Why Force Protection Must Include Narrative Warfare Readiness
All conflict has a narrative basis and requires a narrative strategy to reach the foundational layers of our adversaries. Keep Reading
OIG: DoD Components Did Not Consistently Implement Cybersecurity Controls in Telework Shift
In March 2020, the DoD established the DoD Telework Readiness Task Force, led by the DoD Chief Information Officer (CIO), to ensure DoD networks remain telework‑ready and secure to support DoD missions during the maximum telework period. Keep Reading
Structure, Consistency, Screening Are Crucial to Root Out Extremism in Military, Lawmakers Told
The Defense Department's stated desire to combat extremism would benefit from a data-based assessment of the problem and better screening of social media while protecting service members' free speech, experts told the House Armed Services Committee. Keep Reading
Working Dogs: Domestic Shortage of Key Frontline Defense Against Terrorism
The government’s first in-depth examination in 15 years of domestically bred working dogs is warning that the U.S. remains dangerously short of this key frontline defense against terrorism attacks and for critical security duties, such as bomb sniffing and narcotics interdiction. Keep Reading
Defense Department Linguist Pleads Guilty to Transmitting Highly Sensitive Classified Info to Support Hezbollah
Mariam Taha Thompson, 63, formerly of Rochester, Minnesota, worked as a contract linguist at an overseas U.S. military facility where she was entrusted with a top secret government security clearance. Keep Reading
Extremism in the U.S. Military: Problems and Solutions
It is particularly problematic when adherents of extreme causes are able to persist in key institutions dedicated to protecting the people of the United States, institutions such as emergency response units, law enforcement and the military. Keep Reading
Defense Department Releases Fiscal Year 2020 Freedom of Navigation Report
During the period from October 1, 2019, through September 30, 2020, U.S. forces operationally challenged 28 different excessive maritime claims made by 19 different claimants throughout the world. Keep Reading
Defense Dept. Approves 2,300 National Guard at Capitol Through May 23
This represents a reduction of nearly 50 percent of the current support force. This decision was made after a thorough review of the request and after close consideration of its potential impact on readiness. Keep Reading
Defense Dept. Releases Stand-Down Training Material to Address Extremism in the Ranks
The training materials provide services and components information on training and facilitated discussions to address the issues of extremist ideology within the ranks. Keep Reading
Defense Official Says F-15s Struck Iranian-Backed Militia Facilities in Syria
The structures were in the city of Abu-Kamal, Syria, near a terrorist entry-control point close to the Syria-Iraq border, Kirby said, adding that the location is known to facilitate activity by Iranian-allied militia groups. Keep Reading
Coronavirus
Secretary of Defense Addresses Vaccine Hesitancy in Military
After a tour of a mass COVID-19 vaccination site in Los Angeles, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin addressed the hesitancy that some service members have about getting the vaccine. Keep Reading
JAIC Seeks Test and Evaluation Services for Artificial Intelligence
The JAIC, through Army Contracting Command-Rock Island, intends to award multiple blanket purchase agreements for AI testing and evaluation services. Keep Reading
Kathleen Hicks Becomes New Deputy Secretary of Defense
She returns to the Department of Defense, where she served as the principal deputy undersecretary of defense for policy and the deputy undersecretary of defense for strategy, plans & forces. Keep Reading
Coast Guard ‘Expeditiously’ Developing Transgender Service Policy with DoD
Coast Guard records indicate that no members have been separated or denied reenlistment on the basis of gender identity under the 2019 policy. Keep Reading
Daylong Defense Department ‘Stand-Down’ Ordered to Address Extremism in the Ranks
The stand-down will be "just the first initiative of what I believe must be a concerted effort to better educate ourselves and our people about the scope of this problem," said Defense Secretary Austin. Keep Reading
GAO on Fixed-Price-Incentive Contracts: DOD Has Increased Use But Should Assess Contributions to Outcomes
Department of Defense guidance encourages the use of fixed-price-incentive contracts to acquire major weapon systems, where appropriate. These contracts can provide contractors with incentives to keep costs in check and stay on schedule. Keep Reading
Coronavirus
DOD Announces Use of Masks and Other Public Health Measures
DOD Components will comply with applicable labor relations obligations to the extent such obligations do not conflict with the agency's ability to conduct operations during this emergency. Keep Reading
National Security Innovation Network Releases First-Ever Super Bowl Ad
The goal of the ad is to invite military audiences to share ideas for solving national security problems by leveraging the free resources of NSIN. Keep Reading
Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Dr. Joe Felter Joins 6K’s Advisory Board
Felter will guide 6K’s strategy in working with the US Department of Defense and other Federal agencies for the innovation and deployment of advanced materials products to support the national interest of the U.S. Keep Reading
Austin Suspends Defense Advisory Committee Operations During Review
The Secretary also directed that all DOD advisory committee and subcommittee members currently serving must conclude their service no later than February 16, 2021. Keep Reading