Army melds tactical, commercial comms networks

By Philip Ewing on Wednesday, August 10th, 2011

Army melds tactical, commercial comms networks

Tactical radios, computer instant messaging, commercial cell phones, and more — the Army wants them all to talk to each other.

Vengeance

By Philip Ewing on Wednesday, August 10th, 2011

Vengeance

The top U.S. general in Afghanistan says the Taliban insurgents who shot down Saturday’s helicopter are dead. Still, many questions remain unanswered.

‘Evac-istan’ — USAF medical mission

By Philip Ewing on Wednesday, August 10th, 2011

China’s carrier sets sail for sea trials

By Philip Ewing on Wednesday, August 10th, 2011

China’s carrier sets sail for sea trials

The official news agency reports that China’s carrier Shi Lang is underway for the first time as a Chinese warship.

Defense could get key role in next phase of deficit reduction

By Philip Ewing on Tuesday, August 9th, 2011

Defense could get key role in next phase of deficit reduction

Key defense lawmakers are said to be under consideration as congressional leaders decide who to pick for their ‘super committee.’

DoD warns of second-guessing in helo crash

By Philip Ewing on Tuesday, August 9th, 2011

DoD warns of second-guessing in helo crash

Did commanders make the right calls? Could it have been prevented? Wait until the facts are in, the Pentagon says.

AF nuke boss: We’re improving, but can’t ‘declare victory’

By Philip Ewing on Monday, August 8th, 2011

AF nuke boss: We’re improving, but can’t ‘declare victory’

The commander of the Air Force’s reorganized strategic force says his airmen are making progress with the new command, but have more work before he’s satisfied.

DoD: Not clear if crash involved opsec issues

By Philip Ewing on Monday, August 8th, 2011

DoD: Not clear if crash involved opsec issues

Although top DoD officials warned about too much info getting out about special operations after the bin Laden raid, it doesn’t look as though that led to Saturday’s crash.

Despite horrific loss, SpecOps war goes on

By Philip Ewing on Monday, August 8th, 2011

Despite horrific loss, SpecOps war goes on

The special operations community doesn’t get a break after its heavy losses this weekend. Its work goes on.

Weekend wrap: Expeditionary links

By Philip Ewing on Friday, August 5th, 2011

Weekend wrap: Expeditionary links

The week that was. The links that were.

The military’s vanishing future

By Philip Ewing on Friday, August 5th, 2011

The military’s vanishing future

A commentator argues the services are entering an even tougher era than it appears because so many of their future programs have been eliminated.

Danger Room: Can DARPA fix the cybersecurity ‘problem from hell?’

By Philip Ewing on Friday, August 5th, 2011

AF PJs rescue lost hiker

By Philip Ewing on Friday, August 5th, 2011

Before it can cut fuel use, Army must measure it

By Philip Ewing on Friday, August 5th, 2011

Before it can cut fuel use, Army must measure it

Like the other services, the Army wants to get better and smarter about using energy. It has a lot to learn, though.

France brings home CVN, but vows Libya ops will go on

By Philip Ewing on Friday, August 5th, 2011

France brings home CVN, but vows Libya ops will go on

France’s aircraft carrier is returning home, but French commanders say they’re leaving behind its air wing so the jets can continue to attack Libyan targets.

Blue Angels low pass

By Philip Ewing on Thursday, August 4th, 2011

Of Facebook, frigates and the littoral combat ship

By Philip Ewing on Thursday, August 4th, 2011

Of Facebook, frigates and the littoral combat ship

With a surge of online discussion this week about LCS, one observer argues against condemning a program because of early problems. One good example also can be a cautionary tale, however.

What’s to become of the Army’s high-tech soldier gear?

By Philip Ewing on Thursday, August 4th, 2011

What’s to become of the Army’s high-tech soldier gear?

The Army’s dream of equipping infantrymen with high-tech gadgets appears to be in limbo for now, but it could still come true.

Ongoing cyber-attack didn’t target military, officials say

By Philip Ewing on Thursday, August 4th, 2011

Ongoing cyber-attack didn’t target military, officials say

DoD has acknowledged its cyber-woes, but says it doesn’t think it was a main target of the ongoing cyber attack announced this week.

DoD: Seriously, enough with all the cuts

By Philip Ewing on Thursday, August 4th, 2011

DoD: Seriously, enough with all the cuts

The Pentagon says it’s doing its part by preparing to absorb $400 billion in reductions over the coming years, and that should be enough.