New Threats Change Amphibious Assault Strategy | DoD Buzz: The Navy is contemplating changes to its strategic and tactical use of connectors such as the Landing Craft Air Cushion and Landing Craft Utility vessel in response to the fast-growing number of countries and non-state actors that are developing high-tech, surface and land-launched missiles.
As a key part of the Navy and Marine Corps expeditionary warfare and amphibious assault strategy, connectors are engineered to move equipment, weapons and personnel from ship to shore over the ocean.
The rapid international development and proliferation of long– range missiles with increasingly sophisticated and accurate precision-guidance systems is leading the Navy and Marine Corps to closely examine its concept of operations, Maj. Gen. Robert Walsh, director of the Navy’s expeditionary warfare division, told Military.com in an interview.
Friday, August 29, 2014
Navy's Next Fighter Likely to Feature Artificial Intelligence - USNI News
Navy's Next Fighter Likely to Feature Artificial Intelligence - USNI News: Artificial intelligence will likely feature prominently onboard the Pentagon’s next-generation successors to the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor.
“AI is going to be huge,” said one U.S. Navy official familiar with the service’s F/A-XX effort to replace the Super Hornet starting around 2030.
Further, while there are significant differences between the U.S. Air Force’s vision for its F-X air superiority fighter and the Navy’s F/A-XX, the two services agree on some fundamental aspects about what characteristics the jet will need to share.
“I think we all agree that we have to work on PNT [Positioning, Navigation and Timing], comms, big data movement between both services,” the official said.
It is unclear how advanced technology like artificial intelligence might help a tactical fighter accomplish its mission. But it is possible that the AI would be a decision aid to the pilot in a way similar in concept to how advanced sensor fusion onboard jets like the F-22 and Lockheed Martin F-35 work now.
“AI is going to be huge,” said one U.S. Navy official familiar with the service’s F/A-XX effort to replace the Super Hornet starting around 2030.
Further, while there are significant differences between the U.S. Air Force’s vision for its F-X air superiority fighter and the Navy’s F/A-XX, the two services agree on some fundamental aspects about what characteristics the jet will need to share.
“I think we all agree that we have to work on PNT [Positioning, Navigation and Timing], comms, big data movement between both services,” the official said.
It is unclear how advanced technology like artificial intelligence might help a tactical fighter accomplish its mission. But it is possible that the AI would be a decision aid to the pilot in a way similar in concept to how advanced sensor fusion onboard jets like the F-22 and Lockheed Martin F-35 work now.
US Army prepares for dangers lurking in 'deep future' megacities
Within about two decades, roughly 60 percent of the world's population will live in cities, particularly megacities of more than 10 million, according to a recent National Intelligence Council projection.
Some of those inhabitants will be bent on terror and destruction of the regional and global community and the Army must be prepared to deal with that threat, according to Lt. Gen. H. R. McMaster, director of the Army Capabilities Integration Center, speaking at a media roundtable today.
The roundtable was part of Exercise Unified Quest, which was conducted Aug. 17-22, which included a megacity disaster scenario set in what McMaster termed the "deep future," 2030 to 2040. Constructive simulation, using computers, was used to create a fictitious environment, weapons, and red, blue and green players, meaning enemy, friendly and host-nation military, he said.
Academia, members of the other military services, coalition partners, and experts on future global events participated in the exercise.
The scenario was plausible, but extreme in nature, in order to stress the capabilities of the Army, which operated against an adaptive insurgency, criminal element, failed government and humanitarian crises. The emergency was caused by a dam bursting with an ensuing flood and a disease outbreak.
There were some key takeaways from the exercise.
"You can't just pour brigade after brigade into a megacity. They'll just get swallowed up," said Col. Kevin Felix, chief of the Future Warfare Division, who also participated in the media roundtable.
By being swallowed up, he meant operating in a dense urban landscape where command and control becomes problematic and where the enemy hides itself and its weaponry among the civilian populace. Some of that weaponry in the scenario turned out to be biological and chemical.
The red players, or enemy, "surprised us as well. They did less fighting than expected," Felix said. "They focused on
Some of those inhabitants will be bent on terror and destruction of the regional and global community and the Army must be prepared to deal with that threat, according to Lt. Gen. H. R. McMaster, director of the Army Capabilities Integration Center, speaking at a media roundtable today.
The roundtable was part of Exercise Unified Quest, which was conducted Aug. 17-22, which included a megacity disaster scenario set in what McMaster termed the "deep future," 2030 to 2040. Constructive simulation, using computers, was used to create a fictitious environment, weapons, and red, blue and green players, meaning enemy, friendly and host-nation military, he said.
Academia, members of the other military services, coalition partners, and experts on future global events participated in the exercise.
The scenario was plausible, but extreme in nature, in order to stress the capabilities of the Army, which operated against an adaptive insurgency, criminal element, failed government and humanitarian crises. The emergency was caused by a dam bursting with an ensuing flood and a disease outbreak.
There were some key takeaways from the exercise.
"You can't just pour brigade after brigade into a megacity. They'll just get swallowed up," said Col. Kevin Felix, chief of the Future Warfare Division, who also participated in the media roundtable.
By being swallowed up, he meant operating in a dense urban landscape where command and control becomes problematic and where the enemy hides itself and its weaponry among the civilian populace. Some of that weaponry in the scenario turned out to be biological and chemical.
The red players, or enemy, "surprised us as well. They did less fighting than expected," Felix said. "They focused on
US military to send tanks to E. Europe for drills
US military to send tanks to E. Europe for drills: US Army troops equipped with tanks will head to Eastern Europe soon to reassure NATO allies anxious over Russia's intervention in Ukraine, Pentagon officials said Thursday.
About 600 troops from the 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division are due to deploy in October to Poland and the Baltic states for training exercises with alliance members, replacing paratroopers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade, said spokeswoman Lieutenant Colonel Vanessa Hillman.
"It's a three month rotation," Hillman said. The drills are "focused on small unit and leader training."
Unlike the outgoing unit, the troops from the "Iron Horse brigade," based in Fort Hood, Texas, will deploy with M-1 Abrams tanks and infantry fighting vehicles, she said.
US commanders have organized an array of exercises and training efforts on NATO's eastern border to reassure allies dismayed over Russia's support of separatists in Ukraine. Washington also has sent F-16 fighter jets to Poland and joined air policing missions over the Baltic states.
About 600 troops from the 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division are due to deploy in October to Poland and the Baltic states for training exercises with alliance members, replacing paratroopers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade, said spokeswoman Lieutenant Colonel Vanessa Hillman.
"It's a three month rotation," Hillman said. The drills are "focused on small unit and leader training."
Unlike the outgoing unit, the troops from the "Iron Horse brigade," based in Fort Hood, Texas, will deploy with M-1 Abrams tanks and infantry fighting vehicles, she said.
US commanders have organized an array of exercises and training efforts on NATO's eastern border to reassure allies dismayed over Russia's support of separatists in Ukraine. Washington also has sent F-16 fighter jets to Poland and joined air policing missions over the Baltic states.
US military to send tanks to E. Europe for drills
US military to send tanks to E. Europe for drills: US Army troops equipped with tanks will head to Eastern Europe soon to reassure NATO allies anxious over Russia's intervention in Ukraine, Pentagon officials said Thursday.
About 600 troops from the 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division are due to deploy in October to Poland and the Baltic states for training exercises with alliance members, replacing paratroopers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade, said spokeswoman Lieutenant Colonel Vanessa Hillman.
"It's a three month rotation," Hillman said. The drills are "focused on small unit and leader training."
Unlike the outgoing unit, the troops from the "Iron Horse brigade," based in Fort Hood, Texas, will deploy with M-1 Abrams tanks and infantry fighting vehicles, she said.
US commanders have organized an array of exercises and training efforts on NATO's eastern border to reassure allies dismayed over Russia's support of separatists in Ukraine. Washington also has sent F-16 fighter jets to Poland and joined air policing missions over the Baltic states.
About 600 troops from the 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division are due to deploy in October to Poland and the Baltic states for training exercises with alliance members, replacing paratroopers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade, said spokeswoman Lieutenant Colonel Vanessa Hillman.
"It's a three month rotation," Hillman said. The drills are "focused on small unit and leader training."
Unlike the outgoing unit, the troops from the "Iron Horse brigade," based in Fort Hood, Texas, will deploy with M-1 Abrams tanks and infantry fighting vehicles, she said.
US commanders have organized an array of exercises and training efforts on NATO's eastern border to reassure allies dismayed over Russia's support of separatists in Ukraine. Washington also has sent F-16 fighter jets to Poland and joined air policing missions over the Baltic states.
Army in the Pacific adopts new style of deployment - Pacific - Stripes
Army in the Pacific adopts new style of deployment - Pacific - Stripes
The Army in the Pacific is starting a new deployment concept this week that sends soldiers out into the region for multiple exercises and longer stays in foreign countries that are intended to reassure partner nations and develop closer relationships as the United States continues its "rebalance" to the Pacific.
Developed out of Fort Shafter, "Pacific Pathways" also is a new Army strategy to stay relevant as large occupational land forces that are costly and slow to mobilize become less viable.
About 550 soldiers with the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team out of Washington state and supporting units are heading to Indonesia for the exercise Garuda Shield in the first iteration of Pacific Pathways, the Army said.
The soldiers will utilize nine Stryker armored vehicles and eight helicopters.
About 500 other 2nd Stryker and supporting soldiers will head to Malaysia with 11 Stryker vehicles and three helicopters for the exercise Keris Strike, which overlaps with the Indonesia training.
The first group of 550 soldiers and others will then leapfrog over to Japan for Orient Shield, the Army said.
The Army in the Pacific is starting a new deployment concept this week that sends soldiers out into the region for multiple exercises and longer stays in foreign countries that are intended to reassure partner nations and develop closer relationships as the United States continues its "rebalance" to the Pacific.
Developed out of Fort Shafter, "Pacific Pathways" also is a new Army strategy to stay relevant as large occupational land forces that are costly and slow to mobilize become less viable.
About 550 soldiers with the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team out of Washington state and supporting units are heading to Indonesia for the exercise Garuda Shield in the first iteration of Pacific Pathways, the Army said.
The soldiers will utilize nine Stryker armored vehicles and eight helicopters.
About 500 other 2nd Stryker and supporting soldiers will head to Malaysia with 11 Stryker vehicles and three helicopters for the exercise Keris Strike, which overlaps with the Indonesia training.
The first group of 550 soldiers and others will then leapfrog over to Japan for Orient Shield, the Army said.
Thursday, August 28, 2014
U.S., China in Race to Develop Hypersonic Weapons - Blog
U.S., China in Race to Develop Hypersonic Weapons - Blog: On the heels of reports that China had successfully completed a second ultra-high-speed missile flight test, the Defense Department announced on Aug. 25 that it had aborted a test of its own hypersonic weapon.
The military is investigating the “anomaly” responsible for the test failure, but analysts told National Defense that the incident was not a major setback for the program.
"It's a glitch. These are weapons that operate under fantastic stresses,” said Rick Fisher, a senior fellow at the International Assessment and Strategy Center. “Failure is not necessarily a bad thing, especially if data can be gathered so that you learn from your mistake.”
“These weapons are traveling at such fantastic speeds and they are required to be capable of such accuracy that it is simply going to require an extensive development program to achieve a point where they can be considered ready for the field,” he added.
The Aug. 25 test of the advanced hypersonic weapon was aborted because of an unspecified flight anomaly, according to a Defense Department news release. “The test was terminated near the launch pad shortly after liftoff to ensure public safety. There were no injuries to any personnel,” the release read.
Testers made the decision to destroy the rocket within four seconds of its launch at the Kodiak Launch Complex in Alaska, said Maureen Schumann, a Pentagon spokeswoman. She was not able to provide additional information on what the anomaly was or how it was detected.
The advanced hypersonic weapon is just one of the technologies under development in the conventional prompt global strike program, she said. The goal is to create a menu of precision strike options that would be able to hit anywhere in the world in under an hour.
The military is investigating the “anomaly” responsible for the test failure, but analysts told National Defense that the incident was not a major setback for the program.
"It's a glitch. These are weapons that operate under fantastic stresses,” said Rick Fisher, a senior fellow at the International Assessment and Strategy Center. “Failure is not necessarily a bad thing, especially if data can be gathered so that you learn from your mistake.”
“These weapons are traveling at such fantastic speeds and they are required to be capable of such accuracy that it is simply going to require an extensive development program to achieve a point where they can be considered ready for the field,” he added.
The Aug. 25 test of the advanced hypersonic weapon was aborted because of an unspecified flight anomaly, according to a Defense Department news release. “The test was terminated near the launch pad shortly after liftoff to ensure public safety. There were no injuries to any personnel,” the release read.
Testers made the decision to destroy the rocket within four seconds of its launch at the Kodiak Launch Complex in Alaska, said Maureen Schumann, a Pentagon spokeswoman. She was not able to provide additional information on what the anomaly was or how it was detected.
The advanced hypersonic weapon is just one of the technologies under development in the conventional prompt global strike program, she said. The goal is to create a menu of precision strike options that would be able to hit anywhere in the world in under an hour.
Obama's executive order: computer chip implants to heal injured troops
Obama's executive order: computer chip implants to heal injured troops: President Obama is backing a unique program aimed at developing computer chip implants that monitor and augment an injured soldier's nervous system -- mitigating all sorts of maladies, ranging from arthritis to post-traumatic stress.
The computer chips are the purview of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), an agency specializing in the development of high-tech military equipment. It was one of several programs green-lighted as part of the 19 executive actions announced yesterday by President Obama -- all of them aimed at boosting the mental health of U.S. troops and veterans.
The aim of the Electrical Prescriptions program, or ElectRx for short -- pronounced electrics -- is to develop an implantable biosensing device, that could tap into, monitor and control the body's organs and biosystems, so to predict and pacify problems at their onset.
The computer chips are the purview of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), an agency specializing in the development of high-tech military equipment. It was one of several programs green-lighted as part of the 19 executive actions announced yesterday by President Obama -- all of them aimed at boosting the mental health of U.S. troops and veterans.
