Defense
Several Pentagon commands failed to keep good track of classified mobile devices, audit finds
The report comes amid an ongoing Chinese intrusion into U.S. telecom systems. Congress is also working to shore up device protections for servicemembers through the annual defense authorization bill.
Defense officials hopeful incoming administration keeps funding cutting-edge tech
Amid competing priorities, they pitched dual-use research as key to competing with China.
Army aims to move its pay system to the cloud by 2027
Oracle will soon host the service’s HR systems, under the Pentagon’s biggest cloud contracting vehicle.
DOD issues private 5G deployment guide for military bases
The Department of Defense said it anticipates most military installations will use commercial 5G solutions but that “under certain circumstances, commercial networks may not fulfill an installation's requirements.”
Pentagon puts a dent in cyber workforce vacancies
Nearly a quarter of the Defense Department’s cyber jobs went unfilled last year.
Military must improve acquisition to win future wars, admiral says
Pacific Fleet deputy chief says U.S. should follow Ukraine’s example to be prepared for a potential clash with China.
The Army’s dream of vastly simplified networking is starting to come true
Field commanders want even less gear to tend, but two divisions are showing how things are improving.
Industry ‘hamstrung’ by Space Force-intel community’s turf war
Commercial firms say NGA-centric acquisition can’t move fast enough to help combatant commands or foster innovation.
Senators want answers from DOD on quantum sensing efforts
Bipartisan letter wonders whether China’s programs “outstrip the efforts of the United States.”
Replicator 2 effort aims to produce anti-drone defenses
The second phase of the Pentagon’s make-more-stuff-quickly effort will kick off in the 2026 budget request, a memo says.
Space Force aims to track enemy aircraft with satellites by 2030s
Research underway to shift tracking of air and ground targets to more survivable orbiting assets.
Special operators hope AI can reduce civilian deaths in combat
Automation could eventually turn “trigger-pullers into the experts that can do this,” one official said.
Featured eBooks
Army puts new unit loaded with cutting-edge tech to the test
The reconnaissance unit is the poster child for Army plans to field more drones, electronic warfare, and communications equipment across the force.
Wearable tech and data analytics pair with human coaches and athletes for the 2024 DOD Warrior Games
As impressive as the technology is, it works best when paired with knowledgeable human coaches.
DOD unveils proposed final rule for CMMC contracting
A phased rollout of the cybersecurity standard should begin in early 2025, with varying compliance levels and increased program office discretion.
Two programs suggest the Pentagon is getting better at buying technology
The Maven and Collaborative Combat Aircraft efforts display real steps forward, a pair of reports say.
Wartime need for drones would outstrip US production. There’s a way to fix that
The U.S. military needs to “mainstream” new operating concepts and get going with big orders, experts say.
Air Force seeks secure cloud app to manage flights for govt VIPs
The new tool is critical “due to significant cybersecurity vulnerabilities identified in the existing scheduling system,” the branch says in a notice for industry.
Pentagon’s new cyber rules are ‘stifling’ foreign suppliers, advisors say
The soon-to-be-mandatory cybersecurity certification—and a 2018 OSD reorganization—are slowing vital work, the Defense Innovation Board says.
Info warriors coming to Navy subs in the Pacific
The move follows two other pilot efforts with Naval Submarine Forces, said Vice Adm. Kelly Aeschbach, the service’s outgoing “I-boss.”
