Marines Ready New Communications Link
The U.S. Marine Corps will soon launch a mobile communications system that will help warfighters establish mobile network connectivity between land and sea forces. The vehicle-mounted Joint Enhanced Core Communications System (JECCS) is designed to provide communications battalions with a “quick connect” command, control, communications, computers and intelligence capability. It will allow commanders to access nonsecure and secure voice and data transmissions, satellite communications and local area network management services. According to the Marine Corps Systems Command (www.marcorsyscom.usmc.mil/sites/pmcomm/jeccs.asp), the first JECCS units will enter service in the third or fourth quarter of this year.

Airliner Defense System on the Way
A defensive system designed to protect commercial airliners from manportable anti-aircraft missiles is being readied for flight tests. The Guardian system uses military directional infrared countermeasures technology to blind and confuse missile sensors. Developed by the Northrop Grumman Corporation (www.northropgrumman.com), the defensive equipment will be tested on a Boeing 747 and an MD-11 airliner this year.

Flight Testing Laboratory Grounded
The U.S. Air Force Communications Agency at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, has transformed the 30,000-pound fuselage of a DC-9 into a testing facility to help develop future airborne network services and to troubleshoot current aircraft problems. The laboratory, called the Airborne Lab Environment, or Scope ABLE, will allow researchers to assess new aircraft technologies on the ground, saving the Air Force time and money. The fuselage will feature secure and nonsecure Internet access, secure videoconferencing service, secure and nonsecure telephone service, satellite communications, satellite television access and airborne cellular telephone service.

Army Knowledge Online RFPs
The U.S. Army’s request for proposals (RFPs) for Army Knowledge Online (AKO) is now available on the Web for downloading by the general public as well as by contractors. This RFP effort includes all information technology activities within the boundaries of AKO, according to Army officials. The service is seeking contractors to provide information technology solutions and to furnish all support elements needed for AKO operations. The RFP Web address, which is case sensitive, is https://acquisition.army.mil/asfi/attachment_view.cfm?psolicitationnbr=W91QUZ05R0001. The deadline for proposal submission is March 24, 2005.

Software Giant Creates International Security Program
Microsoft Corporation has established a security cooperation program that provides a structured format for governments and the company to engage in cooperative security activities. The goal of the project is to help governments address threats to national security, economic strength and public safety through cooperation and information sharing. Program areas include computer incident response, attack mitigation and citizen outreach. Participants in the program currently include Canada’s Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Chile’s Ministry of the Interior and Norway’s National Security Authority.
 
Migrating the Army Message System
To help transform the Defense Message System–Army program (DMS–Army) into a network-centric operation, the service is migrating from a Microsoft DMS Fortezza-based client to a Web-based client using the Common Access Card for authentication, nonrepudiation and data protection between the user and a proxy device. The DMS modernization pilot site was implemented in the national capital region in November 2004. The pilot site is expected to serve as the template for widespread implementation of the modernization program.

Foundation Plays Matchmaker
The West Virginia High Technology Consortium Foundation Research and Development Group is offering a one-stop shop to find U.S. Defense Department opportunities and requirements in the areas of technology and research and development. DoD TechMatch (www.dodtechmatch.com) allows individuals and organizations to browse a list of business opportunities and technology requirements from a variety of Defense Department programs. Visitors can access and search licensable patents and view information about facilities that are available for commercial use through cooperative research and development agreements. Registration is free, and users can choose sources of information from which they would like to receive matching needs and opportunities information.

Tax Free Opportunity
Active-duty military personnel can have their tax forms and e-filing completed free of charge through a service being offered by Personal Tax Services Incorporated. At www.Redtaxfrog.com, troops stationed worldwide can log on, complete federal and state tax returns and have their refunds deposited directly in their bank accounts. After logging onto the secure site, users answer interview questions to complete a variety of types of returns, and refund anticipation loans are available in as little as 24 hours.

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