The aim of the Electrical Prescriptions program, or ElectRx for short -- pronounced electrics -- is to develop an implantable biosensing device, that could tap into, monitor and control the body's organs and biosystems, so to predict and pacify problems at their onset.
U.S. military destroys experimental hypersonic weapon
U.S. military destroys experimental hypersonic weapon
Four seconds into the test launch of an experimental hypersonic weapon, on Monday, U.S. military officials were forced to abandon the mission and cue the weapon to self-destruct.
The so-called Advanced Hypersonic Weapon is part of the Defense Department's Conventional Prompt Global Strike technology development program. The program's objective is to construct a missile that can wipe out a target anywhere on Earth in less than 60 minutes after receiving bullseye data and permission to launch.The weapon was launched from the U.S. Army's Kodiak Launch Complex in Alaska, but the test flight was short-lived. An "anomaly" forced officials to quickly abandon the test "to ensure public safety," according to a press release from the Pentagon. There were no injuries.China tested a hypersonic missile system last year, but most defense experts in the U.S. believe the Pentagon had the growing threat of Iran and North Korea in mind when they green-lighted the program.
Four seconds into the test launch of an experimental hypersonic weapon, on Monday, U.S. military officials were forced to abandon the mission and cue the weapon to self-destruct.
The so-called Advanced Hypersonic Weapon is part of the Defense Department's Conventional Prompt Global Strike technology development program. The program's objective is to construct a missile that can wipe out a target anywhere on Earth in less than 60 minutes after receiving bullseye data and permission to launch.The weapon was launched from the U.S. Army's Kodiak Launch Complex in Alaska, but the test flight was short-lived. An "anomaly" forced officials to quickly abandon the test "to ensure public safety," according to a press release from the Pentagon. There were no injuries.China tested a hypersonic missile system last year, but most defense experts in the U.S. believe the Pentagon had the growing threat of Iran and North Korea in mind when they green-lighted the program.
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Obama has taken no decision on Syria airstrikes: White House
Obama has taken no decision on Syria airstrikes: White House:
The White House said Monday that President Barack Obama had so far made no decision on whether to launch air strikes on Islamic State militants in Syria.
"The president has not made any decision to conduct military action in Syria," White House spokesman Josh Earnest said, amid rising expectations of US action following American attacks against the jihadist group in Iraq.Earnest addressed reports that the Pentagon has been preparing options for US military action in Syria, saying it was the job of the US military headquarters to plan for all kinds of scenarios.Earnest did not directly respond to a comment by President Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria that it was willing to work with the United States to take on "terrorism" inside Syria, in a reference to IS forces opposed by both Washington and Damascus.
Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem was also quoted as saying that any US air strikes would require coordination with the government in Damascus or they would be considered a violation of its sovereignty.
The White House said Monday that President Barack Obama had so far made no decision on whether to launch air strikes on Islamic State militants in Syria.
"The president has not made any decision to conduct military action in Syria," White House spokesman Josh Earnest said, amid rising expectations of US action following American attacks against the jihadist group in Iraq.Earnest addressed reports that the Pentagon has been preparing options for US military action in Syria, saying it was the job of the US military headquarters to plan for all kinds of scenarios.Earnest did not directly respond to a comment by President Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria that it was willing to work with the United States to take on "terrorism" inside Syria, in a reference to IS forces opposed by both Washington and Damascus.
Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem was also quoted as saying that any US air strikes would require coordination with the government in Damascus or they would be considered a violation of its sovereignty.
Ukraine detains Russian paratroopers; U.S. ambassador warns of ‘counteroffensive’ - The Washington Post
Ukraine detains Russian paratroopers; U.S. ambassador warns of ‘counteroffensive’ - The Washington Post: Ukraine said Tuesday its forces detained a group of Russian paratroopers who crossed the border into eastern Ukraine, and the U.S. ambassador to Kiev warned of a possible “Russian-directed counteroffensive” by pro-Moscow separatists, raising tensions between the two countries as their presidents attended a regional summit.
White House national security adviser Susan E. Rice tweeted that “Russia’s military incursions into Ukraine” — which she said include artillery, air defense systems, dozens of tanks and military personnel — “represent significant escalation.”
White House national security adviser Susan E. Rice tweeted that “Russia’s military incursions into Ukraine” — which she said include artillery, air defense systems, dozens of tanks and military personnel — “represent significant escalation.”
Ukraine detains Russian paratroopers; U.S. ambassador warns of ‘counteroffensive’ - The Washington Post
Ukraine detains Russian paratroopers; U.S. ambassador warns of ‘counteroffensive’ - The Washington Post: Ukraine said Tuesday its forces detained a group of Russian paratroopers who crossed the border into eastern Ukraine, and the U.S. ambassador to Kiev warned of a possible “Russian-directed counteroffensive” by pro-Moscow separatists, raising tensions between the two countries as their presidents attended a regional summit.
White House national security adviser Susan E. Rice tweeted that “Russia’s military incursions into Ukraine” — which she said include artillery, air defense systems, dozens of tanks and military personnel — “represent significant escalation.”
White House national security adviser Susan E. Rice tweeted that “Russia’s military incursions into Ukraine” — which she said include artillery, air defense systems, dozens of tanks and military personnel — “represent significant escalation.”
Obama Authorizes Air Surveillance of ISIS in Syria - NYTimes.com
Obama Authorizes Air Surveillance of ISIS in Syria - NYTimes.com: President Obama has authorized surveillance flights over Syria, a precursor to potential airstrikes there, but a mounting concern for the White House is how to target the Sunni extremists without helping President Bashar al-Assad.
Defense officials said Monday evening that the Pentagon was sending in manned and unmanned reconnaissance flights over Syria, using a combination of aircraft, including drones and possibly U2 spy planes. Mr. Obama approved the flights over the weekend, a senior administration official said.
The flights are a significant step toward direct American military action in Syria, an intervention that could alter the battlefield in the nation’s three-year civil war.
Administration officials said the United States did not intend to notify the Assad government of the planned flights. Mr. Obama, who has repeatedly called for the ouster of Mr. Assad, is loath to be seen as aiding the Syrian government, even inadvertently.
Defense officials said Monday evening that the Pentagon was sending in manned and unmanned reconnaissance flights over Syria, using a combination of aircraft, including drones and possibly U2 spy planes. Mr. Obama approved the flights over the weekend, a senior administration official said.
The flights are a significant step toward direct American military action in Syria, an intervention that could alter the battlefield in the nation’s three-year civil war.
Administration officials said the United States did not intend to notify the Assad government of the planned flights. Mr. Obama, who has repeatedly called for the ouster of Mr. Assad, is loath to be seen as aiding the Syrian government, even inadvertently.
Syria Declares Its Readiness in Backing Efforts to Fight Jihadists - NYTimes.com
Syria Declares Its Readiness in Backing Efforts to Fight Jihadists - NYTimes.com: Syria’s foreign minister said Monday that his government was ready to cooperate with international efforts to fight the extremists of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. But in a nod to the possibility of expanded American airstrikes, he warned that any action inside Syria without the government’s approval would be considered “aggression.”
The offer by the minister, Walid al-Moallem, appeared to be a preliminary effort to rehabilitate the international standing of his government, which has been condemned by the United States and others for its brutal tactics in the country’s civil war and against the popular uprising that preceded it.
In comments to reporters in Damascus, Mr. Moallem seemed well aware of how greatly the rise of ISIS in both Syria and Iraq had changed Western views toward the region. He presented his government as the natural partner in the fight against jihadist groups.
The offer by the minister, Walid al-Moallem, appeared to be a preliminary effort to rehabilitate the international standing of his government, which has been condemned by the United States and others for its brutal tactics in the country’s civil war and against the popular uprising that preceded it.
In comments to reporters in Damascus, Mr. Moallem seemed well aware of how greatly the rise of ISIS in both Syria and Iraq had changed Western views toward the region. He presented his government as the natural partner in the fight against jihadist groups.
Hickam C-17 dedicated in honor of late Sen. Daniel Inouye > U.S. Air Force > Article Display
Hickam C-17 dedicated in honor of late Sen. Daniel Inouye > U.S. Air Force > Article Display
A C-17 Globemaster III from the 535th Airlift Squadron was dedicated "Spirit of Daniel Inouye," in memory of local and national hero Sen. Daniel Inouye, Aug. 20, during a ceremony here.
In keeping with Air Force naming tradition, aircraft tail number 5147 received its "Spirit of" name to honor the late senator's contributions to the state of Hawaii and the U.S. in addition to his extraordinary efforts in support of the military and pivotal role in bringing the C-17 program to Hawaii.
"The United States Air Force owns and maintains 223 C-17 aircraft and only five have been named after a specific individual," said Col. Randall Huiss, the 15th Wing commander. "Sen. Inouye is now part of this highly esteemed group, which now includes four Medal of Honor recipients, a USO hero and a 48-year member of Congress."
The formal naming process began here March 2014, and the 15th WG recently received final approval from the vice chief of staff of the Air Force, after receiving lower-level approvals from Pacific Air Forces and Air Mobility Command headquarters.
"They [the honorees] all have different background and stories, but they all have this in common, they are true American heroes and patriots," Huiss said.
Guest speaker Maj. Gen. Paul McGillicuddy, the PACAF vice commander, said the long list of Inouye's accomplishments showcase the fortitude and resilience he possessed.
"We are a nation bound by principles and ideas and Sen. Inouye dedicated his life to those principles," he said.
The “Spirit of Daniel Inouye” C-17 is also very characteristic of the spirit of service that Inouye represented, having been used to evacuate displaced persons and transport food, water and relief supplies to the Philippines during Operation Damayan in 2013.
Inouye's military service began in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team during World War II. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his service with the 442nd RCT in the Rome-Arno Campaign of 1944 where he was nearly fatally wounded by a gunshot wound to the chest. He was later awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his bravery and heroism for additional actions in 1945; though, it was later upgraded to a Medal of Honor in 2000.
Inouye swapped his military career for one in politics in 1954 when he was elected to serve in the Hawaii territorial legislature. He later went on to serve as Hawaii's first U.S. Representative, followed by nine terms in the U.S. Senate. From 2010 to his death in 2012, Inouye served as President pro tempore of the U.S. Senate, making him the highest ranking Asian-American politician in U.S. history.
The ceremony was hosted by Huiss and presided over by McGillicuddy. Other special guests included Irene Hirano Inouye, the late senator's widow, and members of the 442nd RCT with whom Inouye served during his time in the military.
A C-17 Globemaster III from the 535th Airlift Squadron was dedicated "Spirit of Daniel Inouye," in memory of local and national hero Sen. Daniel Inouye, Aug. 20, during a ceremony here.
In keeping with Air Force naming tradition, aircraft tail number 5147 received its "Spirit of" name to honor the late senator's contributions to the state of Hawaii and the U.S. in addition to his extraordinary efforts in support of the military and pivotal role in bringing the C-17 program to Hawaii.
"The United States Air Force owns and maintains 223 C-17 aircraft and only five have been named after a specific individual," said Col. Randall Huiss, the 15th Wing commander. "Sen. Inouye is now part of this highly esteemed group, which now includes four Medal of Honor recipients, a USO hero and a 48-year member of Congress."
The formal naming process began here March 2014, and the 15th WG recently received final approval from the vice chief of staff of the Air Force, after receiving lower-level approvals from Pacific Air Forces and Air Mobility Command headquarters.
"They [the honorees] all have different background and stories, but they all have this in common, they are true American heroes and patriots," Huiss said.
Guest speaker Maj. Gen. Paul McGillicuddy, the PACAF vice commander, said the long list of Inouye's accomplishments showcase the fortitude and resilience he possessed.
"We are a nation bound by principles and ideas and Sen. Inouye dedicated his life to those principles," he said.
The “Spirit of Daniel Inouye” C-17 is also very characteristic of the spirit of service that Inouye represented, having been used to evacuate displaced persons and transport food, water and relief supplies to the Philippines during Operation Damayan in 2013.
Inouye's military service began in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team during World War II. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his service with the 442nd RCT in the Rome-Arno Campaign of 1944 where he was nearly fatally wounded by a gunshot wound to the chest. He was later awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his bravery and heroism for additional actions in 1945; though, it was later upgraded to a Medal of Honor in 2000.
Inouye swapped his military career for one in politics in 1954 when he was elected to serve in the Hawaii territorial legislature. He later went on to serve as Hawaii's first U.S. Representative, followed by nine terms in the U.S. Senate. From 2010 to his death in 2012, Inouye served as President pro tempore of the U.S. Senate, making him the highest ranking Asian-American politician in U.S. history.
The ceremony was hosted by Huiss and presided over by McGillicuddy. Other special guests included Irene Hirano Inouye, the late senator's widow, and members of the 442nd RCT with whom Inouye served during his time in the military.
Saturday, August 23, 2014
Pentagon Says Chinese Fighter Jet Confronted American Navy Plane - NYTimes.com
Pentagon Says Chinese Fighter Jet Confronted American Navy Plane - NYTimes.com
A Chinese fighter jet flew within 30 feet of a Navy surveillance and reconnaissance plane this week in international airspace just off the Chinese coast, the Pentagon said Friday.
The encounter, known as an intercept, was “very, very close, very dangerous,” said Rear Adm. John Kirby, the Pentagon press secretary.
The Pentagon filed a diplomatic complaint with the People’s Liberation Army on Friday morning, Defense Department officials said. As of Friday afternoon, it had not received a reply.
The episode, which occurred on Tuesday, began with the Chinese warplane flying closely underneath the Navy’s P-8 Poseidon. It then moved parallel to the naval plane, with the wingtips of the two aircraft separated by less than 30 feet.
As a final maneuver, the Chinese fighter executed a barrel roll, apparently to show off its weapons payload to the American pilot. A barrel roll is just as it sounds: A fighter jet rolls over and then levels out. Admiral Kirby called it an aggressive move.
