New Security Message for Defense Computers
The U.S. Defense Department is issuing a new notice on employees’ computers to clarify department policies. The message informs employees that e-mail is subject to monitoring and that use of the computer represents a recognition of and consent to that monitoring. The banner notifies users that, systems may be watched for penetration testing, monitoring, network defense and quality control as well as employee misconduct, law enforcement and counterintelligence investigations. The message also explains that passwords, access cards, encryption and biometric access controls are employed to benefit the government’s security, not to provide personal privacy for personnel. Government BlackBerries and other personal digital assistants and electronic devices will receive abbreviated versions of the messages as well.

Agency Boosts Geospatial Data Delivery Speed
Work is underway to streamline the delivery of maps, imagery and other geospatial data to military leaders and emergency responders worldwide. The Demand-Based Geospatial Intelligence system, an automated supply chain management capability, will enable users to request and access geospatial data in the format and delivery method they choose. Users will be able to define how they need the data delivered through the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) portal. Once a request is made, the Web-based system will manage the end-to-end creation and delivery of the products directly to the appropriate location. Lockheed Martin Corporation along with its partner One Network Enterprises is developing the system for the NGA. 

Army Invades Personal Computers
A personal computer version of the Xbox 360 game America’s Army has been released. The new format was demonstrated on laptops at the 2007 Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference. America’s Army project personnel are exploring various platforms to expand the brand and bring the U.S. Army’s message to more consumers. By adding user systems, the service will be able to cultivate a larger community, enabling more players to join teams and use online forums to discuss not only strategies but also the military in general. The PC version is available at www.americasarmy.com, through recruiters and at Army events. The console game is available at major retailers.

Britain Upgrades Battlefield Communications
The British Royal Air Force (RAF) is updating its deployable communications systems with a high-bandwidth voice, data and video capability. Increment C of the Falcon Battlefield Information System will provide the RAF with high-capacity communications across multiple security domains, benefiting deployed forces from joint task force headquarters and joint operating bases to battle group headquarters. Falcon systems comprise a meshed wide area system and a local area network and will be incrementally supplied to the RAF. Developed by BAE Systems, the equipment will be in vehicle-mounted containers, dismounted containers and palletized systems.

New Manufacturing Technology Program Announced
The U.S. Defense Department is rolling out a new manufacturing technology (ManTech) that aims to mature cross-cutting manufacturing processes in parallel with emerging technologies for deployment across department systems. Launching in fiscal year 2008, the program will focus on developing ceramic matrix composites manufacturing processes, system-on-chip packaging technology and design guidelines, and advanced manufacturing processes for prosthetics to benefit wounded warfighters. The project also will target cost efficiency and production speed of increasingly complex, superior defense systems.

Criminal Database Replaces Sneakernet
Members of the U.S. Navy’s Naval Criminal Investigative Service and more than 60 state and local police agencies in the Washington, D.C., area can now tap into the same database of millions of mug shots and crime reports electronically. Until now, personnel had to call or visit each other’s sites to share information. The Law Enforcement Information Exchange, or LInX, was initially adopted by the Navy following the bombing of the USS Cole to make naval personnel and installations safer. With the addition of the National Capital Region, the Navy now has seven comparable systems installed in the United States. Locally, approximately 4,000 law enforcement officers are estimated to be using the system. The departments of Justice and Homeland Security are expected to link to the database next year.

Airborne Missile Killer on Target
The U.S. Air Force has successfully intercepted a test ballistic missile with an air-launched interceptor missile. During the test, the Network Centric Airborne Defense Element (NCADE) missile defense system’s infrared seeker acquired and tracked a missile target in its boost phase. NCADE is an air-launched weapon system designed to engage short- and medium-range ballistic missiles in the boost phase. The NCADE missile was launched from an Air Force F-16 over White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico.
 
Pentagon Showcases Crisis Support System
The Transportable Infrastructures for Development and Emergency Support (TIDES) program, a collaborative project to prepare the nation to function during crises, recently took the spotlight at the Pentagon. The effort involves a range of participants from the academic, government and non-government sectors including the U.S. Defense Department, the Red Cross and Johns Hopkins University. The Pentagon demonstration entails seven types of low-cost infrastructures that could be rapidly deployed in a crisis, such as simple water pasteurization systems, renewable power solutions and integrated cooking systems that minimize fuel use. Participants in the project aim to increase global understanding of how to establish essential services in the event of a disaster.


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