A Chinese fighter jet flew within 30 feet of a Navy surveillance and reconnaissance plane this week in international airspace just off the Chinese coast, the Pentagon said Friday.
The encounter, known as an intercept, was “very, very close, very dangerous,” said Rear Adm. John Kirby, the Pentagon press secretary.
The Pentagon filed a diplomatic complaint with the People’s Liberation Army on Friday morning, Defense Department officials said. As of Friday afternoon, it had not received a reply.
The episode, which occurred on Tuesday, began with the Chinese warplane flying closely underneath the Navy’s P-8 Poseidon. It then moved parallel to the naval plane, with the wingtips of the two aircraft separated by less than 30 feet.
As a final maneuver, the Chinese fighter executed a barrel roll, apparently to show off its weapons payload to the American pilot. A barrel roll is just as it sounds: A fighter jet rolls over and then levels out. Admiral Kirby called it an aggressive move.
Friday, August 22, 2014
U.S. General Says Raiding Syria Is Key to Halting ISIS - NYTimes.com
U.S. General Says Raiding Syria Is Key to Halting ISIS - NYTimes.com:
The Islamic State in Iraq and Syria cannot be defeated unless the United States or its partners take on the Sunni militants in Syria, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said Thursday.
“This is an organization that has an apocalyptic end-of-days strategic vision that will eventually have to be defeated,” said the chairman, Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, in his most expansive public remarks on the crisis since American airstrikes began in Iraq. “Can they be defeated without addressing that part of the organization that resides in Syria? The answer is no.”
But General Dempsey and Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, who both spoke at a Pentagon news conference, gave no indication that President Obama was about to approve airstrikes in Syria.
General Dempsey also was circumspect in describing the sort of broad effort that would be required to roll back ISIS in Syria and Iraq.
“It requires a variety of instruments, only one small part of which is airstrikes,” he said. “I’m not predicting those will occur in Syria, at least not by the United States of America. But it requires the application of all of the tools of national power — diplomatic, economic, information, military.”
The Islamic State in Iraq and Syria cannot be defeated unless the United States or its partners take on the Sunni militants in Syria, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said Thursday.
“This is an organization that has an apocalyptic end-of-days strategic vision that will eventually have to be defeated,” said the chairman, Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, in his most expansive public remarks on the crisis since American airstrikes began in Iraq. “Can they be defeated without addressing that part of the organization that resides in Syria? The answer is no.”
But General Dempsey and Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, who both spoke at a Pentagon news conference, gave no indication that President Obama was about to approve airstrikes in Syria.
General Dempsey also was circumspect in describing the sort of broad effort that would be required to roll back ISIS in Syria and Iraq.
“It requires a variety of instruments, only one small part of which is airstrikes,” he said. “I’m not predicting those will occur in Syria, at least not by the United States of America. But it requires the application of all of the tools of national power — diplomatic, economic, information, military.”
Thursday, August 21, 2014
New F-16 configuration features AESA radar
New F-16 configuration features AESA radar:
The newest configuration of Lockheed Martin's F-16 Fighting Falcon has new capabilities with integration of Active Electronically Scanned Array Radar.
AESA radar, with its numerous small solid-state transmit/receive modules, spreads signal emissions across multiple frequencies, increasing the capability of the aircraft using it to avoid detection.Lockheed Martin said the AESA in F-16V aircraft will ensure Northrop Grumman's Scalable Agile Beam Radar design for the F-16V meets all specified U.S. Air Force and Lockheed Martin requirements.
Taiwan is tipped as the launch customer for the new F-16 configuration, which features enhancements to the aircraft's mission computer, vehicle systems, aircraft structure, cockpit and electronic warfare systems.
The newest configuration of Lockheed Martin's F-16 Fighting Falcon has new capabilities with integration of Active Electronically Scanned Array Radar.
AESA radar, with its numerous small solid-state transmit/receive modules, spreads signal emissions across multiple frequencies, increasing the capability of the aircraft using it to avoid detection.Lockheed Martin said the AESA in F-16V aircraft will ensure Northrop Grumman's Scalable Agile Beam Radar design for the F-16V meets all specified U.S. Air Force and Lockheed Martin requirements.
Taiwan is tipped as the launch customer for the new F-16 configuration, which features enhancements to the aircraft's mission computer, vehicle systems, aircraft structure, cockpit and electronic warfare systems.
New F-16 configuration features AESA radar
New F-16 configuration features AESA radar:
The newest configuration of Lockheed Martin's F-16 Fighting Falcon has new capabilities with integration of Active Electronically Scanned Array Radar.
AESA radar, with its numerous small solid-state transmit/receive modules, spreads signal emissions across multiple frequencies, increasing the capability of the aircraft using it to avoid detection.Lockheed Martin said the AESA in F-16V aircraft will ensure Northrop Grumman's Scalable Agile Beam Radar design for the F-16V meets all specified U.S. Air Force and Lockheed Martin requirements.
Taiwan is tipped as the launch customer for the new F-16 configuration, which features enhancements to the aircraft's mission computer, vehicle systems, aircraft structure, cockpit and electronic warfare systems.
The newest configuration of Lockheed Martin's F-16 Fighting Falcon has new capabilities with integration of Active Electronically Scanned Array Radar.
AESA radar, with its numerous small solid-state transmit/receive modules, spreads signal emissions across multiple frequencies, increasing the capability of the aircraft using it to avoid detection.Lockheed Martin said the AESA in F-16V aircraft will ensure Northrop Grumman's Scalable Agile Beam Radar design for the F-16V meets all specified U.S. Air Force and Lockheed Martin requirements.
Taiwan is tipped as the launch customer for the new F-16 configuration, which features enhancements to the aircraft's mission computer, vehicle systems, aircraft structure, cockpit and electronic warfare systems.
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
Exoskeleton technology set for Navy testing and evaluation
Exoskeleton technology set for Navy testing and evaluation: Exoskeltons from Lockheed Martin that boost a person's strength and endurance are to be tested and evaluated for industrial use by the U.S. Navy.
The contract was issued for the Navy through the National Center for Manufacturing Sciences, or NCMS, but its details were not disclosed.
Lockheed said its FORTIS exoskeleton is an ergonomically designed, wearable and unpowered device that transfers the weight of heavy loads from a user's body directly to the ground. It's lightweight and flexible.
The Navy aims to mature and transition exoskeleton technology to the Department of Defense industrial base and use the system for hand-tool applications at Navy shipyards.
The contract was issued for the Navy through the National Center for Manufacturing Sciences, or NCMS, but its details were not disclosed.
Lockheed said its FORTIS exoskeleton is an ergonomically designed, wearable and unpowered device that transfers the weight of heavy loads from a user's body directly to the ground. It's lightweight and flexible.
The Navy aims to mature and transition exoskeleton technology to the Department of Defense industrial base and use the system for hand-tool applications at Navy shipyards.
Ground X-Vehicle Program Aims to Break The More Armor Paradigm
Ground X-Vehicle Program Aims to Break The More Armor Paradigm: For the past 100 years of mechanized warfare, protection for ground-based armored fighting vehicles and their occupants has boiled down almost exclusively to a simple equation: More armor equals more protection. Weapons' ability to penetrate armor, however, has advanced faster than armor's ability to withstand penetration.
As a result, achieving even incremental improvements in crew survivability has required significant increases in vehicle mass and cost.
The trend of increasingly heavy, less mobile and more expensive combat platforms has limited Soldiers' and Marines' ability to rapidly deploy and maneuver in theater and accomplish their missions in varied and evolving threat environments.
Moreover, larger vehicles are limited to roads, require more logistical support and are more expensive to design, develop, field and replace. The U.S. military is now at a point where-considering tactical mobility, strategic mobility, survivability and cost-innovative and disruptive solutions are necessary to ensure the operational viability of the next generation of armored fighting vehicles.
DARPA has created the Ground X-Vehicle Technology (GXV-T) program to help overcome these challenges and disrupt the current trends in mechanized warfare. GXV-T seeks to investigate revolutionary ground-vehicle technologies that would simultaneously improve the mobility and survivability of vehicles through means other than adding more armor, including avoiding detection, engagement and hits by adversaries.
This improved mobility and warfighting capability would enable future U.S. ground forces to more efficiently and cost-effectively tackle varied and unpredictable combat situations
As a result, achieving even incremental improvements in crew survivability has required significant increases in vehicle mass and cost.
The trend of increasingly heavy, less mobile and more expensive combat platforms has limited Soldiers' and Marines' ability to rapidly deploy and maneuver in theater and accomplish their missions in varied and evolving threat environments.
Moreover, larger vehicles are limited to roads, require more logistical support and are more expensive to design, develop, field and replace. The U.S. military is now at a point where-considering tactical mobility, strategic mobility, survivability and cost-innovative and disruptive solutions are necessary to ensure the operational viability of the next generation of armored fighting vehicles.
DARPA has created the Ground X-Vehicle Technology (GXV-T) program to help overcome these challenges and disrupt the current trends in mechanized warfare. GXV-T seeks to investigate revolutionary ground-vehicle technologies that would simultaneously improve the mobility and survivability of vehicles through means other than adding more armor, including avoiding detection, engagement and hits by adversaries.
This improved mobility and warfighting capability would enable future U.S. ground forces to more efficiently and cost-effectively tackle varied and unpredictable combat situations
Exoskeleton technology set for Navy testing and evaluation
Exoskeleton technology set for Navy testing and evaluation: Exoskeltons from Lockheed Martin that boost a person's strength and endurance are to be tested and evaluated for industrial use by the U.S. Navy.
The contract was issued for the Navy through the National Center for Manufacturing Sciences, or NCMS, but its details were not disclosed.
Lockheed said its FORTIS exoskeleton is an ergonomically designed, wearable and unpowered device that transfers the weight of heavy loads from a user's body directly to the ground. It's lightweight and flexible.
The Navy aims to mature and transition exoskeleton technology to the Department of Defense industrial base and use the system for hand-tool applications at Navy shipyards.
The contract was issued for the Navy through the National Center for Manufacturing Sciences, or NCMS, but its details were not disclosed.
Lockheed said its FORTIS exoskeleton is an ergonomically designed, wearable and unpowered device that transfers the weight of heavy loads from a user's body directly to the ground. It's lightweight and flexible.
The Navy aims to mature and transition exoskeleton technology to the Department of Defense industrial base and use the system for hand-tool applications at Navy shipyards.
Drones fly alongside manned planes in Navy test mission
Drones fly alongside manned planes in Navy test mission: The U.S. Navy is testing whether or not drones can be safely and effectively incorporated into manned flight operations. To find out, Navy aviation recently paired its unmanned X-47B plane with its manned F/A-18 Hornet in a series of short combined maneuvers.
For Navy flight operators, the major question mark is whether a drone aircraft can react and perform quickly and safely in an emergency situation, when directives are issued on the fly and movements must be quickly improvised.
On Sunday morning, the X-47B proved capable of handling an emergency landing situation (also called an arrested landing), after being launched from the USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier alongside a F/A-18. After an eight-minute flight, the drone craft quickly landed, folded its wings and taxied out of the landing area so that the Navy pilot could quickly land the Hornet in the wake of the X-47B's recovery landing.
For Navy flight operators, the major question mark is whether a drone aircraft can react and perform quickly and safely in an emergency situation, when directives are issued on the fly and movements must be quickly improvised.
On Sunday morning, the X-47B proved capable of handling an emergency landing situation (also called an arrested landing), after being launched from the USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier alongside a F/A-18. After an eight-minute flight, the drone craft quickly landed, folded its wings and taxied out of the landing area so that the Navy pilot could quickly land the Hornet in the wake of the X-47B's recovery landing.
Northrop Grumman team developing space plane
Northrop Grumman team developing space plane
A preliminary design and flight demonstration plan for an experimental space plane with a reusable booster is being developed by Northrop Grumman.
The space plane, the XS-1, is envisaged for lifting 3,000-pound class spacecraft into low Earth orbit at a lower cost than current launch equipment. The plane would serve as a test-bed for a new generation of hypersonic aircraft.The work -- with team partners Scaled Composites and Virgin Galactic -- comes under a 13-month phase one contract from the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.
Northrop Grumman said a key program goal is to develop a system that could fly 10 times in 10 days using a minimal ground crew and infrastructure.
The system would utilize a transporter erector launcher. Minimal infrastructure and ground crew would be required for launch and recovery, and land like a normal aircraft on standard runways.
A preliminary design and flight demonstration plan for an experimental space plane with a reusable booster is being developed by Northrop Grumman.
The space plane, the XS-1, is envisaged for lifting 3,000-pound class spacecraft into low Earth orbit at a lower cost than current launch equipment. The plane would serve as a test-bed for a new generation of hypersonic aircraft.The work -- with team partners Scaled Composites and Virgin Galactic -- comes under a 13-month phase one contract from the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.
Northrop Grumman said a key program goal is to develop a system that could fly 10 times in 10 days using a minimal ground crew and infrastructure.
The system would utilize a transporter erector launcher. Minimal infrastructure and ground crew would be required for launch and recovery, and land like a normal aircraft on standard runways.
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Next gen satellite to be tested during Arctic Shield 2014
Next gen satellite to be tested during Arctic Shield 2014: From studying the effects of solar activity to improve radio transmissions to enhancing the capabilities of Automated Identification Systems, the importance of having a reliable communications infrastructure in the Arctic has not been lost on researchers traveling aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Healy as part of Arctic Shield 2014.
The ability to send and receive a clear message quickly to prevent or respond to a maritime emergency is vital to the safety of crews transiting the Arctic.
The Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) is the U.S. Navy's next generation narrowband military satellite communications system that will replace the legacy Ultra High Frequency Follow-On (UHF-FO) communications system before that system reaches its end of service life.
Engineers from Lockheed Martin Space Systems, the creators of MUOS, are aboard the Healy to test the system's capabilities in the Arctic for the Department of Defense.
"A single MUOS satellite will provide four times the capacity of the entire legacy UFO constellation of eight satellites," said Dr. Amy Sun, narrowband advanced program lead for Lockheed Martin traveling aboard the Healy.
"The MUOS constellation is designed to provide smartphone-like communications to mobile forces at rates 10 times faster than the legacy system
The ability to send and receive a clear message quickly to prevent or respond to a maritime emergency is vital to the safety of crews transiting the Arctic.
The Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) is the U.S. Navy's next generation narrowband military satellite communications system that will replace the legacy Ultra High Frequency Follow-On (UHF-FO) communications system before that system reaches its end of service life.
Engineers from Lockheed Martin Space Systems, the creators of MUOS, are aboard the Healy to test the system's capabilities in the Arctic for the Department of Defense.
"A single MUOS satellite will provide four times the capacity of the entire legacy UFO constellation of eight satellites," said Dr. Amy Sun, narrowband advanced program lead for Lockheed Martin traveling aboard the Healy.
"The MUOS constellation is designed to provide smartphone-like communications to mobile forces at rates 10 times faster than the legacy system
Super-Heist Lessons For National Security
In 2003, the unthinkable happened at Belgium’s Antwerp Diamond Center. Thieves broke into its reputedly impenetrable vault and made off with hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of diamonds, gold, cash and other valuables.
Through years of meticulous planning, they got past police officers less than 200 feet away, access controls into the building, a combination-and-key-lock vault door, a magnetic seal on the vault door and motion, infrared, light and seismic detectors within the vault.
The Antwerp Diamond Center theft and other sophisticated, high-value heists show that motivated criminals can find ways to overcome every obstacle between them and their targets. Can the Energy and Defense departments, responsible for analyzing, designing and implementing complex systems to protect vital national security assets, learn from security failures in the banking, art and jewelry worlds?
Sandia National Laboratories systems analyst Jarret Lafleur set out two years ago to answer that question. “There are many insights to be gained from studying high-value heists and related crimes that could be applied to Sandia’s work in physical security,” he said. “Our work focuses on securing nuclear materials and other assets. Those kinds of attacks and threats are extremely rare, which is good, but give us very little historical information to draw upon.”
Lafleur, Luke Purvis, manager of Sandia’s National Security Systems Analysis group, and Alex Roesler, manager of the Assurance Technologies and Assessments group, published the research in a report “The Perfect Heist: Recipes from Around the World” (SAND 2014-1790), which details 23 crimes, their categorization and lessons learned. Lafleur also presented the “The Perfect Heist” to numerous audiences.
Compiling the crimes
Lafleur found there hadn’t been a comprehensive study of sophisticated and high-value heists in more than two decades. “When we dug into the details, we found several areas worthy of further study that could inform our approach to physical security,” he said. “Two examples are the roles of insiders in successful heists and the ways that redundancy in a security system can affect the behavior of humans in the loop.”
Using public information sources, Lafleur chose 23 worldwide heists that occurred in the past three decades, notable for the value of assets stolen, innovation and complexity. Those include the Vastberga Helicopter Heist (Sweden, 2009) in which thieves descended from a helicopter into a cash depot by smashing through a skylight; the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Art Heist (United States, 1990) where burglars posed as police officers to deceive and subdue museum guards; and the Securitas Cash Depot Heist (Britain, 2006) that saw robbers abduct the manager, his wife and their child to force him to let them into the depot and provide key details about its security.
Lafleur, Purvis, and Roesler compiled the results in a Heist Methods and Characteristics Database. They analyzed the results qualitatively and quantitatively to describe the range and diversity of criminal methods and identify characteristics that are common or uncommon in such high-value heists. The analysis focused on seven areas: defeated security measures and devices; deception methods; timing and target selection; weapons employed; resources and risk acceptance; insiders; and failures and mistakes.
Deception, patience are common ingredients
While methods and implementation of the heists varied greatly, there were common factors. At least one form of deception was used in 21 of the heists, ranging from impersonating law enforcement to use of decoy vehicles to concealing surveillance equipment. Insiders — willing, unwitting and coerced — played a role in the majority of cases. The Antwerp Diamond Center’s building manager even provided blueprints to the heist mastermind, thinking he was just another tenant.
“I learned from this study that these thieves have a lot of patience. Most spent months and even years planning. They were very deliberate in how they defeated security measures and those methods were often very low-tech, like using hair spray to disable infrared sensors,” said Lafleur. “In most of these heists, multiple security measures were defeated.”
Another finding is that weapons aren’t needed to steal a lot of money. Four of the top five heists, in terms of value, were weaponless.
Through years of meticulous planning, they got past police officers less than 200 feet away, access controls into the building, a combination-and-key-lock vault door, a magnetic seal on the vault door and motion, infrared, light and seismic detectors within the vault.
The Antwerp Diamond Center theft and other sophisticated, high-value heists show that motivated criminals can find ways to overcome every obstacle between them and their targets. Can the Energy and Defense departments, responsible for analyzing, designing and implementing complex systems to protect vital national security assets, learn from security failures in the banking, art and jewelry worlds?
Sandia National Laboratories systems analyst Jarret Lafleur set out two years ago to answer that question. “There are many insights to be gained from studying high-value heists and related crimes that could be applied to Sandia’s work in physical security,” he said. “Our work focuses on securing nuclear materials and other assets. Those kinds of attacks and threats are extremely rare, which is good, but give us very little historical information to draw upon.”
Lafleur, Luke Purvis, manager of Sandia’s National Security Systems Analysis group, and Alex Roesler, manager of the Assurance Technologies and Assessments group, published the research in a report “The Perfect Heist: Recipes from Around the World” (SAND 2014-1790), which details 23 crimes, their categorization and lessons learned. Lafleur also presented the “The Perfect Heist” to numerous audiences.
Compiling the crimes
Lafleur found there hadn’t been a comprehensive study of sophisticated and high-value heists in more than two decades. “When we dug into the details, we found several areas worthy of further study that could inform our approach to physical security,” he said. “Two examples are the roles of insiders in successful heists and the ways that redundancy in a security system can affect the behavior of humans in the loop.”
Using public information sources, Lafleur chose 23 worldwide heists that occurred in the past three decades, notable for the value of assets stolen, innovation and complexity. Those include the Vastberga Helicopter Heist (Sweden, 2009) in which thieves descended from a helicopter into a cash depot by smashing through a skylight; the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Art Heist (United States, 1990) where burglars posed as police officers to deceive and subdue museum guards; and the Securitas Cash Depot Heist (Britain, 2006) that saw robbers abduct the manager, his wife and their child to force him to let them into the depot and provide key details about its security.
Lafleur, Purvis, and Roesler compiled the results in a Heist Methods and Characteristics Database. They analyzed the results qualitatively and quantitatively to describe the range and diversity of criminal methods and identify characteristics that are common or uncommon in such high-value heists. The analysis focused on seven areas: defeated security measures and devices; deception methods; timing and target selection; weapons employed; resources and risk acceptance; insiders; and failures and mistakes.
Deception, patience are common ingredients
While methods and implementation of the heists varied greatly, there were common factors. At least one form of deception was used in 21 of the heists, ranging from impersonating law enforcement to use of decoy vehicles to concealing surveillance equipment. Insiders — willing, unwitting and coerced — played a role in the majority of cases. The Antwerp Diamond Center’s building manager even provided blueprints to the heist mastermind, thinking he was just another tenant.
“I learned from this study that these thieves have a lot of patience. Most spent months and even years planning. They were very deliberate in how they defeated security measures and those methods were often very low-tech, like using hair spray to disable infrared sensors,” said Lafleur. “In most of these heists, multiple security measures were defeated.”
Another finding is that weapons aren’t needed to steal a lot of money. Four of the top five heists, in terms of value, were weaponless.
Wargame to examine the fall of a 'megacity' | Article | The United States Army
Wargame to examine the fall of a 'megacity' | Article | The United States Army
It's 2035, and a city of more than 10 million people is in a state of crisis plagued by insurgency, internal corruption and struck by a natural disaster in the form of a major flood.
The challenges, opportunities and potential approaches for the U.S. Army to conduct operations in such a complex environment will be the focus of the Deep Futures Wargame, being conducted Aug. 17-22, at Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania.
The wargame is the culminating event in Unified Quest 2014, the Army chief of staff's future study plan, which examines a variety of feasible mid- to long-range strategic and operational settings and explores a broad set of ideas about future conflict.
Unified Quest is a series of rigorous intellectual planning seminars, symposia and forums with representatives from the Department of Defense, government agencies, academia and subject matter experts who examine how the future Army must adapt, evolve and innovate in the face of a rapidly changing and complex world.
"The key to the Army's exploration is examining the continually changing character of war, the role of conventional and special operations forces in the land domain and finding gaps in capability and capacity," said Col. Kevin Felix, chief of Future Warfare Division.
The wargame is a continuation of an effort started in 2013, to anticipate the enduring and emerging challenges and opportunities for the Army in 2030-2040.
Throughout the week-long event, participants will provide specialized insights into several strategic and operational challenges and identify shortfalls in Army capabilities, ultimately determining on how the Army must operate, educate, train, organize and equip its force to inform future concept and capability development.
During his recent address to the West Point Class of 2014, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno emphasized the importance of megacities and the role of future leaders.
"Megacities present a unique operating environment: the scale, density, connectedness and complexity [being] far greater than anything the joint force has ever faced," Odierno said.
He further emphasized to the Army's newest leaders that because megacities are projected to double in the next 10 years, there is a high likelihood that they will conduct operations in such an environment.
During the wargame, participants will use computer simulations, acting as regionally aligned forces made up of military representatives from U.S. and coalition partners. They will rapidly respond to various scenarios, addressing the unique complexities of rapid urbanization in a megacity. This will better prepare the Army in developing future concepts, capabilities, capacity and doctrine that will help achieve operational success.
Participants will support two groups; an operational working group, and an innovation group.
The operational working group will replicate U.S. and allied forces, and is tasked with planning and executing crisis-response and limited-contingency operations in support of the host nation. The group will use advanced technologies to improve the force's mobility, protection, lethality and sustainment. They will encounter strategic problems and collaborate to develop solutions based on their various fields of expertise. Specifically, they will examine how an Army should conduct expeditionary maneuver to confront emerging challenges and achieve campaign objectives in support of U.S. national security goals.
The innovation group will consider options for force design of the future.
The end state of the Unified Quest 14 Deep Futures Wargame will provide the Army new insights on future conflict, implications for possible scientific and technological investment, and ideas on how to better prepare for the future operational environment.
"Unified Quest explores beyond the boundaries of the known and distills ideas and concepts required for America to retain its tactical, operational and strategic advantage, in 2025 and beyond," Felix said.
It's 2035, and a city of more than 10 million people is in a state of crisis plagued by insurgency, internal corruption and struck by a natural disaster in the form of a major flood.
The challenges, opportunities and potential approaches for the U.S. Army to conduct operations in such a complex environment will be the focus of the Deep Futures Wargame, being conducted Aug. 17-22, at Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania.
The wargame is the culminating event in Unified Quest 2014, the Army chief of staff's future study plan, which examines a variety of feasible mid- to long-range strategic and operational settings and explores a broad set of ideas about future conflict.
Unified Quest is a series of rigorous intellectual planning seminars, symposia and forums with representatives from the Department of Defense, government agencies, academia and subject matter experts who examine how the future Army must adapt, evolve and innovate in the face of a rapidly changing and complex world.
"The key to the Army's exploration is examining the continually changing character of war, the role of conventional and special operations forces in the land domain and finding gaps in capability and capacity," said Col. Kevin Felix, chief of Future Warfare Division.
The wargame is a continuation of an effort started in 2013, to anticipate the enduring and emerging challenges and opportunities for the Army in 2030-2040.
Throughout the week-long event, participants will provide specialized insights into several strategic and operational challenges and identify shortfalls in Army capabilities, ultimately determining on how the Army must operate, educate, train, organize and equip its force to inform future concept and capability development.
During his recent address to the West Point Class of 2014, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno emphasized the importance of megacities and the role of future leaders.
"Megacities present a unique operating environment: the scale, density, connectedness and complexity [being] far greater than anything the joint force has ever faced," Odierno said.
He further emphasized to the Army's newest leaders that because megacities are projected to double in the next 10 years, there is a high likelihood that they will conduct operations in such an environment.
During the wargame, participants will use computer simulations, acting as regionally aligned forces made up of military representatives from U.S. and coalition partners. They will rapidly respond to various scenarios, addressing the unique complexities of rapid urbanization in a megacity. This will better prepare the Army in developing future concepts, capabilities, capacity and doctrine that will help achieve operational success.
Participants will support two groups; an operational working group, and an innovation group.
The operational working group will replicate U.S. and allied forces, and is tasked with planning and executing crisis-response and limited-contingency operations in support of the host nation. The group will use advanced technologies to improve the force's mobility, protection, lethality and sustainment. They will encounter strategic problems and collaborate to develop solutions based on their various fields of expertise. Specifically, they will examine how an Army should conduct expeditionary maneuver to confront emerging challenges and achieve campaign objectives in support of U.S. national security goals.
The innovation group will consider options for force design of the future.
The end state of the Unified Quest 14 Deep Futures Wargame will provide the Army new insights on future conflict, implications for possible scientific and technological investment, and ideas on how to better prepare for the future operational environment.
"Unified Quest explores beyond the boundaries of the known and distills ideas and concepts required for America to retain its tactical, operational and strategic advantage, in 2025 and beyond," Felix said.
Friday, August 15, 2014
Smarter ground robots partnering with Soldiers | Article | The United States Army
Smarter ground robots partnering with Soldiers | Article | The United States Army
"In the Army, we always say, 'never send our Soldier into a fair fight.' Each of you here," from the robotics community, are "helping to make that happen," said Heidi Shyu, assistant secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics & Technology.
Shyu, who provided the keynote address at National Defense Industrial Association's Ground Robotics Capabilities Conference & Exhibition here, Aug. 13, emphasized common architecture, open-source software and open standards for robotics development to further competition that will benefit the Army, taxpayers and industry.
The Army is working with industry partners to develop a standard architecture which will enable us to incorporate future (robotics) capabilities rapidly, keeping pace with dramatic commercial improvements, she said.
Getting the development of ground robotics right is important because the systems have become such an essential partner to warfighters, Shyu explained.
In 2004, 162 robotic systems were deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, with a primary focus on explosive ordnance disposal, known as EOD, removal.
The use of ground robotics in combat since then has grown exponentially, with more than 7,000 systems currently deployed overseas, she pointed out. Besides helping EOD, ground robots now carry weapons, cameras and sensors for such things as detecting chemical, nuclear and biological material.
'PROPRIETARY' A DIRTY WORD
"Propriety is the worst word out there today," said Rich Ernst, interoperability lead, Office of the Secretary of Defense, referring to the opposite of open architecture, bolstering what Shyu had said earlier.
Ernst was part of an Open Architecture panel that followed Shyu's remarks.
While everyone knows the wisdom of having an open system, habits are hard to break, especially in the Defense Department, he said.
"Primes love open systems," Ernst said, "but then they'll tell you: 'just don't mess with my existing system.'"
That existing system, he said, is "a legacy environment. They want to go back to that for the next 30 years.
However, primes know they have to change because there are less programs going forward due to fiscal constraints, he added.
Besides an open architecture, Ernst said each system needs to be broken apart, made transparent and competed to the most innovative vendor, which in many cases might likely be small businesses or start-ups.
A typical system might be broken apart into 50 sub-components, he continued. The only problem is the government now has trouble managing "just one chunk." It will take a while for government to embrace this concept.
Once open standards are implemented and components are competed in the marketplace, the ground robotics systems that emerge will provide the warfighters and the taxpayers their biggest return on investments, he predicted.
Ernst also had a few choice words about "lawyers in the Pentagon who lock things down in contracts" so changes to the platforms that make sense become hard to initiate.
"I found out quickly that no matter how well we come up with the standard or specification, the lawyers undo whatever the engineers do," he said.
Ernst said he now works with the lawyers and the primes as hard as he works with the software folks to ensure things get done.
Brian Gerkey, CEO of Open Source Robotics Foundation and another panel member, agreed with Ernst's assessment. He said Robot Operating System, or ROS, builds on open architecture.
ROS is an open-source set of powerful software libraries and tools that helps anyone -- from businesses to school kids -- build robot applications and share solutions and algorithms "so you're not constantly reinventing the wheel."
ROS has about a million users worldwide, he added, including NASA, which is about to install a ROS-developed robotics application on the International Space Station.
IOP vs. ROS
Mark Mazzara, Robotics Interoperability lead for Department of the Army Systems Coordinator for Robotics, was the third panel member. He said the Army's Unmanned Ground Vehicle Interoperability Profile, or IOP, is setting the architecture standard and he hopes to see it accepted DOD-wide because "it's shown to reduce lifecycle costs."
Addressing Gerkey's earlier remarks, Mazzara said "ROS is a great thing. The difference between ROS and IOP is IOP is more focused on interoperability between subsystems -- which messages flow between them -- not the components in the black box," which can be created using ROS tools and libraries.
Studies have been conducted showing that both ROS and IOP can coexist, and both can be used to ensure the architecture stays open, he added.
A caveat to that, he said, is that IOP is being developed within the U.S. government and is being shared with allies, including NATO. Industries that want to build components for Army robots need them to be IOP-certified.
Mazzara said he can't predict the future of IOP, and whether or not the government will turn it over to industry, or to a non-profit robotics association that implements standards down the road.
"We'll just have to wait and see how it plays out," he said.
SMARTER ROBOTS?
Mazzara added more to his thoughts on what the future holds for ground robots.
He thinks that an industry like agriculture could benefit from using some of the same or similar platforms the Army uses. Although the payloads would obviously be very different, a common mobility platform would make a better business case for internal investments, meaning quantity would drive down the cost of production.
The Army is now focused on modularity, ensuring components can be installed and removed in the "plug-and-play" mode that Shyu mentioned earlier, he said. The next phase, which will happen very soon, will focus on interoperability protocols between robots and manned ground vehicles, ground robots to ground robots and ground robots to unmanned aerial systems.
Besides those interoperability requirements, the Army will soon turn its attention to interfacing geospatial data, databases and even cloud computing with the ground robots so they can become smarter and more autonomous.
A key to all this, he said, is to surf the wave, keeping abreast of developments or emerging technologies in the automotive, mobile phone, software, Unmanned Aircraft Systems, and robotics industries. These are overlapping technologies that have applicability.
COMBAT PATCHES EARNED
While the panel sees a bright future ahead once a few clouds move away, Shyu pointed to two examples where robots are being used successfully today on the battlefield in Afghanistan.
The Mini-EOD, referred to as "Devil Pup," can locate, identify and disarm explosives, she said. It's so small and light that a Soldier can carry it in his or her rucksack on a long foot patrol.
Some 300 of them have been in theater over the last few years, at a cost of $35 million.
"It's truly saving Soldiers' lives," she said. "That's the power of robotics."
The other is the six-ton, M160 Anti-personnel Mine Clearance system, which can clear minefields in urban areas and practically any field condition. The M160 has "rendered previously unusable roads functional again," she said.
Near-term Army plans for robots include replacing the Talon Family of Robots with the Man Transportable Robotics System, or MTRS, a process that will take at least seven years, she said, noting that more than 2, 200 Talons have seen combat service over the past decade, and they're now past their service life.
Both the Talon and MTRS are tracked vehicles, with the Talon weighing 115 to 140 pounds and the MTRS 164. They can carry a number of payloads used for missions ranging from EOD to surveillance, with MTRS having planned chemical detection capability as well.
Between now and 2021, the existing Talons will get upgraded sensors and payload capacity, as a "bridging strategy" until MTRS can come online, Shyu explained.
Returning to her theme of common architecture, Shyu said MTRS will definitely have a capability so that if a camera, sensor, arm or other component becomes obsolete, a new device can be fitted to its common chassis in a "plug-and-play" fashion.
As it stands now, the MTRS Increment II program will soon conduct an analysis of alternatives, "which will determine the best acquisition strategy to gain cost and performance efficiencies across multiple Army formations," according to the Program Executive Office for Ground Combat Systems.
ROBOTS ON THE PROWL
"The future of ground robots depends on their ability to operate in a very diverse and constrained environment," Shyu said. "Commercial autonomous vehicles today maneuver very well on well-defined roadways, where GPS maps are available."
However, formations have to navigate through challenging terrain like deserts, unpaved roads, rocky hillsides, jungles, and urban areas, often in adverse weather like snow, ice and sandy deserts with temperatures in the triple digits.
Add to that contested environments where jamming and possible capture are possible.
"Efforts to overcoming these challenges are essential," Shyu said.
Despite tough fiscal environments, "our robotics industry continues to innovate," she concluded. "The future for ground robots has absolutely unlimited potential. Opportunities for invention and innovation are limited only by our own creativity and our willingness to take risks and take on new challenges."
The Army recognizes the value of science and technology efforts going into robotics, she added.
Despite fiscal challenges, the service is "working very hard to protect its S&T portfolio," she explained. "It used to be the Army's fourth biggest portfolio behind aviation, mission command and ground combat systems. It's now the Army's third biggest portfolio.
"I'm excited to see what academia and industry can bring in terms of innovative solutions to solve some of our most difficult challenges," Shyu said.
"In the Army, we always say, 'never send our Soldier into a fair fight.' Each of you here," from the robotics community, are "helping to make that happen," said Heidi Shyu, assistant secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics & Technology.
Shyu, who provided the keynote address at National Defense Industrial Association's Ground Robotics Capabilities Conference & Exhibition here, Aug. 13, emphasized common architecture, open-source software and open standards for robotics development to further competition that will benefit the Army, taxpayers and industry.
The Army is working with industry partners to develop a standard architecture which will enable us to incorporate future (robotics) capabilities rapidly, keeping pace with dramatic commercial improvements, she said.
Getting the development of ground robotics right is important because the systems have become such an essential partner to warfighters, Shyu explained.
In 2004, 162 robotic systems were deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, with a primary focus on explosive ordnance disposal, known as EOD, removal.
The use of ground robotics in combat since then has grown exponentially, with more than 7,000 systems currently deployed overseas, she pointed out. Besides helping EOD, ground robots now carry weapons, cameras and sensors for such things as detecting chemical, nuclear and biological material.
'PROPRIETARY' A DIRTY WORD
"Propriety is the worst word out there today," said Rich Ernst, interoperability lead, Office of the Secretary of Defense, referring to the opposite of open architecture, bolstering what Shyu had said earlier.
Ernst was part of an Open Architecture panel that followed Shyu's remarks.
While everyone knows the wisdom of having an open system, habits are hard to break, especially in the Defense Department, he said.
"Primes love open systems," Ernst said, "but then they'll tell you: 'just don't mess with my existing system.'"
That existing system, he said, is "a legacy environment. They want to go back to that for the next 30 years.
However, primes know they have to change because there are less programs going forward due to fiscal constraints, he added.
Besides an open architecture, Ernst said each system needs to be broken apart, made transparent and competed to the most innovative vendor, which in many cases might likely be small businesses or start-ups.
A typical system might be broken apart into 50 sub-components, he continued. The only problem is the government now has trouble managing "just one chunk." It will take a while for government to embrace this concept.
Once open standards are implemented and components are competed in the marketplace, the ground robotics systems that emerge will provide the warfighters and the taxpayers their biggest return on investments, he predicted.
Ernst also had a few choice words about "lawyers in the Pentagon who lock things down in contracts" so changes to the platforms that make sense become hard to initiate.
"I found out quickly that no matter how well we come up with the standard or specification, the lawyers undo whatever the engineers do," he said.
Ernst said he now works with the lawyers and the primes as hard as he works with the software folks to ensure things get done.
Brian Gerkey, CEO of Open Source Robotics Foundation and another panel member, agreed with Ernst's assessment. He said Robot Operating System, or ROS, builds on open architecture.
ROS is an open-source set of powerful software libraries and tools that helps anyone -- from businesses to school kids -- build robot applications and share solutions and algorithms "so you're not constantly reinventing the wheel."
ROS has about a million users worldwide, he added, including NASA, which is about to install a ROS-developed robotics application on the International Space Station.
IOP vs. ROS
Mark Mazzara, Robotics Interoperability lead for Department of the Army Systems Coordinator for Robotics, was the third panel member. He said the Army's Unmanned Ground Vehicle Interoperability Profile, or IOP, is setting the architecture standard and he hopes to see it accepted DOD-wide because "it's shown to reduce lifecycle costs."
Addressing Gerkey's earlier remarks, Mazzara said "ROS is a great thing. The difference between ROS and IOP is IOP is more focused on interoperability between subsystems -- which messages flow between them -- not the components in the black box," which can be created using ROS tools and libraries.
Studies have been conducted showing that both ROS and IOP can coexist, and both can be used to ensure the architecture stays open, he added.
A caveat to that, he said, is that IOP is being developed within the U.S. government and is being shared with allies, including NATO. Industries that want to build components for Army robots need them to be IOP-certified.
Mazzara said he can't predict the future of IOP, and whether or not the government will turn it over to industry, or to a non-profit robotics association that implements standards down the road.
"We'll just have to wait and see how it plays out," he said.
SMARTER ROBOTS?
Mazzara added more to his thoughts on what the future holds for ground robots.
He thinks that an industry like agriculture could benefit from using some of the same or similar platforms the Army uses. Although the payloads would obviously be very different, a common mobility platform would make a better business case for internal investments, meaning quantity would drive down the cost of production.
The Army is now focused on modularity, ensuring components can be installed and removed in the "plug-and-play" mode that Shyu mentioned earlier, he said. The next phase, which will happen very soon, will focus on interoperability protocols between robots and manned ground vehicles, ground robots to ground robots and ground robots to unmanned aerial systems.
Besides those interoperability requirements, the Army will soon turn its attention to interfacing geospatial data, databases and even cloud computing with the ground robots so they can become smarter and more autonomous.
A key to all this, he said, is to surf the wave, keeping abreast of developments or emerging technologies in the automotive, mobile phone, software, Unmanned Aircraft Systems, and robotics industries. These are overlapping technologies that have applicability.
COMBAT PATCHES EARNED
While the panel sees a bright future ahead once a few clouds move away, Shyu pointed to two examples where robots are being used successfully today on the battlefield in Afghanistan.
The Mini-EOD, referred to as "Devil Pup," can locate, identify and disarm explosives, she said. It's so small and light that a Soldier can carry it in his or her rucksack on a long foot patrol.
Some 300 of them have been in theater over the last few years, at a cost of $35 million.
"It's truly saving Soldiers' lives," she said. "That's the power of robotics."
The other is the six-ton, M160 Anti-personnel Mine Clearance system, which can clear minefields in urban areas and practically any field condition. The M160 has "rendered previously unusable roads functional again," she said.
Near-term Army plans for robots include replacing the Talon Family of Robots with the Man Transportable Robotics System, or MTRS, a process that will take at least seven years, she said, noting that more than 2, 200 Talons have seen combat service over the past decade, and they're now past their service life.
Both the Talon and MTRS are tracked vehicles, with the Talon weighing 115 to 140 pounds and the MTRS 164. They can carry a number of payloads used for missions ranging from EOD to surveillance, with MTRS having planned chemical detection capability as well.
Between now and 2021, the existing Talons will get upgraded sensors and payload capacity, as a "bridging strategy" until MTRS can come online, Shyu explained.
Returning to her theme of common architecture, Shyu said MTRS will definitely have a capability so that if a camera, sensor, arm or other component becomes obsolete, a new device can be fitted to its common chassis in a "plug-and-play" fashion.
As it stands now, the MTRS Increment II program will soon conduct an analysis of alternatives, "which will determine the best acquisition strategy to gain cost and performance efficiencies across multiple Army formations," according to the Program Executive Office for Ground Combat Systems.
ROBOTS ON THE PROWL
"The future of ground robots depends on their ability to operate in a very diverse and constrained environment," Shyu said. "Commercial autonomous vehicles today maneuver very well on well-defined roadways, where GPS maps are available."
However, formations have to navigate through challenging terrain like deserts, unpaved roads, rocky hillsides, jungles, and urban areas, often in adverse weather like snow, ice and sandy deserts with temperatures in the triple digits.
Add to that contested environments where jamming and possible capture are possible.
"Efforts to overcoming these challenges are essential," Shyu said.
Despite tough fiscal environments, "our robotics industry continues to innovate," she concluded. "The future for ground robots has absolutely unlimited potential. Opportunities for invention and innovation are limited only by our own creativity and our willingness to take risks and take on new challenges."
The Army recognizes the value of science and technology efforts going into robotics, she added.
Despite fiscal challenges, the service is "working very hard to protect its S&T portfolio," she explained. "It used to be the Army's fourth biggest portfolio behind aviation, mission command and ground combat systems. It's now the Army's third biggest portfolio.
"I'm excited to see what academia and industry can bring in terms of innovative solutions to solve some of our most difficult challenges," Shyu said.
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Australia to sign 25-year US Marine agreement
Australia to sign 25-year US Marine agreement:
Australia and the United States will sign a 25-year deal allowing 2,500 US Marines and air force personnel to train Down Under, Defence Minister David Johnston said Monday, describing it as a "win-win situation".
The agreement will be inked Tuesday when US Secretary of State John Kerry and Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel meet with their Australian counterparts Julie Bishop and Johnston in Sydney.Trouble spots abroad including Iraq and Ukraine will also be on the agenda for the Australia-US Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN), which focus on regional security and military cooperation.But the centrepiece will be the agreement allowing the Marine rotational deployment in the northern city of Darwin, which was first announced by US President Barack Obama in 2011 as part of his "pivot" towards Asia.
"Approximately 2,500 US defence force personnel will come to primarily the Northern Territory to exercise on the vast, open Commonwealth (government) military exercise grounds that we have," Johnston told a joint press conference with Hagel.
"They will interoperate with Australia. They will do things that they want to, exercise activities that are important to them. We'll assist them."
Australia and the United States will sign a 25-year deal allowing 2,500 US Marines and air force personnel to train Down Under, Defence Minister David Johnston said Monday, describing it as a "win-win situation".
The agreement will be inked Tuesday when US Secretary of State John Kerry and Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel meet with their Australian counterparts Julie Bishop and Johnston in Sydney.Trouble spots abroad including Iraq and Ukraine will also be on the agenda for the Australia-US Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN), which focus on regional security and military cooperation.But the centrepiece will be the agreement allowing the Marine rotational deployment in the northern city of Darwin, which was first announced by US President Barack Obama in 2011 as part of his "pivot" towards Asia.
"Approximately 2,500 US defence force personnel will come to primarily the Northern Territory to exercise on the vast, open Commonwealth (government) military exercise grounds that we have," Johnston told a joint press conference with Hagel.
"They will interoperate with Australia. They will do things that they want to, exercise activities that are important to them. We'll assist them."
Monday, August 11, 2014
Air Force's new maritime radar becomes operational
The Air Force Technical Applications Center has a welcome addition to its treaty monitoring capabilities - the Cobra King radar system aboard the USNS Howard O. Lorenzen.
Cobra King is a new, state-of-the-art mobile radar system consisting of S- and X-band phased radars that AFTAC employs to provide worldwide, high quality, high resolution, multi-wavelength radar data to the Department of Defense's strategic community, the Missile Defense Agency and other government agencies.
The radar and ship are the sea component of DoD's Cobra program that monitors missile and space launches. Other Cobra platforms include the Cobra Ball (airborne tracker) Cobra Dane (stationary array), Cobra Shoe (overseas antenna site) and AFTAC's recently decommissioned maritime vessel, Cobra Judy (USNS Observation Island).
The vessel is operated by Military Sealift Command under a support agreement with AFTAC. The ship operates with a combined crew of civilian mariners who are responsible for operating and navigating the ship, as well as military technicians and civilian contractors who operate and maintain the radar and communications equipment.
Considered to be the "Father of Electronic Warfare," Howard O. Lorenzen was an electrical engineer for the Naval Research Laboratory who was instrumental in the creation of the U.S.'s electronic intelligence capabilities.
"This is an extremely exciting time for AFTAC," said Col Chris Worley, AFTAC commander. "As Cobra Judy was decommissioned, Cobra King quickly transitioned to ensure our mission of foreign ballistic missile detection was virtually uninterrupted, and we were able to continuously execute our international treaty monitoring responsibilities."
The Lorenzen underwent final contract trials off the coast of California in November 2013, which exercised all aspects of the vessel and its systems, including main propulsion, damage control, supply, deck, navigation, habitability, electrical systems and operation. The trials proved to be 100 percent successful, both in port and at sea.
The cost of the project, which was awarded to primary contractor Raytheon, was valued more than $1.74 billion. Northrup Grumman, General Dynamics, IBM and Kiewit Offshore Services are also involved in the project.
"The mission commander aboard Cobra King is a member of my operations team," said Col. Jonathan R. VanNoord, AFTAC's Director of Operations. "His or her ultimate responsibility is to ensure the platform team members are able to successfully collect mission data. In addition to daily mission taskings, the MC works closely with experts from MSC to develop a prioritized listing of necessary ship-related items whenever the vessel is in port or at the shipyard."
The ship's designation is T-AGM 25 and was built in Pascagoula, Miss., by VT Halter Marine, Inc. It weighs in at 12,642 tons and is 534 feet in length, with a beam of 89 feet.
US Air Force Flies E/A-18G Growler
A chapter in military aircraft history officially closed in July as the Air Force flying operations at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island transitioned to the EA-18G Growler.
Air Force aircrew members with the 390th Electronic Combat Squadron, who work alongside and train U.S. Navy pilots and weapons system officers, took a final flight in the EA-6B Prowlers July 9, 2014. Now the EA-18G Growler is officially the combat aircraft flown by the 390th ECS.
"Our main mission is to train combat-effective aviators who will be flying in the EA-18G Growler throughout the worldwide theatre of operations," said Air Force Captain Ruskin Herrera, VAQ 129 Training Squadron electronic warfare officer.
These missions will be strategic resources for Air Force aircrew or combat forces.
"We will be supporting the Air Force whether it's in training environments or combat," said Air Force Major Ajay Giri, VAQ 129 Training Squadron EWO. "We help increase aircraft lethality and preserve our war-time reserves and equipment. We're going to minimize the exposure that our aircrew or our combat forces will be exposed to."
Electronic attack missions are extremely complex and vital to providing cover for friendly aircraft during joint-combat operations.
"Electronic attack is jamming radars, detecting signals being emitted from other radars and being able to protect other aircraft from those radar along with surface-to-air missiles," said Herrera. "This allows the overall mission to be accomplished."
Though the EA-6B Prowler and the EA-18G Growler are similar, the Growler has much more state-of-the-art equipment than the Prowler.
"We have the air-to-air capabilities and can self-protect, should we get intercepted by an enemy fighter," said Giri. "It also has highly modern and capable sensors too. We're building on the capabilities the Prowler had by providing state-of-the-art warfighter lethality."
The job of the Grow
Air Force aircrew members with the 390th Electronic Combat Squadron, who work alongside and train U.S. Navy pilots and weapons system officers, took a final flight in the EA-6B Prowlers July 9, 2014. Now the EA-18G Growler is officially the combat aircraft flown by the 390th ECS.
"Our main mission is to train combat-effective aviators who will be flying in the EA-18G Growler throughout the worldwide theatre of operations," said Air Force Captain Ruskin Herrera, VAQ 129 Training Squadron electronic warfare officer.
These missions will be strategic resources for Air Force aircrew or combat forces.
"We will be supporting the Air Force whether it's in training environments or combat," said Air Force Major Ajay Giri, VAQ 129 Training Squadron EWO. "We help increase aircraft lethality and preserve our war-time reserves and equipment. We're going to minimize the exposure that our aircrew or our combat forces will be exposed to."
Electronic attack missions are extremely complex and vital to providing cover for friendly aircraft during joint-combat operations.
"Electronic attack is jamming radars, detecting signals being emitted from other radars and being able to protect other aircraft from those radar along with surface-to-air missiles," said Herrera. "This allows the overall mission to be accomplished."
Though the EA-6B Prowler and the EA-18G Growler are similar, the Growler has much more state-of-the-art equipment than the Prowler.
"We have the air-to-air capabilities and can self-protect, should we get intercepted by an enemy fighter," said Giri. "It also has highly modern and capable sensors too. We're building on the capabilities the Prowler had by providing state-of-the-art warfighter lethality."
The job of the Grow
Protect yourself from new-to-U.S. virus carried by mosquitoes | Article | The United States Army
Protect yourself from new-to-U.S. virus carried by mosquitoes | Article | The United States Army
A virus called "chikungunya" carried by mosquitoes that are common in the continental United States is likely to appear in locations where Soldiers, Army civilians and their families work and live.
The virus, transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito, causes high fever and joint pain, explained public health experts at the U.S. Army Public Health Command, known as USAPHC. Symptoms also can include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling and rash, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Symptoms can last three to seven days, even up to two weeks. In some people, the joint pain may persist for months, according to USAPHC physician-epidemiologist Lt. Col. Laura Pacha.
As of 15 July, the CDC reported approximately 234 travel-related cases in the U.S., most brought in by travelers to the Caribbean, where the disease appeared for the first time this year. Outbreaks of the disease previously occurred in countries in Africa, Asia and Europe. Two cases of locally acquired chikungunya were recently reported in Florida, the first in the continental United States.
"Due to the similar symptoms, chikungunya could be easily confused with dengue fever or even malaria," Pacha said. "If you experience these symptoms, whether you have traveled or not, be sure to go to your doctor and get your illness properly diagnosed."
TREATMENT
There is no vaccination or medicine to cure chikungunya; treatments such as rest, fluids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines help alleviate symptoms until the disease goes away, usually in a week or two, Pacha said.
PREVENTION
USAPHC experts say the best form of prevention is to avoid mosquito bites altogether.
"Always apply DEET or picaridin repellant on exposed skin," Pacha said. "If you go on leave, especially to one of the places where chikungunya is found, treat your clothing with permethrin using an aerosol can or IDA kit (Individual Dynamic Absorption Kit for uniforms)."
The IDA kit is only authorized for use on military uniforms not civilian clothing.
Since the kinds of mosquitoes that carry the diseases can bite during the day as well as at dawn and dusk, USAPHC experts suggest wearing loose, light-colored clothing -- long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and permethrin-treated clothing. For Soldiers wearing the permethrin-treated Army combat uniform, wearing the uniform properly is also important. This means wearing sleeves rolled down, all openings closed, pants tucked into boots, and undershirts tucked into pants. Loose uniforms are also a good idea, since mosquitoes can bite through fabric that is tight against skin.
In addition to protecting your body, USAPHC experts recommend carrying the fight against chikungunya to the places where mosquitoes live and breed.
Entomologists at the USAPHC advise staying in air-conditioning spaces, and ensuring that window screens are in place, tight and without holes. If sleeping outdoors, permethrin-treated mosquito netting should be used. Around the house, standing pools of water in tires, buckets, trash cans and the like should be emptied. The mosquitoes that carry chikungunya breed in water.
More information on protecting yourself and your home from chikungunya and on the Department of Defense Insect Repellent System is available from these sources:
U.S. Army Public Health Command
http://phc.amedd.army.mil/PHCResourceLibrary/Chikungunya_FS_18-029-0714.pdf
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov/chikungunya/index.html
A virus called "chikungunya" carried by mosquitoes that are common in the continental United States is likely to appear in locations where Soldiers, Army civilians and their families work and live.
The virus, transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito, causes high fever and joint pain, explained public health experts at the U.S. Army Public Health Command, known as USAPHC. Symptoms also can include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling and rash, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Symptoms can last three to seven days, even up to two weeks. In some people, the joint pain may persist for months, according to USAPHC physician-epidemiologist Lt. Col. Laura Pacha.
As of 15 July, the CDC reported approximately 234 travel-related cases in the U.S., most brought in by travelers to the Caribbean, where the disease appeared for the first time this year. Outbreaks of the disease previously occurred in countries in Africa, Asia and Europe. Two cases of locally acquired chikungunya were recently reported in Florida, the first in the continental United States.
"Due to the similar symptoms, chikungunya could be easily confused with dengue fever or even malaria," Pacha said. "If you experience these symptoms, whether you have traveled or not, be sure to go to your doctor and get your illness properly diagnosed."
TREATMENT
There is no vaccination or medicine to cure chikungunya; treatments such as rest, fluids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines help alleviate symptoms until the disease goes away, usually in a week or two, Pacha said.
PREVENTION
USAPHC experts say the best form of prevention is to avoid mosquito bites altogether.
"Always apply DEET or picaridin repellant on exposed skin," Pacha said. "If you go on leave, especially to one of the places where chikungunya is found, treat your clothing with permethrin using an aerosol can or IDA kit (Individual Dynamic Absorption Kit for uniforms)."
The IDA kit is only authorized for use on military uniforms not civilian clothing.
Since the kinds of mosquitoes that carry the diseases can bite during the day as well as at dawn and dusk, USAPHC experts suggest wearing loose, light-colored clothing -- long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and permethrin-treated clothing. For Soldiers wearing the permethrin-treated Army combat uniform, wearing the uniform properly is also important. This means wearing sleeves rolled down, all openings closed, pants tucked into boots, and undershirts tucked into pants. Loose uniforms are also a good idea, since mosquitoes can bite through fabric that is tight against skin.
In addition to protecting your body, USAPHC experts recommend carrying the fight against chikungunya to the places where mosquitoes live and breed.
Entomologists at the USAPHC advise staying in air-conditioning spaces, and ensuring that window screens are in place, tight and without holes. If sleeping outdoors, permethrin-treated mosquito netting should be used. Around the house, standing pools of water in tires, buckets, trash cans and the like should be emptied. The mosquitoes that carry chikungunya breed in water.
More information on protecting yourself and your home from chikungunya and on the Department of Defense Insect Repellent System is available from these sources:
U.S. Army Public Health Command
http://phc.amedd.army.mil/PHCResourceLibrary/Chikungunya_FS_18-029-0714.pdf
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov/chikungunya/index.html
Thursday, August 7, 2014
US looks to Japan space program to close Pacific communications gap
US looks to Japan space program to close Pacific communications gap: Tokyo's space initiative, set for launch in 2019, is turning into an effort to enhance ties with Washington in the cosmos. The US, shifting its military strategy to the Asia-Pacific, is looking for partners to extend its satellite links in the region.
The program would start as a means for protecting communication and surveillance satellites from thousands of pieces of space junk, including old satellites and rockets, now orbiting Earth.
Japan's Air-Defense Force, using sophisticated radar and telescopes, would provide feedback to the US military concerning the location of hazardous space debris, Kyodo news agency, citing sources, reported on Sunday.
The space force would also work with Japan's Science Ministry and the Aerospace Exploration Agency to oversee its observatory work.
The subject of space debris threatening military and commercial satellites grabbed the international spotlight in 2007, when China successfully destroyed one of its non-functioning satellites in a test, putting thousands of potentially destructive pieces of debris into orbit.
The program would start as a means for protecting communication and surveillance satellites from thousands of pieces of space junk, including old satellites and rockets, now orbiting Earth.
Japan's Air-Defense Force, using sophisticated radar and telescopes, would provide feedback to the US military concerning the location of hazardous space debris, Kyodo news agency, citing sources, reported on Sunday.
The space force would also work with Japan's Science Ministry and the Aerospace Exploration Agency to oversee its observatory work.
The subject of space debris threatening military and commercial satellites grabbed the international spotlight in 2007, when China successfully destroyed one of its non-functioning satellites in a test, putting thousands of potentially destructive pieces of debris into orbit.
ALMDS Conducts Maiden Deployment in 5th Fleet AOR
ALMDS Conducts Maiden Deployment in 5th Fleet AOR
The U.S. Navy has forward deployed the Airborne Laser Mine Detection System (ALMDS) to the 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR).
ALMDS is a sensor system designed to detect, classify and localize floating and near-surface moored mines. Operated from the MH-60S helicopter, ALMDS provides rapid wide-area reconnaissance and assessment of mine threats in littoral zones, confined straits, and choke points.
Sailors from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 26, Detachment 2, Laser Hawks, began the operational testing and demonstration of ALMDS in 5th Fleet on the system's maiden deployment August 4.
"The U.S. Fifth Fleet is focused on reducing the threat posed by sea-based mines in the region should that be necessary and the presence of ALMDS here in the theater adds to our capacity to do just that," said Vice Adm. John W. Miller, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, U.S. 5th Fleet, Combined Maritime Forces. "The international community has a critical shared interest in the free flow of commerce in this region. ALMDS, along with the many other counter-mine systems we operate in the Fifth Fleet allows the Navy to keep the sea lanes open."
"It's a laser-driven system that works like radar," said Lt. Cmdr. Theodore Lemerande, officer in charge of Laser Hawks. "It beams a laser down into the water and picks up reflections from anything it bounces off of. The system then registers the returned information and uses that data to produce a video image in order for technicians on the ground to determine what the object is."
The Navy's largest helicopter, the MH-53E Sea Dragon, has been a critical component of the Navy's ability to perform the airborne countermine mission in the Fifth Fleet and elsewhere for many years. ALMDS expands the countermine mission to smaller MH-60S helicopters.
"MH-60Ss have traditionally been a platform for anti-surface warfare, combat support, humanitarian disaster relief, combat search and rescue, aero-medical evacuation, and special warfare," said Lemerande. "ALMDS allows us to take airborne mine countermeasures technology to these smaller helicopters that can fly from smaller ships allowing us to take mine countermeasures into places that may not have been accessible before."
The U.S. Navy has forward deployed the Airborne Laser Mine Detection System (ALMDS) to the 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR).
ALMDS is a sensor system designed to detect, classify and localize floating and near-surface moored mines. Operated from the MH-60S helicopter, ALMDS provides rapid wide-area reconnaissance and assessment of mine threats in littoral zones, confined straits, and choke points.
Sailors from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 26, Detachment 2, Laser Hawks, began the operational testing and demonstration of ALMDS in 5th Fleet on the system's maiden deployment August 4.
"The U.S. Fifth Fleet is focused on reducing the threat posed by sea-based mines in the region should that be necessary and the presence of ALMDS here in the theater adds to our capacity to do just that," said Vice Adm. John W. Miller, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, U.S. 5th Fleet, Combined Maritime Forces. "The international community has a critical shared interest in the free flow of commerce in this region. ALMDS, along with the many other counter-mine systems we operate in the Fifth Fleet allows the Navy to keep the sea lanes open."
"It's a laser-driven system that works like radar," said Lt. Cmdr. Theodore Lemerande, officer in charge of Laser Hawks. "It beams a laser down into the water and picks up reflections from anything it bounces off of. The system then registers the returned information and uses that data to produce a video image in order for technicians on the ground to determine what the object is."
The Navy's largest helicopter, the MH-53E Sea Dragon, has been a critical component of the Navy's ability to perform the airborne countermine mission in the Fifth Fleet and elsewhere for many years. ALMDS expands the countermine mission to smaller MH-60S helicopters.
"MH-60Ss have traditionally been a platform for anti-surface warfare, combat support, humanitarian disaster relief, combat search and rescue, aero-medical evacuation, and special warfare," said Lemerande. "ALMDS allows us to take airborne mine countermeasures technology to these smaller helicopters that can fly from smaller ships allowing us to take mine countermeasures into places that may not have been accessible before."
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Army researcher fighting Ebola on front lines | Article | The United States Army
Army researcher fighting Ebola on front lines | Article | The United States Army
Army researchers are working on developing vaccines for the deadly Ebola virus, as well as combating the spread of the virus and caring for those who are infected. The virus has recently killed more than 800 in Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia.
One of these researchers is Dr. Randal J. Schoepp, a diagnostics specialist and chief of the Applied Diagnostics Branch, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, known as USAMRIID.
Schoepp spoke by telephone from Monrovia, Liberia, with WAMU radio talk show host Kojo Nnamdi, yesterday, about efforts to fight the deadly Ebola outbreak in West Africa.
Colleagues at USAMRIID, along with researchers from Public Health Canada, helped develop the serum given recently to two U.S. medical workers, Dr. Kent Brantly and Nancy Writebol, who contracted the virus while working with patients infected by Ebola in West Africa, Schoepp said.
The serum is "basically a cocktail of three humanized, monoclonal antibodies produced in tobacco plants," he said. Humanized, monoclonal antibodies are derived from animals whose protein sequences have been altered to more closely resemble those produced by humans.
Initially, the researchers looked at six antibodies. Three of the most promising were then down-selected, he said, and were tested on non-human primates at various concentrations and time periods throughout their infections.
The results of the studies showed that when these antibodies were administered in the final, most advanced stages of Ebola, the primates recovered. "That's huge in our field," he said.
If the two Americans recover, the next step for researchers is to develop clinical trials, he said, adding that it's way too early to make conclusions about the efficacy of the treatment.
Schoepp has been working in West Africa for a number of years on diagnostics for other viruses. In 2006, he conducted research on Lassa Fever in Sierra Leone. Like Ebola, it is a viral hemorrhagic fever, meaning that one of the symptoms is bleeding caused by damage to the vascular system.
Lassa differs from Ebola in that it predictably occurs in about the same time every year, he said, with about 500 to 700 cases.
But Schoepp found that of those cases, only 30 to 40 percent were Lassa. So he began to study the 60 to 70 percent that were not and found that they were closely related to the Zaire strain of Ebola.
Since Schoepp's diagnostics research on the Zaire strain has been carried out for a number of years, he said he's hopeful some of that will be useful in studying the West African Ebola.
Working in West Africa is particularly challenging, he explained.
"We have to bring almost everything with us," he said. "When we arrived here in Liberia, we had to set up the entire laboratory, train the staff and then supervise them as they help fight the disease in their own country."
Diagnostics, Schoepp's specialty, is detective-like work.
The strategy involves using a molecular assays such as PCR, or Polymerase Chain Reaction, that looks for particular signatures in the genome of the virus, he explained.
Another approach, he said, involves the use of immunodiagnostics to detect either the virus or detect the antibodies in an infected person. He credits USAMRIID with testing some of the early antibodies IgM, or Immunoglobulin M, and the later antibodies IgG, or Immunoglobulin G, which appear after the Ebola virus attacks.
Researchers at USAMRIID are "trying to continue to improve on those assays to make them easier and more specific and sensitive," he added.
One of the biggest hurdles to fighting the Ebola, he said is not medical, but rather cultural.
Most who contract Ebola get it when preparing the bodies of loved ones for burial.
"In Africa and other regions of the world it's traditional to wash the body, to caress the body, to kiss the body," he said.
In some of the more isolated societies, people even drink the blood of the dead as a way to honor them, he added.
So these practices "are leading to an increase in the number of infections we're seeing," he said. These cultural practices are "very delicate to deal with in West African societies. You have to tread very lightly and bring it to them in a way they'll understand so they consider changing those practices. We haven't made it to that point yet. That's why we're seeing this outbreak continue."
Army researchers are working on developing vaccines for the deadly Ebola virus, as well as combating the spread of the virus and caring for those who are infected. The virus has recently killed more than 800 in Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia.
One of these researchers is Dr. Randal J. Schoepp, a diagnostics specialist and chief of the Applied Diagnostics Branch, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, known as USAMRIID.
Schoepp spoke by telephone from Monrovia, Liberia, with WAMU radio talk show host Kojo Nnamdi, yesterday, about efforts to fight the deadly Ebola outbreak in West Africa.
Colleagues at USAMRIID, along with researchers from Public Health Canada, helped develop the serum given recently to two U.S. medical workers, Dr. Kent Brantly and Nancy Writebol, who contracted the virus while working with patients infected by Ebola in West Africa, Schoepp said.
The serum is "basically a cocktail of three humanized, monoclonal antibodies produced in tobacco plants," he said. Humanized, monoclonal antibodies are derived from animals whose protein sequences have been altered to more closely resemble those produced by humans.
Initially, the researchers looked at six antibodies. Three of the most promising were then down-selected, he said, and were tested on non-human primates at various concentrations and time periods throughout their infections.
The results of the studies showed that when these antibodies were administered in the final, most advanced stages of Ebola, the primates recovered. "That's huge in our field," he said.
If the two Americans recover, the next step for researchers is to develop clinical trials, he said, adding that it's way too early to make conclusions about the efficacy of the treatment.
Schoepp has been working in West Africa for a number of years on diagnostics for other viruses. In 2006, he conducted research on Lassa Fever in Sierra Leone. Like Ebola, it is a viral hemorrhagic fever, meaning that one of the symptoms is bleeding caused by damage to the vascular system.
Lassa differs from Ebola in that it predictably occurs in about the same time every year, he said, with about 500 to 700 cases.
But Schoepp found that of those cases, only 30 to 40 percent were Lassa. So he began to study the 60 to 70 percent that were not and found that they were closely related to the Zaire strain of Ebola.
Since Schoepp's diagnostics research on the Zaire strain has been carried out for a number of years, he said he's hopeful some of that will be useful in studying the West African Ebola.
Working in West Africa is particularly challenging, he explained.
"We have to bring almost everything with us," he said. "When we arrived here in Liberia, we had to set up the entire laboratory, train the staff and then supervise them as they help fight the disease in their own country."
Diagnostics, Schoepp's specialty, is detective-like work.
The strategy involves using a molecular assays such as PCR, or Polymerase Chain Reaction, that looks for particular signatures in the genome of the virus, he explained.
Another approach, he said, involves the use of immunodiagnostics to detect either the virus or detect the antibodies in an infected person. He credits USAMRIID with testing some of the early antibodies IgM, or Immunoglobulin M, and the later antibodies IgG, or Immunoglobulin G, which appear after the Ebola virus attacks.
Researchers at USAMRIID are "trying to continue to improve on those assays to make them easier and more specific and sensitive," he added.
One of the biggest hurdles to fighting the Ebola, he said is not medical, but rather cultural.
Most who contract Ebola get it when preparing the bodies of loved ones for burial.
"In Africa and other regions of the world it's traditional to wash the body, to caress the body, to kiss the body," he said.
In some of the more isolated societies, people even drink the blood of the dead as a way to honor them, he added.
So these practices "are leading to an increase in the number of infections we're seeing," he said. These cultural practices are "very delicate to deal with in West African societies. You have to tread very lightly and bring it to them in a way they'll understand so they consider changing those practices. We haven't made it to that point yet. That's why we're seeing this outbreak continue."
Monday, August 4, 2014
To Evade Russians, Plane Crossed Into Sweden - NYTimes.com
To Evade Russians, Plane Crossed Into Sweden - NYTimes.com: In an encounter reminiscent of the Cold War, an American reconnaissance plane crossed into Swedish airspace last month as it sought to avoid being intercepted by Russian fighters, American military officials said on Sunday.
The episode, which was disclosed only in recent days, occurred on July 18 when Russian aircraft approached an Air Force RC-135 electronic surveillance plane as it was flying in what American officials said was international airspace over the Baltic Sea.
“The aircraft commander, acting in a professional and safe manner, maneuvered the aircraft to avoid a possible encounter by Russian aircraft,” the United States European Command said in a statement.
Tensions between the West and Russia have grown over the conflict in Ukraine, and American and NATO officials have accused Russia of funneling arms to separatists in Ukraine and carrying out cross-border rocket and artillery attacks against Ukrainian government forces.
The episode, which was disclosed only in recent days, occurred on July 18 when Russian aircraft approached an Air Force RC-135 electronic surveillance plane as it was flying in what American officials said was international airspace over the Baltic Sea.
“The aircraft commander, acting in a professional and safe manner, maneuvered the aircraft to avoid a possible encounter by Russian aircraft,” the United States European Command said in a statement.
Tensions between the West and Russia have grown over the conflict in Ukraine, and American and NATO officials have accused Russia of funneling arms to separatists in Ukraine and carrying out cross-border rocket and artillery attacks against Ukrainian government forces.
Friday, August 1, 2014
NATO unprepared for Russian attack: UK lawmakers
NATO unprepared for Russian attack: UK lawmakers: NATO is not ready to deal with a military attack by Russia on a member state and must adjust to the unconventional tactics seen in Ukraine, British lawmakers warned Thursday.
The conflict in eastern Ukraine was a "wake-up call" for the 28-nation alliance, which had become complacent, Britain's parliamentary defence committee said in a report.
It said NATO had failed to adapt to Moscow's increasing use of "ambigous warfare", such as cyber attacks and local militias backed by Russian special forces.
The report also urged the alliance to station troops permanently in Baltic member nations Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, saying they were particularly vulnerable.
The conflict in eastern Ukraine was a "wake-up call" for the 28-nation alliance, which had become complacent, Britain's parliamentary defence committee said in a report.
It said NATO had failed to adapt to Moscow's increasing use of "ambigous warfare", such as cyber attacks and local militias backed by Russian special forces.
The report also urged the alliance to station troops permanently in Baltic member nations Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, saying they were particularly vulnerable.
MD 530G attack helicopters fires Talon rockets
MD 530G attack helicopters fires Talon rockets: Raytheon's Talon laser-guided rocket has been fired from an MD 530G helicopter to demonstrate its multi-platform capability.
The small rocket, co-developed with the United Arab Emirates, needs no hardware or software modifications to the launcher or aircraft platform for any aircraft that fires 2.75-inch Hydra-70 unguided rockets using the standard M260/261 launchers.
Talon is also compatible with existing airborne and ground laser designation systems.
The small rocket, co-developed with the United Arab Emirates, needs no hardware or software modifications to the launcher or aircraft platform for any aircraft that fires 2.75-inch Hydra-70 unguided rockets using the standard M260/261 launchers.
Talon is also compatible with existing airborne and ground laser designation systems.
Locklear Briefs on Asia-Pacific, Partners, Security
Locklear Briefs on Asia-Pacific, Partners, Security:
The commander of U.S. Pacific Command briefed Pentagon reporters yesterday, discussing the U.S. rebalance to the Asia-Pacific region, successful engagement with partners there and conditions for continued stability and security.
Navy Adm. Samuel J. Locklear III described some of Pacom's most important activities so far this year, including a visit to Hawaii by Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, who in April hosted the first informal meeting on U.S. soil of defense ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN.
The meeting, Locklear said, "was an excellent opportunity to build upon the friendships and strengthen our bilateral relationship with ASEAN member nations."
Next, the admiral said, Rim of the Pacific, or RIMPAC, the world's largest maritime exercise, began June 26 and will end Aug. 1. More than 25,000 military personnel from 22 countries are participating, including troops from China, who are participation for the first time.
Locklear said the exercise has been "an excellent training opportunity for all nations involved," and added that Pacom continues to "work hand in hand with our allies and partners to help ensure stability and security across the Indo-Asia-Pacific."
The admiral also took questions from reporters, including one about whether unrest in Russia and Ukraine would require a reconsideration of U.S. and NATO posture in Europe, and whether that would affect the U.S. rebalance to the Asia-Pacific.
Locklear agreed that given the ongoing environment in Europe, a relook at U.S. force posture there and NATO posture in general is important, but he said he didn't think in such terms about the Asia-Pacific region.
"Our forces are globally deployable no matter where they're stationed, and the United States military has put a lot of time and effort into being able to get forces where we need them, when we need them, on a timeline that makes sense for us," he explained.
The severe budget cuts of sequestration, scheduled to resume in fiscal year 2016, may force decreases in force structure and put greater stress on the force to be able to stay forward in numbers that most combatant commanders would like, the admiral said.
"But the rebalance to the Asia-Pacific is a lot more than just about military, but the military piece of it is moving forward," Locklear added. "We're seeing tangible evidence across all elements of the rebalance, not only in force structure, ... so I think we remain on course. I don't get the sense that we're backing away from the Asia-Pacific rebalance because of other events occurring in the rest of the world."
A military part of the rebalance involves the Army, the admiral added. A plan called Pacific Pathways allows the Army to develop small units that will be forward-deployed for quick response to humanitarian emergencies or regional threats. It also lets the Army create a semi-permanent presence in parts of the Pacific where it isn't feasible to establish bases.
"As we started to draw down out of Iraq and Afghanistan, and we found that the Army was able to return to some of its historic roots in the Asia-Pacific, we started looking for opportunities to get the Army more involved in what we do day-to-day in the Pacific," Locklear said.
Seven of the 10 largest armies in the world are in Pacom's area of responsibility, he added, "so it makes good sense for us to have good cooperation, good interaction between our armies."
The idea, Locklear added, is to take Army units under Pacom command -- some of those that might be stationed on the U.S. West Coast -- and put them into exercise cycles that allow them to be more present in the region with key partners and allies and to work on skills that are unique to army-to-army interactions.
On specific countries in his area of responsibility, Locklear took questions on India, political tensions between Japan and South Korea, and North Korea and nuclear proliferation. He congratulated a reporter from India on the country's recent elections and the new administration headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
"We look forward to enhancing our [military-to-military] relationships with India," the admiral said. "A couple of years ago, President [Barack] Obama reiterated that we will need to build a long-term and ... a stronger relationship with India, and that includes our mil-to-mil participation."
The relationship between the countries also is a whole-of-government effort, he added, with Secretary of State John F. Kerry and Defense Secretary Hagel both visiting India in August, Locklear said, adding that he hopes to visit the new team in the future.
"We have had, for a number of years, very good relationships between ... Pacom and the services there, and we have an ongoing number of exercises that seem to have worked pretty well for our growing partnership," he said. "So we look forward to the road ahead. We think it's all positive."
In answer to questions about political tensions between Japan and South Korea, Locklear said it's very important for both the Japanese and the South Koreans to recognize that they have many mutual security interests that can benefit by better bilateral, and trilateral and military-to-military cooperation.
Both countries have a huge common concern with North Korea, he added, and the United States encourages them both to work together to overcome their political difficulties so the United States can help provide a better security environment in the region.
For example, Locklear said, Japan and South Korea, who have very credible missile defense capabilities, are not able to communicate with each other because of information-sharing restrictions that are of a political nature, not of a military nature. "This degrades their ability to defend their own airspace, their own nations," he said. "It's a fact, and they understand that."
It's important, the admiral added, "that we keep articulating to the people of Japan and South Korea that from a military perspective we understand the serious political issues and social issues that have to be overcome. But ... they are an impediment to your security."
Locklear was asked about actions taken this week by the U.S. House of Representatives and the United Nations to bolster sanctions against North Korea based on weapons proliferation.
"We have a growing interest among nations in the region and throughout the world and participating in our counterproliferation exercises," he said. "We're growing our capabilities across nations and institutions to be able to better anticipate and deal with this, so I think in the long run we're getting better at it.
"That said," Locklear continued, "the proliferation activities of North Korea, their desire for nuclear missiles and nuclear capabilities, as we've said over and over again, are highly threatening to the global security environment, and denuclearization of North Korea is an essential part of the way ahead in that part of the world."
The admiral said the long-term concern is that every time North Korea does something the international community has told them not to do, particularly as it relates to missile technology or nuclear technology, "you have to assume that it's a step forward in technology. Otherwise, they probably wouldn't be doing it."
In doing so, he said, "it's a demonstration to themselves that they can do it, [and] it's a demonstration to the world that they can do it. And a concern I have is that ... over and over and over again, you see it and you become somewhat numb to it ... and you start to say, 'Well, it's not such a big deal.'"
Locklear added, "There's wide debate throughout the intelligence community about how much capability they have, the ability to weaponize it, the ability to put it into warheads and those types of things."
As a military commander, the admiral said, he has to plan for the worst.
"And I have to plan for, No. 1, what the North Koreans say they have, and they say they have it, ... so I take it seriously," he said. "I believe that they have continued to make steady progress in both their missile technology and in their nuclear capability, and that they desire to continue to do that."
The commander of U.S. Pacific Command briefed Pentagon reporters yesterday, discussing the U.S. rebalance to the Asia-Pacific region, successful engagement with partners there and conditions for continued stability and security.
Navy Adm. Samuel J. Locklear III described some of Pacom's most important activities so far this year, including a visit to Hawaii by Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, who in April hosted the first informal meeting on U.S. soil of defense ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN.
The meeting, Locklear said, "was an excellent opportunity to build upon the friendships and strengthen our bilateral relationship with ASEAN member nations."
Next, the admiral said, Rim of the Pacific, or RIMPAC, the world's largest maritime exercise, began June 26 and will end Aug. 1. More than 25,000 military personnel from 22 countries are participating, including troops from China, who are participation for the first time.
Locklear said the exercise has been "an excellent training opportunity for all nations involved," and added that Pacom continues to "work hand in hand with our allies and partners to help ensure stability and security across the Indo-Asia-Pacific."
The admiral also took questions from reporters, including one about whether unrest in Russia and Ukraine would require a reconsideration of U.S. and NATO posture in Europe, and whether that would affect the U.S. rebalance to the Asia-Pacific.
Locklear agreed that given the ongoing environment in Europe, a relook at U.S. force posture there and NATO posture in general is important, but he said he didn't think in such terms about the Asia-Pacific region.
"Our forces are globally deployable no matter where they're stationed, and the United States military has put a lot of time and effort into being able to get forces where we need them, when we need them, on a timeline that makes sense for us," he explained.
The severe budget cuts of sequestration, scheduled to resume in fiscal year 2016, may force decreases in force structure and put greater stress on the force to be able to stay forward in numbers that most combatant commanders would like, the admiral said.
"But the rebalance to the Asia-Pacific is a lot more than just about military, but the military piece of it is moving forward," Locklear added. "We're seeing tangible evidence across all elements of the rebalance, not only in force structure, ... so I think we remain on course. I don't get the sense that we're backing away from the Asia-Pacific rebalance because of other events occurring in the rest of the world."
A military part of the rebalance involves the Army, the admiral added. A plan called Pacific Pathways allows the Army to develop small units that will be forward-deployed for quick response to humanitarian emergencies or regional threats. It also lets the Army create a semi-permanent presence in parts of the Pacific where it isn't feasible to establish bases.
"As we started to draw down out of Iraq and Afghanistan, and we found that the Army was able to return to some of its historic roots in the Asia-Pacific, we started looking for opportunities to get the Army more involved in what we do day-to-day in the Pacific," Locklear said.
Seven of the 10 largest armies in the world are in Pacom's area of responsibility, he added, "so it makes good sense for us to have good cooperation, good interaction between our armies."
The idea, Locklear added, is to take Army units under Pacom command -- some of those that might be stationed on the U.S. West Coast -- and put them into exercise cycles that allow them to be more present in the region with key partners and allies and to work on skills that are unique to army-to-army interactions.
On specific countries in his area of responsibility, Locklear took questions on India, political tensions between Japan and South Korea, and North Korea and nuclear proliferation. He congratulated a reporter from India on the country's recent elections and the new administration headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
"We look forward to enhancing our [military-to-military] relationships with India," the admiral said. "A couple of years ago, President [Barack] Obama reiterated that we will need to build a long-term and ... a stronger relationship with India, and that includes our mil-to-mil participation."
The relationship between the countries also is a whole-of-government effort, he added, with Secretary of State John F. Kerry and Defense Secretary Hagel both visiting India in August, Locklear said, adding that he hopes to visit the new team in the future.
"We have had, for a number of years, very good relationships between ... Pacom and the services there, and we have an ongoing number of exercises that seem to have worked pretty well for our growing partnership," he said. "So we look forward to the road ahead. We think it's all positive."
In answer to questions about political tensions between Japan and South Korea, Locklear said it's very important for both the Japanese and the South Koreans to recognize that they have many mutual security interests that can benefit by better bilateral, and trilateral and military-to-military cooperation.
Both countries have a huge common concern with North Korea, he added, and the United States encourages them both to work together to overcome their political difficulties so the United States can help provide a better security environment in the region.
For example, Locklear said, Japan and South Korea, who have very credible missile defense capabilities, are not able to communicate with each other because of information-sharing restrictions that are of a political nature, not of a military nature. "This degrades their ability to defend their own airspace, their own nations," he said. "It's a fact, and they understand that."
It's important, the admiral added, "that we keep articulating to the people of Japan and South Korea that from a military perspective we understand the serious political issues and social issues that have to be overcome. But ... they are an impediment to your security."
Locklear was asked about actions taken this week by the U.S. House of Representatives and the United Nations to bolster sanctions against North Korea based on weapons proliferation.
"We have a growing interest among nations in the region and throughout the world and participating in our counterproliferation exercises," he said. "We're growing our capabilities across nations and institutions to be able to better anticipate and deal with this, so I think in the long run we're getting better at it.
"That said," Locklear continued, "the proliferation activities of North Korea, their desire for nuclear missiles and nuclear capabilities, as we've said over and over again, are highly threatening to the global security environment, and denuclearization of North Korea is an essential part of the way ahead in that part of the world."
The admiral said the long-term concern is that every time North Korea does something the international community has told them not to do, particularly as it relates to missile technology or nuclear technology, "you have to assume that it's a step forward in technology. Otherwise, they probably wouldn't be doing it."
In doing so, he said, "it's a demonstration to themselves that they can do it, [and] it's a demonstration to the world that they can do it. And a concern I have is that ... over and over and over again, you see it and you become somewhat numb to it ... and you start to say, 'Well, it's not such a big deal.'"
Locklear added, "There's wide debate throughout the intelligence community about how much capability they have, the ability to weaponize it, the ability to put it into warheads and those types of things."
As a military commander, the admiral said, he has to plan for the worst.
"And I have to plan for, No. 1, what the North Koreans say they have, and they say they have it, ... so I take it seriously," he said. "I believe that they have continued to make steady progress in both their missile technology and in their nuclear capability, and that they desire to continue to do that."
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